Unit 4: Building Outside Knowledge Time Frame: 4 Weeks
Objectives | Skill Focus | Instructional Strategies | Activities/Assessments |
· Students will build archival/outside knowledge by engaging in research.
· Students will practice identifying argument. · Students will construct original arguments, counterarguments, and concession. · Students will refine annotating skills. · Students will refine commentary skills. · Students will practice multiple- choice skills. |
· Close Reading
· Identifying Argument and Purpose · Building Archival/Outside Knowledge · Constructing Original Argument · Constructing Counterargument and Concession · Synthesizing Information |
· Assign nonfiction that supports deep understanding of argumentation.
· Teach research and synthesis skills · Model counterargument and concession strategies. · Model revising/refining composition skills. · Model multiple-choice strategies. |
· Close Reading Exercises
· Synthesis Deconstruction · Counterargument and Concession Exercises · Explore the Issues Assignment · Précis Paragraphs · Research Assignments · Writing Revisions |
Texts
Full Length Works
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot
- Stiff, Mary Roach
- A Hope in the Unseen, Ron Suskind
Unit Possibilities
- Technology and Science
- Issues of Growing Up
- Gender
Lessons and Resources.
- Close Reading Exercises
- Synthesis Deconstruction Lessons
- Synthesis Writing Templates
- Synthesis Revision
- Counterargument and Concession Exercise
- Précis Paragraphs
- Explore the Issues Assignment
Multiple Choice
- The Homicidal Earl: The Life of Lord Cardigan, David Saul (17 Questions)
- Key and Rationales
- “On Genius and Common Sense,” William Hazlitt (14 Questions)
- Key and Rationales
Free Response Questions
Rhetorical Analysis
2006 Question 2
- “On Want of Money,” William Hazlitt
- Student Samples and Commentary
Argument
2002 Question 3 Form B
- “What are People For?” Wendell Berry
- Area of Focus: Role of Technology and Progress
- Student Samples
- Scoring Commentary
Synthesis
2010 Question 1