LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

English II

Goal 3, Objective 3.01

Goal 3

The learner will defend argumentative positions on literary or nonliterary issues.

Objective 3.01

Examine controversial issues by:

  • sharing and evaluating initial personal response.
  • researching and summarizing printed data.
  • developing a framework in which to discuss the issue (creating a context).
  • compiling personal responses and researched data to organize the argument.
  • presenting data in such forms as a graphic, an essay, a speech, or a video.

Resources aligned to this objective

Records 1–11 of 11 displayed.

The scarlet “A”: Role-play in writing
This lesson was created to follow a close reading and examination of Nathanial Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. The plan uses a small group format and rotation schedule. The activities created strengthen students' understanding of an author's use of characterization, while reinforcing reading and creative writing skills.
Format: lesson plan (grade 10 English Language Arts)
By Tonya White.
Desegregating public schools: Integrated vs. neighborhood schools
In this high school lesson plan, students will learn about the history of the "separate but equal" U.S. school system and the 1971 Swann case which forced Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to integrate. Students will examine the pros and cons of integration achieved through busing, and will write an argumentative essay drawing on information from oral histories.
Format: lesson plan (grade 10–12 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
By Dayna Durbin Gleaves.
The Declaration of Independence
In Where English and history meet: A collaboration guide, page 5
In this interdisciplinary lesson, students will examine the role of the Declaration of Independence in the development of the American Revolution and as part of the American identity. They will also analyze the argumentative structure and write their own declaration.
Format: article (grade 10 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
By Karen Cobb Carroll, Ph.D., and NBCT.
Concept chairs: A format for classroom discussion
This is a culminating activity that provides a format so that all participants are drawn into a discussion.
The discussion for the "Concept Chairs" will be based on a unit of study that assesses the effectiveness of the Judicial System while examining various types of justice within society (social, personal and constitutional). Primary texts, fictional literature and non-print sources will provide the basis for this discussion.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
By Marion O'Quinn.
A “defining moment” in editorial writing
Students will be introduced to the definition mode of writing. Students will learn to define a particular subject by responding in an editorial format. Students will first compose an editorial graphic organizer, which will aid in composing a completed editorial using the writing process. This lesson includes modifications for a Novice Low Limited English student.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)
By Susan Brooks and Carrie Mabry.

Resources on the web

Using student-centered comprehension strategies with Elie Wiesel's "Night"
Working in small groups, students use reciprocal teaching strategies as they read and discuss Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel’s memoir Night. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9 English Language Arts)
Provided by: IRA/NCTE
Two threats to African wildlife
In this Xpeditions lesson, students investigate two of the most serious threats to African wildlife today: habitat destruction and hunting/poaching. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Persuading an audience: Writing effective letters to the editor
Students write a persuasive letter to the editor of a newspaper, focusing on a current local or national issue. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 7–8 and 10 English Language Arts)
Provided by: IRA/NCTE
Holocaust and resistance
Students reflect on the Holocaust from the point of view of those who actively resisted Nazi persecution. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–10 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities
Cultural change
Students examine the arguments used to win the vote for American women and explore the cultural dimension of these arguments. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 10–12 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities
Censorship in the classroom: Understanding controversial issues
In this ReadWriteThink lesson, students examine propaganda and media bias and explore a variety of banned and challenged books, researching the reasons these books have been censored. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 10 English Language Arts)
Provided by: IRA/NCTE