Finding common ground: Using logical, audience-specific arguments
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=938
A lesson plan for grades 9 and 11–12 English Language Arts
In this lesson that explores persuasive and argumentative writing, students compose their thoughts about their position on a hypothetical situation and the arguments they would use to convince their audience. Then, students consider the opposite point of view. By examining the opposing perspective, the activity becomes a lesson not only in choosing arguments but also in anticipating audience reaction and adapting to it. This lesson provides the hypothetical situation, a Venn diagram for analysis, links to an online persuasion mapping tool, and several web resources that offer suggestions for argumentative and persuasive writing.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
English Language Arts (2004)
Grade 9
- Goal 3: The learner will examine argumentation and develop informed opinions.
- Objective 3.02: Express an informed opinion that:
- states clearly a personal view.
- is logical and coherent.
- engages the reader's interest or curiosity.
- Objective 3.03: Support that informed opinion by:
- providing relevant and convincing reasons.
- using various types of evidence, such as experience or facts.
- using appropriate and effective language, reasons, and organizational structure for the audience and purpose.
- demonstrating awareness of the possible questions, concerns, or counterarguments of the audience.
- Objective 3.02: Express an informed opinion that:
Grade 11
- Goal 3: The learner will demonstrate increasing sophistication in defining issues and using argument effectively.
- Objective 3.01: Use language persuasively in addressing a particular issue by:
- finding and interpreting information effectively.
- recognizing propaganda as a purposeful technique.
- establishing and defending a point of view.
-responding respectfully to viewpoints and biases. - Objective 3.03: Use argumentation for:
- interpreting researched information effectively.
- establishing and defending a point of view.
- addressing concerns of the opposition.
- using logical strategies (e.g., deductive and inductive reasoning, syllogisms, analogies) and sophisticated techniques (e.g., rhetorical devices, parallelism, irony, concrete images).
-developing a sense of completion.
- Objective 3.01: Use language persuasively in addressing a particular issue by:
Grade 12
- Goal 3: The learner will be prepared to enter issues of public concern as an advocate.
- Objective 3.02: Organize and deliver an argument so that an intended audience respects it by:
- wording the claim clearly.
- specifying reasons in support of the claim that are likely to be convincing.
-- adopting an appropriate tone and stance toward the issue.
- Objective 3.02: Organize and deliver an argument so that an intended audience respects it by:
