Thursday, March 20, 2014Before class begins: - Make sure you have your TKAM books and packets!- Log into your netbook and open a new Google

document- Find your assigned seat!

Agenda Introduce argumentative essay Read Example Essay Job sheet Look at rubric for grading Begin outline (on a Google document) Homework: Due Monday – complete outline

Learning Targets- I can use prewriting strategies to formulate ideas.- I can identify a topic that causes or has caused debate.- I can choose a side of the argument and identify reasons that support my choice.- I can acknowledge counterclaims in my argument.- I can present my argument in a formal style that includes an intro, supporting detail with

transitions, and provide a concluding statement that supports my argument. - I can select a topic and identify and gather relevant information (quotations, examples) to share

with my audience.

Argumentative Essay You will be answering one of the following questions in a 5 paragraph

essay: Which character shows the most courage in TKAM? Which character experienced the most prejudice? Why is To Kill a Mockingbird a fitting title for the novel?

Consider your reasoning for your chosen “side” Examples

Calpurnia is the most courageous because… Tom Robinson experienced the most prejudice because…. To Kill a Mockingbird is a fitting title because…

You must have 3 reasons; one for each body paragraphTurn-and-Talk: which topic will you choose, and what will be your

argument?

Argumentative Essay

Choose support from the novel to support your position (3 quotes from the novel MINIMUM. One quote per body paragraph)

Explain how each quote supports your argument (your side) Remember what we did for The Outsiders when explaining

quotes. Avoid “this quote shows”, “the reason why this quote fits”, “now I am going to tell you why”, “Do you agree?”, etc… Lead into your quote by giving a little snippet of the story

During Atticus’ final speech to the jury, he explained “Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal” (Lee 286).

Argumentative Essay

Counterclaim acknowledgment (opposite side to your argument), explain how and/or why it is wrong

Note: THIS IS NOT A RESEARCH PAPER! While you are required to use the novel to support your opinions and ideas, using anything else will constitute plagiarism. This includes the comments on the back of the novel, anything online or in other resources, including your family’s and friends’ ideas and/or opinions. You can do this on your own!

Examples-

Thesis statements Thesis statements:

Your thesis should include which question you’re answering, your position/opinion, and your 3 reasons why.

We are looking at these 3 so you can choose the best: Example:

Calpurnia displays the most courage in To Kill a Mockingbird because she takes the kids to her church, enters the courtroom during a trial against a black man, and she leads a double life.

Of all the well-crafted characters in Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, it is Calpurnia who displays the most courage; she takes two white children to her colored church during a time of segregation, she storms into a crowded courtroom during a trial against a black man, and she modestly leads a double life, caught in the middle of her two worlds.

The most courageous character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is Calpurnia because she takes Scout and Jem Finch to her negro church, she enters the courtroom during the Tom Robinson trial, and she leads a double life without complaint.

Which one is the most interesting and why? Pretend your audience has NOT read TKAM. They do not know about the time

period. If you say “Atticus is courageous because he killed a dog” it makes him sound like an animal hunter! You must explain why your reasons are valid!

Argumentative Essay RubricYou’ve got it! (5pts.) On your way. (3pts.) Not yet. (0- 1 pt.)

STRONG LEAD    You have a strong lead that grips the reader, perhaps with

description, tension, etc.You have a lead, but it could more effectively grip

the reader.You do not have a strong lead.

COUNTERCLAIM    You have acknowledged opposing viewpoints in your

essay.  You haven’t acknowledged the opposing viewpoints in

your essay.THESIS    

You have a thesis statement that clearly articulates your position on the issue.

 

You have a thesis, but it doesn’t clearly state your position.

You do not have a thesis statement for your response.

ARGUMENTS/REASONS    You have used at least 3 supporting arguments or reasons

from the story. They do actually support your topic. 

You have only used only 2 supporting arguments or reasons from the story or the examples you

chose do not support your topic.

You have not used supporting arguments or reasons from the reading selection.

EVIDENCE/QUOTES    You have 3 quotes from the text and they actually support

your argument. 

You have only one or two quotes from the text or your quotes do not support your arguments.

You need to include quotes from the text that support your argument.

QUOTE CITATION    You have properly cited all quotes – Example, (Lee 219)   You did not properly cite your quotes.

EXPLANATION of QUOTES    You have clearly explained how your quotes connect to

your argument. You develop your body paragraphs.You have connected some of your quotes but most include more development to show how they fit to

the argument.

You have not explained or connected your quotes to your arguments.

ORGANIZATION    You have thoughtfully organized your piece into

paragraphs and included transition words. It is easy for the reader to pick out your main points and you have

focused details organized into each paragraph.

The reader is able to pick out your main points and most of your details are focused. You could add in transition words or divide your ideas into

paragraphs.

You still must organize your ideas into paragraphs with focused details for each point.

CONCLUSION    You have a concluding paragraph that clearly references

your thesis and leaves the reader with a thought or impression.

 

You have a concluding paragraph but it could more effectively re-state your thesis and leave

your reader with an impression.

You do not have an effective conclusion paragraph.

CONVENTIONS    Your paper is free from spelling and punctuation errors. You have included quotation marks around your quotes.

 

Most of your paper has proper spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

There are many spelling and punctuation errors. Additionally, be sure to include quotation marks around

the titles and quotes.

     

To Do – There is a lot to do, STAY FOCUSED

1. Choose which question you will be answering 2. Choose your position (which character shows the

most courage, which character showed most prejudice, TKAM is a fitting title)

3. Find 3 reasons to support your side/argument Generate your thesis; state your position, and three

reasons to support. 4. Begin looking for quotes that support your argument –

do not just flip through the book, think of an event to support, and then locate that in the book (your chapter questions might help)

HW: Complete Outline by MONDAY