This document provides an agenda and instructions for an in-class writing assignment. Students will write an argumentative essay arguing for which survival supplies they would choose to bring if stranded in the wilderness. The essay should be around 500 words and not require outside sources. The document outlines the key components of the essay, including an introduction with a clear thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences and support for each supply choice, a counterargument paragraph, and a conclusion. Students will also get into groups to discuss and finalize their supply lists before writing the essay.

1. EWRT 1A
Week 1 Class 2

2. Agenda
• Brainstorming Activity Continued
• Introduce essay #1
• Outlining
– Thesis
– Topic Sentences
– Counterargument

3. • Get into groups of three or four and discuss your
choices. Explain your reasons for choosing your
supplies to the other people in your group. It will
behoove you to argue vigorously so you all understand
the benefits of each item. When you have all settled on
your final lists, make a list for yourself of what each
person in your group is taking with him or her.

4. Write an essay arguing for the supplies you have chosen to
take with you into the wild. Present the issue to readers, and
develop an argument for the purpose of
confirming, challenging, or changing your readers’ views on
which supplies are the most important for survival.
Your final essay should be around 500 words. You don’t need
outside sources for this essay.
Essay #1: The argument essay: an in-class
writing exam

5. Introduction and Thesis
• Focus your presentation of the issue: Your introduction should
explain to the reader both the situation you face and why you
have limited resources.
• Thesis: Compose a thesis that makes your position
unambiguous, appropriately qualified, and clearly arguable.
(Your thesis will likely be near the end of your introduction).
• Your working thesis might be similar to one of these:
– “To survive in the wilderness, I will take __________________,” or
– “For this trip, I plan to bring __________________________.”

6. Body Paragraphs
• Paragraph one: topic sentence supporting your first item.
– Give reasons for your choice and support them with
examples, scenarios, or anecdotes.
• Paragraph two: topic sentence supporting your second item.
– Give reasons for your choice and support them with
examples, scenarios, or anecdotes.
• Additional Paragraphs: Repeat using the same or similar
strategies

7. Counterargument:
• Write a counterargument that addresses why you wouldn’t
take the items the other people in your group think are very
important. You should address specific tools others in your
group chose to take. You may do this in each body paragraph
as you argue for your choice, or you may do it as a separate
paragraph after you finish arguing for your tools.
• For example, you might start by writing, “while some people
might prefer a sleeping bag, I found it to be a poor choice
compared to the blanket.” Then you can explain why.

8. Conclusion:
• If your adventure is over, describe how it ended and
how you have recovered, suffered, or benefitted from it.
OR
• If the adventure is ongoing, consider predicting your
future in the wild.
– What are you chances of success?
– What do you see as your biggest challenge?
– How might you fail?

9. Homework
• Read: HG through
chapter 2
Post #3: Post your
completed in-class
writing