Middle school argumentative activities play a key role in helping students develop persuasive writing skills and critical thinking. Teaching argumentative writing in middle school can be both challenging and rewarding. The right activities not only spark students’ interest but also strengthen their ability to reason, research, and write effectively. In this article, we’ll explore engaging and classroom-tested strategies that promote deep thinking and lively discussions — from debates and role-play to digital tools and gamified learning.
Middle School Argumentative Activities
Alright, let’s dive deeper into making argumentative writing a blast for middle schoolers! Instead of just dry essays, think of vibrant discussions, mini-debates, and creative projects that get those gears turning and opinions flying. Here are 8 engaging argumentative activities to spark their interest:
1. “This House Believes That…” Debates
Students take part in formal debates on real-life issues, such as “This house believes that homework should be banned.” They’re split into two teams — one that supports the statement and one that opposes it. Each team prepares arguments and counterarguments to present during the debate.
Materials Needed: Debate topics, timer, note-taking sheets.
How to Do It:
- Present a debatable statement to the class.
- Divide students into two teams: one supporting and one opposing the statement.
- Allow time for each team to brainstorm and prepare their arguments.
- Conduct the debate with structured turns for presenting arguments and rebuttals.
- Encourage respectful listening and consideration of opposing viewpoints.
2. Point/Counterpoint Partner Discussions
Students pair up to discuss a question that has two sides, such as “Should school uniforms be required?” Each student takes one side and explains their viewpoint. They then try to understand each other or find common ground.
Materials Needed: List of discussion questions.
How to Do It:
- Provide students with a question that has two clear sides.
- Assign each student a position to defend.
- Each student presents their arguments to their partner.
- Partners engage in a brief discussion, attempting to persuade each other or find common ground.
3. “Would You Rather?” Argumentation
Students choose between two fun or interesting options – like “Would you rather fly or be invisible?” and write a short paragraph to explain their choice using logic or evidence.
Materials Needed: List of “Would you rather…” questions.
How to Do It:
- Present a “Would you rather…” question to the class.
- Students select their preferred option.
- Each student writes a paragraph explaining their choice, including at least one supporting reason or piece of evidence.
4. Persuasive Commercials/Public Service Announcements
Instead of writing essays, students create a short video or PSA to argue for or against a topic using persuasive techniques. It can be serious or creative — like arguing why a certain snack is the best.
Materials Needed: Recording devices, storyboard templates, props (optional).
How to Do It:
- Assign or have students choose a topic to advocate for or against.
- Students identify their target audience and key message.
- They script and produce a short commercial or PSA incorporating persuasive techniques.
- Present the videos to the class and discuss the effectiveness of the arguments.
5. Trial of the Character
Students put a character from a book or a historical figure on “trial” for their actions. They are assigned roles such as lawyers, witnesses, and jurors to analyze the character and argue for or against them.
Materials Needed: Character profiles, evidence from texts, and courtroom role descriptions.
How to Do It:
- Select a character from literature or history to put on trial.
- Assign roles: prosecution, defense, witnesses, jury.
- Teams prepare arguments and evidence to support their case.
- Conduct the trial, allowing each side to present their case and cross-examine witnesses.
- The jury deliberates and delivers a verdict based on the arguments presented.
6. “Dear [Authority Figure]” Persuasive Letters
Students select a real-life issue that matters to them and write a formal letter addressed to someone who has the authority to make a difference, such as a school principal or a local official. In the letter, they present the problem and argue for a specific solution using persuasive language and evidence.
Materials Needed: Letter-writing templates, information on school/community issues.
How to Do It:
- Students identify a relevant issue within their school or community.
- They research the issue and gather supporting evidence.
- Students draft a formal letter to an appropriate authority figure, presenting their argument and proposed solution.
- Letters can be peer-reviewed and, if appropriate, sent to the intended recipients.
!["Dear [Authority Figure]" Persuasive Letters](https://storage.googleapis.com/worksheetzone/wordpress_uploads_media/worksheetzone_blog_media/2025/04/dear-authority-figure-persuasive-letters.jpg)
7. “Fact vs. Opinion” Deep Dive
Students learn to distinguish between factual statements and opinions, enhancing their critical thinking and argument analysis skills.
Materials Needed: List of mixed fact and opinion statements, highlighters.
How to Do It:
- Teach students the definitions and differences between facts and opinions.
- Provide a list of statements for students to categorize as fact or opinion.
- Discuss the types of evidence that can support or refute opinions.
- Extend the activity by analyzing a short argumentative text, identifying facts and opinions within it.
8. “Solve This Problem” Argumentative Proposals
Students research a real-world problem, such as bullying or excessive screen time, and write a proposal that clearly explains their solution. They must support their proposal with logical reasoning and relevant evidence.
Materials Needed: Research materials, proposal templates, access to information on current issues.
How to Do It:
- Present students with a relevant real-world problem.
- Students work individually or in groups to research the issue.
- They develop a proposal outlining their solution, supported by evidence and reasoning.
- Proposals are presented to the class for feedback and discussion.
Tips for Making Argumentative Activities Effective
To make argumentative writing stick with middle schoolers, focus on these key strategies:
- Modeling the writing process: Walk students through each step, breaking down prompts, brainstorming, gathering evidence, and structuring arguments. Thinking aloud helps demystify the process and builds confidence.
- Using standards-based rubrics: Provide clear, consistent expectations by breaking writing into components. When students understand the rubric, they know what success looks like and how to improve.
- Giving regular, focused feedback: Offer timely, specific feedback throughout the writing process. Focus on one or two areas at a time to keep it manageable and actionable.
- Encouraging peer review and collaboration: Structured peer feedback helps students think critically and learn from each other. Group brainstorming and shared research support all learners and bring in diverse perspectives.
- Scaffolding based on readiness: Start with smaller tasks and build up to full essays. Use tools like sentence starters and graphic organizers, then gradually release support as students grow more independent.
Ready to take these strategies to the next level? Bring some excitement into your classroom debates with our Funny Debate Topics — perfect for helping middle schoolers practice persuasive reasoning while having fun!
FAQs
1. Why Argumentative Writing Matters in Middle School?
The most important benefits of middle school argumentative writing include:
- Builds critical thinking and reasoning skills: Students learn to analyze information and form logical arguments.
- Encourages evidence-based communication: They understand the importance of supporting claims with evidence.
- Aligns with Common Core and ELA standards: It meets key educational requirements.
- Prepares students for real-world discussions and essays: It equips them for effective communication in various settings.
2. What tools and resources can help support argumentative writing lessons in middle school?
There are several effective tools and resources that can enhance argumentative writing instruction for middle school students:
- Graphic organizers like claim-evidence-reasoning charts help students structure their thoughts clearly.
- Web tools such as Edmodo, Nearpod, Newsela, and Flip encourage interactive and engaging learning.
- Books like They Say, I Say and Teaching Argument Writing by George Hillocks offer valuable teaching strategies.
- Free online resources from websites like ReadWriteThink.org and TeachingTolerance.org provide lesson plans, worksheets, and writing prompts.
Final thoughts
Effective middle school argumentative activities do more than just teach writing — they help students build confidence, think critically, and communicate with purpose. By combining engaging strategies with clear guidance and support, you can turn a challenging skill into an exciting learning experience. Start with activities that meet students where they are, and gradually guide them toward more complex tasks. With consistency and creativity, these lessons will stick with them long after the school year ends.
