Blubber has been challenged in schools and libraries since its publication in 1974, which makes it an unusual case for an argumentative writing assignment. Students can read the book and then examine real arguments about whether it should be available to young readers. That gives the essay genuine stakes and exposes students to how public debates about books actually work.

The assignment requires careful framing. Students should understand that the goal is to build and evaluate arguments, not to reach a predetermined conclusion, and that either position can be argued well or poorly. Making this clear at the outset helps reduce anxiety and keeps the focus on reasoning.

Teachers should also check school or district policies on controversial materials before assigning this kind of prompt. A short note to families explaining the learning goal can prevent misunderstandings. Good communication protects both the teacher and the integrity of the lesson.

Evaluating Argument Quality Instead of Opinion

The most important grading principle is to evaluate how well a student argues, not which side they choose. A student who argues the book should be available because it realistically portrays cruelty can earn the same score as one who argues the opposite, provided the reasoning is sound. Saying this explicitly in the rubric builds trust and encourages honest writing.

• A clear claim about whether the book should be available to young readers
• At least two specific reasons supported by details from the novel
• Fair acknowledgment of the strongest opposing argument
• Accurate representation of what actually happens in the book
• A measured, respectful tone throughout the essay

Helping Students Handle Counterarguments

Counterarguments are where student essays often fall short. Many simply say some people disagree and move on, without describing what those people actually believe or why. Encourage students to state the opposing view in its strongest form before responding, which produces more credible and persuasive writing.

Feedback can reinforce this by asking questions such as what would a parent worried about this book say, and how would you respond. Those questions push students to engage with real concerns rather than caricatures. The skill transfers well beyond this unit to debate, civic writing, and academic argument.

Grading Efficiently Without Losing Fairness

Because this topic invites strong opinions, consistency is especially important. A written rubric applied the same way to every essay protects against unconscious bias. Some teachers also grade with student names hidden so that the writer's position and identity do not influence scoring.

AI-assisted tools can support this by evaluating essays against rubric criteria without any personal stake in the debate. You can then review and adjust, paying special attention to essays that take unpopular positions. Fair, transparent grading is essential for a topic where students must feel safe writing what they actually think.