1. 1st Q, wk #2
August 21-25, 2017

2. Bellringer, 8/21
Sit with your groups in your assigned chair. Discuss and make a list of any and all parts of an argumentative essay (i.e., what needs to be in it). PERSON #3 IN THE GROUP SHOULD RECORD THESE ON THE PAPER PROVIDED. Also, write your names on the same side of your group paper. Be ready to share after 5 min.

3. REVIEW
Because many of you will be called to retest on the FSA ELA to achieve a passing grade, we will review what is needed when writing an argumentative essay.

4. Structure of the argumentative essay
A good argumentative essay has several paragraphs that should be concentrated on different aspects of the essay

5. Group activity: Step #1:
Using the pieces of paper in your envelope, organize a good argumentative essay.
Glue the paragraphs in the order you think they should go.

6. Group Activity
Step #2:
Each person in the group pick up one of the highlighters provided
With your highlighters, mark the following on the essay:
Pink: the overall claim/thesis/position of the paper
Green: any counterclaims
Orange: any reasons/smaller claims that support the thesis
Yellow: any textual evidence to support the reasons/claims

7. How did you do?
Let’s examine each of the necessary elements/paragraphs

8. Introduction
Introduction (The reader is introduced to the analyzed phenomenon – subject being debated-- and the opinion is revealed through a strong thesis statement –CLAIM, FOR OR AGAINST).

9. Two or more paragraphs of reasons/arguments that support your claim
ARGUMENT/REASON #1—State a good reason for your claim and list the facts/evidence that supports your reason. Be sure to include WHY and HOW those facts support your cliam
ARGUMENT/REASON #2—Do the same thing with this reason/argument.
ALL OTHER ARGUMENTS/REASONS should be handled the same, each in their own paragraph and each one using evidence/facts found in the reading material PLUS your logical reasoning/connection of how those facts/evidence prove your argument and claim

10. COUNTERCLAIM AND REBUTTAL
COUNTERCLIAM—You should state the other side of the argument/claim and list their reasons for their claim, as well as evidence from the reading that supports their side. This can be done in one paragraph of the paper OR you can list a counterclaim to each of your reasons in their paragraphs.
REBUTTAL—When you do consider the other side of the argument, you need to make sure that your side of the argument looks stronger so that the paper still supports your claim. You can show the weaknesses of their side and/or how your side is a stronger and better argument. However, this cannot be done using your opinion— only better reasoning/logic and/or stronger evidence.

11. CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION—Summarize your claim and reasons, then add one additional thought or comment on the subject or argument that leaves your reader with thought or conviction toward your argument.

12. Turn in your group papers…
Each person in the group that participated will earn a stamp grade

13. Tomorrow…
You will come in and immediately begin on an argumentative essay VLT in which you read given passages and write your essay within the allotted time.
I will score the paper according to the argumentative essay rubric and record your scores.
You will receive the papers back with my comments and have a choice: If you are happy with the score, I will record it as a summative writing grade. If you believe you can improve it, you will be given class time to rewrite/improve it and turn it back in for grading. I will record your best score as your summative grade

14. Bellringer, 8/22:
Pick up notebook paper and VLT handout. Immediately clear your desks and begin working on your reading and essay.
During this time, no electronics are allowed out on the desk, in the lap, or in the hands
No talking or referring to any other sources. This must be done independently.

15. At the end of the period…
Staple your essay paper to your handouts and turn them in to the tray for your class. (Make sure your name is on your paper.)
You will have tomorrow to continue the work. In all, you get 90 class minutes to work on the reading and writing of this essay.

16. Bellringer, 8/23
As soon as you come in, clear your desks and pick up yesterday’s paper from the tray.
Continue working on the reading and the writing of the essay you began yesterday.
At the end of the period, turn in your papers to the tray again.

17. Bellringer, 8/24
Pick up a handout from the tray and put your name on it.
Begin looking through the text on the paper.

18. Video
In preparation for our reading of The Crucible, we will be viewing a documentary about the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600’s and what led up to them.
Try to answer as many blanks as possible, but do not call out or share answers.
You will not be required to have all of them completed, but you should get most of them

19. Bellringer, 8/25
Pick up the necessary handouts and put your name on each

20. Activity
To better understand the characters and situation of the play The Crucible which we will be reading, you need to understand the Puritans and some background on the history of witchcraft.
Today you will be reading an article about the Puritans and answering the questions connected with it.
This is a formative assessment of your reading and comprehension ability of nonfiction text. You must work independently and turn in your answers by the end of the period.
No electronics or talking allowed.