The penny problem

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 6

• Goal 3: The learner will examine the foundations of argument.
  • Objective 3.01: Explore argumentative works that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • analyzing the characteristics of argumentative works.
    • determining the importance of author's word choice and focus.
    • summarizing the author's purpose and stance.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • drawing inferences.
    • responding to public documents (such as but not limited to editorials and school and community policies).
    • distinguishing between fact and opinion.
  • Objective 3.03: Study arguments that evaluate through:
    • exploring examples that show a firm control of sound judgments, audience awareness, clear idea/theme, and the use of relevant and coherent reasons for support.
    • preparing individual and/or group essays and presentations that use evaluative techniques.

Grade 7

• Goal 3: The learner will refine the understanding and use of argument.
  • Objective 3.01: Analyze a variety of public documents that establish a position or point of view by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and /or viewed.
    • identifying the arguments and positions stated or implied and the evidence used to support them.
    • recognizing bias, emotional factors, and/or semantic slanting.
    • examining the effectiveness of style, tone, and use of language.
    • summarizing the author's purpose and stance.
    • examining the importance and impact of establishing a position or point-of-view.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • drawing inferences.
    • responding to public documents (such as but not limited to editorials, reviews, local/state/national policies/issues).
  • Objective 3.03: Create arguments that evaluate by:
    • understand the importance of establishing a firm judgment.
    • justifying the judgment with logical, relevant reasons, clear examples, and supporting details.
    • creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.

Grade 8

• Goal 3: The learner will continue to refine the understanding and use of argument.
  • Objective 3.01: Explore and evaluate argumentative works that are read, heard and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
    • analyzing the work by identifying the arguments and positions stated or implied and the evidence used to support them.
    • identifying the social context of the argument.
    • recognizing the effects of bias, emotional factors, and/or semantic slanting.
    • comparing the argument and counter-argument presented.
    • identifying/evaluating the effectiveness of tone, style, and use of language.
    • evaluating the author's purpose and stance
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • responding to public documents (such as but not limited to editorials, reviews, local, state, and national policies/issues including those with a historical context).
  • Objective 3.03: Evaluate and create arguments that persuade by:
    • understanding the importance of the engagement of audience by establishing a context, creating a persona, and otherwise developing interest.
    • noting and/or developing a controlling idea that makes a clear and knowledgeable judgment.
    • arranging details, reasons, and examples effectively and persuasively.
    • anticipating and addressing reader/listener concerns and counterarguments.
    • recognizing and/or creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.