The Power of Arguments Activities

You must choose one of these activities to complete in class today.  If you finish one, you may choose another, but only ONE is required to be turned in today as classwork.

1. PROPAGANDA

Directions:
Create propaganda about the topic you chose to fight for (the topic of your essay). Propaganda can be posters, flyers, letters, or cards designed to get people to agree with your stance.

What you will turn in: 
You can create something on paper or on the computer. Put any online work in your Language Arts folder so that it is shared with Ms. Peoples. DOUBLE CHECK that it is shared!

Examples of propaganda:


2. SPEECHES

Directions:

1. Choose TWO of the following speeches. After listening to/reading both, on a Google Doc:
2. Identify the argument of each speech.
3. What techniques did the speaker use to convince his listener?
4. Was it convincing to you? Why or why not?
5. Write a short paragraph comparing and contrasting the speeches.

John F. Kennedy: Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You
Ronald Reagan: Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down The Berlin Wall
President Bush: We Are At War with Iraq
Winston Churchill: This Is Their Finest Hour (WWII)

What you will turn in: 
Create the Google Doc in your Language Arts folder so that it is shared with Ms. Peoples. DOUBLE CHECK that it is shared!

3. PARTNER DEBATE

Directions:

1. Choose from the following topics.
2. Assign a "side" to each partner (one partner is FOR and one is AGAINST).
3. Each partner has 10 minutes to research as many arguments that support your "side."
4. Create a list on a Google Doc.
5. Compare your lists and debate who found the stronger argument.

• Homework should be banned.
• Children should not be allowed to drink soda.
• The Internet should be banned from schools.
• All parents should be required to attend parenting classes before having kids.
• Statewide tests (like PARCC) should be abolished.
• Teachers should be replaced by computers.
• The government should provide wireless service for everyone, free of charge.
• Parents should be allowed to choose their baby's gender.

What you will turn in: 
Create the Google Doc in your Language Arts folder so that it is shared with Ms. Peoples. DOUBLE CHECK that it is shared!

4. SCAVENGER HUNT

Directions:

1. Find each of the following. 
2. For each item you find, describe how it is argumentative. 
3. Create a Google Slides presentation that showcases the items you have found. 

• A song that has an argumentative message.
• An article that argues both sides of an issue.
• A news article that convinces you of something.
• A persuasive advertisement.
• A piece of propaganda.

What you will turn in: 
Create the Google Slides in your Language Arts folder so that it is shared with Ms. Peoples. DOUBLE CHECK that it is shared!