MAKING INFORMAL ARGUMENTS

SAMPLE TEXT SET: REALITY TV

MINI-UNIT

Notebook

READING WRITING

QUICK-WRITE

WRITING:

Write your first reaction to the words Reality TV. It can be about your interaction with Reality TV, how you feel about Reality TV, what you’ve heard about Reality TV, etc.

TEXT #1

READING:In the reading side of the notebook, create a T-chart:

I See(images, words, color,

placement)

I Say(what are you thinking about Reality

TV based on what you see)

TEXT #1

ADD TO WRITING:- Add to your initial writing about Reality TV with new information from the image.

Sentence frames:- This image makes me question…- Now I am thinking…- I’m wondering…- Just as I was thinking earlier…

TEXT #2

READING:

As you read through the text, mark key insights and important facts:

Put a * (star) by key insights from the researchUse an F to mark facts that seem important or

compelling

Choose two or three places you marked in the text and respond to these in your READING NOTES.

TEXT #2

ADD TO WRITING:Add to your writing about Reality TV with new information from the research. Include references to specific insights and facts from their research as you add to your writing.

Sentence frames:- On the other hand…- A different way of looking at…- This ____ makes me wonder…- Further supporting my thinking is…- Something I never considered is…

TEXT #3

Read through the text a first time:

Underline/highlight lines or thoughts that stick out because they support, challenge, or extend your thinking about Reality TV.

TEXT #3

Read through the text a second time:

Code the text for argument elements: C = claim being madeR = reasonsE = evidence and/or explanationCC = counterclaim

TEXT #3

Respond to two or three underlines or codes in your READING NOTES, using the following chart:

It Says (write actual lines from

the text here)

I Say(write your response and response

and thinking to the text lines)

TEXT #3

ADD TO WRITING:Add to your writing about Reality TV with new information from the article. Include specific lines as you add to your writing.

Sentence frames:I understand,…However, I still…In some ways I still believe…but…Although this article states…I used to think,…but now I am thinking…

Composing an Argument

On an index card, compose a claim based on your reading and writing about Reality TV.

Using your previous writing as a resource, create a “fast draft” of an argument based on your claim about Reality TV.

Reflecting on Our Writing Experience

Below your fast draft, jot some quick notes about your writing experience: What was easy about composing this fast draft? What was challenging about composing this fast draft? What were some things you did as a writer, which you

might have to teach students how to do?

Turn and talk with a partner: share what you found easy and challenging (perhaps share some of your writing to illustrate your experience).