Essay Writing: Argumentative Essay (Ages 11+)
5-Lessons: Students Ages 11+ will learn what makes an argumentative essay, how to find sources, outlining, revising, and editing.
Course Summary
You want your middle- or high-schooler (ages 11+) to master not just any essay, but the art of persuasive, well-reasoned argumentative writing — yet you may find that many writing programs fall short. Perhaps your student knows how to do a basic essay, but struggles to argue a claim, gather credible evidence, structure reasoning, and revise to a polished final draft. As a homeschooling parent, you may feel uncertain how to support this kind of higher-level writing: you want them to move beyond opinion-piece to compelling argument rooted in logic and evidence.
Without a solid framework and step-by-step guidance, the argumentative essay can become overwhelming. Your student may pick a topic, but then stall when asked “what really supports your claim?” or “how do you address the counter-argument?” They may write a draft, but then leave it as is instead of refining and elevating it. You might observe frustration or avoidance: “I don’t know how to find good sources” or “This doesn’t seem like writing to me — it’s just my opinion.” Meanwhile, you may feel unsure how to guide the revision process or how to give effective feedback — and that uncertainty can reduce your child’s confidence and progress.
This 5-week, self-paced course from Teach Me Truth is designed specifically to walk your student (ages 11+) through the complete process of writing an argumentative essay: from understanding what makes an argument, to researching, outlining, drafting, revising, editing, and submitting a final polished version.
Here’s what the course offers:
Lesson 1: What is an Argumentative Essay? — Defines the genre and introduces rhetorical appeals such as ethos, logos, and pathos.
Lesson 2: Do Your Research — Teaches how to find, select, and evaluate credible sources to support a claim.
Lesson 3: Outline — Helps your student build a strong essay structure, with claim/thesis, supporting reasons, and counter-argument.
Lesson 4: The Essay — Guides your student through writing the full essay-draft — not just paragraphs, but full structure.
Lesson 5: Write the Final Draft — Focuses on revision and editing so the final submitted essay is polished and thoughtful.
Final Outcome: Your student will submit a full argumentative essay and receive in-depth feedback.
Flexible, self-paced format: Ideal for homeschooling rhythms, letting you set the pace that fits your family.
The instructor has experience with neuro-divergent learners (including ADHD), providing accessible structures like fill-in-the-blank notes, simple visuals, and step-by-step tasks.
Why this is a strong fit for your homeschooling family
It gives you a clear, structured roadmap through one of the more challenging writing formats (argumentative essays).
It covers process + product: research, outline, drafting, revision, editing — so your student isn't simply handed a topic and left to figure it out.
Because the instructor understands neuro-divergent learning styles, the model accommodates varied learners — particularly beneficial if your student needs extra clarity or scaffolding.
You retain flexibility: self-paced means you can align it with your weekly rhythm and adapt to your student’s pace and strengths.
Your student ends with a substantive final piece of writing — something they can be proud of, share, and use as a benchmark for future writing.
How to implement it at home
Schedule a timeframe: Decide whether you'll aim for one lesson per week (5 weeks), or spread it out more slowly depending on your student’s pace.
Before starting: Talk with your student about what “argumentative writing” means. Share real-world examples (editorials, opinion pieces) and discuss: what makes the claim persuasive?
Week 1 (Lesson 1): Work with your student to examine the difference between opinion and argument, explore ethos/logos/pathos, and help them select a potential topic.
Week 2 (Lesson 2): Guide them through source-finding: identifying credible articles, note-taking key points/evidence, evaluating biases.
Week 3 (Lesson 3): Together build an outline: define the thesis/claim, list supporting reasons/evidence, plan for a counter-argument and conclusion.
Week 4 (Lesson 4): Support them in writing the first full draft. Offer time for free writing, then pause to review structure, clarity of thesis, strength of evidence.
Week 5 (Lesson 5): Focus on revising and editing: encourage peer or parent review, look at organization, flow, evidence-interpretation, identify grammar/style issues, then finalize.
Submit & Reflect: After they turn in the final essay and receive feedback, set aside time to review that feedback together. Ask: What surprised you? What will you do differently next time?
Celebrate the achievement: Completing an argumentative essay is a milestone. Acknowledge the growth in thinking, writing, and confidence.
Course Curriculum
Course Pricing
Erica Sirratt
I have a lot of passions in life, but two of my biggest passions are reading and writing. One of my main goals is to create a love of literature. If a student can read well, the possibilities of what they can learn are endless. I believe that writing is a form of communicating. If a student can communicate, then a student can write.
As a woman with ADHD and two children with ADHD, I understand that no two students learn the same. I have experience teaching and helping students who struggle with ADHD and other neurodivergent tendencies. I am a member of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). I will help any student I can with whatever extra support they need. I can make sure students have fill-in-the-blank notes to help keep focus during class, keep PowerPoints and other visuals simple to prevent overstimulation, step-by-step written instructions for all assignments, or whatever else your student needs. I want all students to succeed. I encourage students to participate and keep their video on, but it is not required. I also welcome all students to stay unmuted, as long as they are respectful of others.
As a homeschool parent, I understand that different states have different requirements. I will provide a syllabus and detailed grades upon request. Also, make sure to ask about sibling discounts!
I have a bachelor's degree in writing with a minor in journalism. Before obtaining that degree, my original course of study was in education and literature. I regularly take professional development classes to fine-tune my skills as a writer and educator. I believe all of these things have worked together to create my unique teaching style.
