LEARN NC

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

English II

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.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

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 9–10 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: lesson plan (grade 9–10 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
By Karen Cobb Carroll, Ph.D., 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 9–10 English Language Arts and English Language Development)
By Susan Brooks and Carrie Mabry.

Resources on the web

The peace journey: Using process drama in the classroom
Students will participate in a simulation of a “Peace Journey” as they engage in a variety of literacy activities. After visiting websites that offer differing perspectives on peace, students discuss how peace is defined and represented. Students... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 10 and 12 English Language Arts)
Provided by: ReadWriteThink
Copyright infringement or not? The debate over downloading music
This lesson takes advantage of students’ interest in music and audio sharing as part of a persuasive debate unit. After assessing their own opinions on the matter, students investigate the controversial topic of downloading music from the Internet. Students... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts)
Provided by: ReadWriteThink
Communicating on local issues: Exploring audience in persuasive letter writing
This lesson from ReadWriteThink presents students with the task of researching and taking a position on a local issue. Focusing on process writing, students brainstorm, plan and evaluate persuasive writing products with their peers. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts)
Provided by: ReadWriteThink
Censorship in the classroom: Understanding controversial issues
It is important for young people to understand their individual rights and what they, as citizens, can do to protect these rights. In addition, young people need to understand the way in which bias and stereotyping are used by the media to influence popular... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Information Skills)
Provided by: ReadWriteThink