Unit 4: Analyzing Author's Craft

This week, we are starting Unit 4: Analyzing Author's Craft. The overarching concept in this unit is "Identity," and students will think about our content through the lens of these essential questions.

How do your actions define you?

How do you craft your writing to show your identity?

How do author's craft their stories to connect with readers?

Please see the "What Are We Studying" tab for more details on the expectations and standards being assessed in this unit. 

Argumentative Research and Essay

Students have chosen a controversial topic and will begin researching and writing arguments. Please see below for ALL of the resources that are available to the students in class as they write, mini lessons we will be having, and sample completed argumentative essays written by their peers.

This essay will close out the unit and be the final graded piece of learning evidence for Unit 3.

Students have the following goals and deadlines in class. By working during class, students should have no trouble keeping up with these deadlines and will not have to work at home. However, students who have not used class time wisely, or who have absences during this time, will need to work at home to stay caught up. 


Wednesday, January 17: Students choose their topic, create their argument statement, and write their three claims.
Thursday, January 18: Students check the "research-ability" of their claims.
Friday, January 19: Students begin researching their claims (research, Day 1). 
Monday, January 22: Students continue researching their claims (Research, Day 2).
Tuesday, January 23: Students complete research and outline their essay (Research, Day 3).
Wednesday, January 24: Students write the introduction and first paragraph of their five paragraph essay (Writing, Day 1).
Thursday, January 25: Students write the body of their five paragraph essay (Writing, Day 2).
Friday, January 26: Students write the conclusion of their five paragraph essay, peer review, and make final edits (Writing, Day 3).

Lessons and resources available to students:

Argument crafting checklist with due dates

What are the parts of an argument (review)

How to write an argument statement (review)

What makes a good introduction

The structure of a five paragraph essay + transition suggestions

How to set up your Google Doc and how to cite sources!

The 5 W’s of Website Evaluation (Finding Credible Sources)

Student Model: Proficient Examples
These have been posted in class for students to reference. They were written last year and received a proficient (3) grade on this assignment.

EXAMPLE 1

EXAMPLE 2

Rubric:

CCSS W6.1a-e

Tracing and Evaluating Arguments

Last week, we began discussing "The Power of Arguments".

Parts of an argument (notes from class)

• We reviewed how to find claims, reasons, and evidence in order tod etermine if the author is for or against an argument
• We discussed the power of an argument based on the information presented and the evidnece used, using the structures taught in class.

Practice tracing and evaluating arguments

• Students practiced tracing and evaluating arguments, using the following articles:
• The Debate about Homework (with answer sheet)
• Self-Driving Cars (PRO) (CON) with answer sheet

STUDENTS WILL BE ASSESSED ON TRACING AND EVALUATING ARGUMENTS ON THURSDAY, 1/18 (RUBRIC)