Read Ch. 13 of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordian
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students will learn an overview of Argumentative writing and will learn how to write an introduction using a claim.
Materials Needed:
Handout 1: Sample Introduction
• Handout 2: Argumentative Writing: Drafting the Introduction
WE WILL READ TEXTS:
Text 1 : Pro Year Round School and
Text 2: Con Year Round School
Active Engagement;
Instructional Focus:
I CAN write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
I CAN Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
MODELED INSTRUCTION:
1. Review the elements of Argumentative Writing (Slides 1-4).
2. Explain that students will learn to write an introduction specific to an argumentative paper.
MODELED INSTRUCTION:
1. Discuss the three elements suggested for an argument introduction (hook, thesis, and overview of how claim will be proven) (Slide 5).
2. Remind students that there is no single way to write an introduction; there are many possibilities. This lesson will provide one possible strategy.
Guided Instruction:
1. Share Sample Introduction #1 (Slides 6 & 7) and show students the highlighted text for the three parts of the introduction. Remind students that each of the three sections might not be in a single sentence or in any one particular order. Red = Hook; Purple = The Claim; Blue = How claim will be addressed In Africa, wild giraffes and lions graze and hunt with miles of space to roam. There are no metal bars keeping them in an enclosed area. They are surrounded by other wildlife, fresh air, and natural habitat. Zoos, on the other hand, are little more than prisons, and the animals are the prisoners. Zoo animals deserve more space to roam, the ability to hunt and graze freely, and surroundings that are natural.
2. Share Sample #2 (handout 1 and Slides 8 & 9) with students. Have students work together to identify the three parts of the introduction.
3. After students have finished, review the introduction’s three parts (Click on Slide 9): Most people will never see elephants, kangaroos, or komodo dragons in the wild. For many of us, traveling to these animals’ native countries is simply not a possibility. Zoos make it possible for people like me to experience the beauty of these wonderful creatures. Thanks to zoos, people can learn about animals, see them firsthand, and gain a greater appreciation for the natural world.
Independent Practice:
1. Explain that students will now write an introduction on a new topic: year round schools. Hand out the two articles and Argumentative Writing Guide (Slide 10).
2. Distribute handout 2 “Argumentative Writing: Drafting the Introduction.” Review the handout with students, explaining that this will be their guide while writing their argument introductions (Slide 11 & 14).
3. Get students started with reading the passages and completing their handouts. Consider allowing students to work in pairs.
4. Allow students time to complete their introductions.
5. When finished, students should trade with a partner to read their introduction and will write in the peer response.