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Lesson 1

We will consider subtopics of homeownership and choose one to research further. We will develop argumentative positions for our chosen subtopics.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I understand the expectations of, and options for, the final argumentation task?

  • Can I use a reflective review process to determine which of the possible subtopics I will pursue and which perspective I will likely take as I develop my final argument?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Discuss

We will examine the Culminating Task expectations and the subtopics to choose from.

We will discuss each subtopic and how it relates to what we have read, discussed, and considered during the unit. Individually, we will rate our understanding of, and interest in, each of the subtopics. We will discuss and compare our perspectives on two of the areas with other students.

Review the Culminating Task Checklist, focusing on the four subtopics. As a class, consider the following questions:

  1. What are the four subtopics, and how are they related to what we have studied and discussed in the unit?

  2. What thought-provoking concept is presented by each subtopic question? What do the key words suggest about each concepts and the various ways to address them?

Individually, rate your understanding and interest-level for each of the subtopics.

Identify two of the four subtopics that most interest you, and join a discussion team to see what other students are thinking regarding those subtopics. Then join another discussion team to explore students’ ideas about the other subtopics.

In each discussion team, express your perspective on the concept at this point, and compare it to other students’ perspectives.

Activity 2: Discuss

We will consider the various perspectives that an argument in each subtopic area might express.

As a class, review again each subtopic. For each area, present and discuss various perspectives that might be taken and developed. Consider what the purpose of writing an argument in that subtopic might be and who might be the primary audience.

Refer to texts you have previously examined in the unit as possible sources of information or arguments, and discuss how they might relate to the various perspectives and purposes that can be developed.

Activity 3: Write

Each of us will determine the subtopic that most interests us and write a short explanation of the general perspective or position we might take regarding it.

Determine which subtopic issue you would like to address. Write a paragraph that briefly explains the issue and analyzes the question that will be addressed.

Articulate and explain a position you might take, connecting it to what you have learned and considered in the unit so far.

Activity 4: Read

For homework, we will review our Learning Logs, annotated texts, and the tools we have developed in order to see what might be relevant to our subtopics and positions.

For homework, go back through your Learning Log, text annotations, tools, and notes from the unit to see what might be relevant based on the subtopic and the perspective or position you have identified.

Access the Subtopic Supplemental Texts Handout for your subtopic and take a first look at the texts listed for the topic you are most interested in. You can use the information about the texts’ titles, authors, and publishers to do a search for them on the Internet.