Investigating Author's Claim and Techniques for Developing an Argument (2-period lesson)
I. Get organized:
- Take out the article, and get ready to read and annotate.
- Here is a link to the article if you need it: http://online.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303657404576357622592697038
- In your notebook, write down the title and author of the text.
II. Now I will assign a section to each group. For your section, follow the directions and answer the questions in your notebook. You may work independently or in groups.
1. Read and write the main idea of each paragraph in the margin. Then, in your notebook, write down a 1-2 sentence summary. What does the author want you to know and think? Share with the class.
2. Reread with a lens: How does the author try to persuade the readers? Through what writing techniques? Focus on:
- Textual evidence: what evidence does the writer provide?
- Are there facts, data, and/or statistics from credible sources?
- Whose opinions and views are stated?
- Who is quoted?
- Word choice:
- What surprising, emotional, or convincing words or phrases does she use?
- What words or phrases are repeated and symbolic?
- Which words show bias?
- Structure:
- How does the writer organize and order her ideas?
- What sections are included?
- What text features are included (images, lists, captions, links, etc.)?
4. Develop a new understanding of the text. What is the author's main purpose? How valid and convincing is her argument?
5. What does this article show you about writing your own arguments? What are at least 3 writing goals you plan on accomplishing in your argument essay?
6. When finished, work on reading and taking notes on your sources. Focus on choosing the most convincing reasons and evidence that relate to your topic.
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