Week #9 - The Art of the Argument

Hello Sophomores!

I hope you are keeping up with this March Madness!  We are on the cusp of Spring Break.  We will cover a lot this week and will look at mentor text to see how other writers present their arguments.  Please be ready to participate, imitate, and recreate - indicating that you are understanding what is expected when presenting your own written and verbal arguments.

When we return from Spring Break - you will be writing your own arguments, researching, and presenting evidence with structure.  We will also bring research and debate into the classroom.  It is going to get competitive and fun - so get your logic on!

Monday
* Identifying Thesis/Claim in an Argument (see handout from Friday) - What is being discussed?  Explored?  Ideas?  Themes?
* Mentor Text TBD
* Homework - write a thesis/claim that would work for both your Ad Argument from Friday (refer to the Padres Friar mascot example) and a would be introduction paragraph for your Pro/Con stance for the prompt regarding a year off between high school and college.

Tuesday
* Writing Response Groups - Discuss "Toddlers and Tiaras"/Beauty Pagents Arguments
* Elements of Writing an Argument - see student examples
* HW - Begin reviewing vocabulary/terms for QUIZ on Thursday.

Wednesday
* Identifying Reasons and Evidence in Argument
* HW - Quiz Review
Thursday
* Argument Conclusions - length, purpose, bias, no-call to action
* Quiz - Vocabulary/Terms related to Argument Unit - ie: argument, claim (direct/indirect), reasons for argument, refute, rebutal, counter claim, deliniate, evaluate, valid, sufficent, author claims, legitimate, ethos, pathos, logos

Friday
* Class Guests - The Yes Team!  Making a difference and contribution through writing, music, and philanthropy.  Do not miss this!  It will be a great day and an awesome Spring Break send off!

Office Hours/Tutoring - Tuesday after school
Poetry Club - Wednesdays
Goodreads - Continue to read independently.  Your review must be posted by Wed. 4/18
Extra Credit Opportunity - Come and speak with me on your own time - not during class
School resumes on Monday 4/9 - check the blog on Sunday 4/8.

Please note that all the work we do this week will help you improve and will allow you to be successful when writing your own arguments and competitively debating in class.  Those who present the most logical arguments and evidence will be rewarded well.  Please note that the class with the highest class percentage for the 12 weeks will also receive a nice incentive.

Be in command of your life and the choices you make!

Samakosky