Unit Plan: Argumentative Essay
Unit Plan: Argumentative Essay
Pre-reading discussion of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Mini-Lesson: Types of arguments and evidence Read Vonneguts Harrison Bergeron
Discuss essay and free write topic: Should everyone be equal? Why or why not? What does it mean to be equal? Class discussion using discussion questions, if time Handout writing assignment Re-read and markup essay for evidence supporting their argument, taking notes as necessary. Make sure to include location/citation information. Mini-Lesson: Summarizing, paraphrasing, direct quotes and their use in responding to an essay Game: Name That Method Write first draft of essay including supporting evidence Share draft in small groups Mini-Lesson: Incorporating counter-arguments Divide students into groups, allow each group to choose a topic with an argument from a hat, and create a counter-argument for the issue. Brainstorm (whole class or small group) possible arguments for and against the issue of equality Choose an argument from those listed in class or use one of your own and journal a response to the opposition that you would like to address in your paper. Be sure to use your knowledge of the types of arguments and evidence to create a strong argument. Mini Lesson (Review): Creating a strong thesis statement Break into small groups to review/revise thesis statements Mini Lesson: Structure of an argumentative essay (title, intro, thesis, body, conclusion) Read a sample paper, marking the parts of the paper Journal: Was the paper effective? Why or why not? What role did the format of the paper play in its effectiveness? Mini Lesson: Use of support details and quotes Read sample paper, marking and labeling the support details and quotes Discuss Sample Paper: What was effective? What wasnt? Why? Ideas for improvement? Re-write essay (typed) focusing on thesis, strength of supporting arguments, and evidence (textual quote and examples)
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VanderSlik Day 7 Class Assign Assign Day 9 Class Draft 2 Due Workshopping Mini Lesson: Titles, Introductions, & Conclusions Read introductions and conclusions handout Revise your introduction and conclusion Brainstorm a list of possible titles for your essay Mini Lesson: Documentation Demonstration: Citation tools such as KnightCite and the MLA Handbook Activity: In small groups, indentify whether citations are correct. If they are not, how should they be fixed? Complete final draft Essay Due Celebrate by allowing students to share their essays if they choose Discussion or free write: Did your views on equality change at all in the paper writing process? If so, how? Do you have any insights to share? What was the hardest/most challenging part of the process for you? Why?
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