WHAT IS A CLAIM?
This short PowerPoint can be used during Routine Argument Writing and with any mini-unit.
| what_is_a_claim.pptx |
FORMING AN OPINION BY EXAMINING MULTIPLE TEXTS
There are two versions; the first is an early mini-unit adapted from one developed by the National Writing Project and the second has been updated to provide more of a gender balance among texts.
Both guided students through looking at several texts in order to decide what they think. A first draft is created. NOTE: Mature content can be eliminated through substitution of alternate topics and texts.
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Reality TV Text Set
CONNECTING EVIDENCE TO A CLAIM (intermediate through high school)
This mini-unit teaches the Harris Moves of illustrating, authorizing, and countering. It scaffolds the process of learning to write commentary about evidence selected from sources to support a claim.
A text set is provided, but is not essential to the mini-unit. It is designed to be used with any topic, any text set. It can also be used in conjunction with another mini-unit.
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Organizer for ILLUSTRATING |
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Organizer for AUTHORIZING |
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Organizer for COUNTERING |
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Original Text Set
•“First Lady Proposes Ban on Junk Food Marketing in Schools” by Maggie Fox, NBC News
•Excerpt from Chew On This: Everything You Don’t Want to Know About Fast Food by Eric Schlosser & Charles Wilson
•“Healthy Fast Food: Tips for Making Healthier Fast Food Choices”
•America's Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants (http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20411588,00.html)
•“First Lady Proposes Ban on Junk Food Marketing in Schools” by Maggie Fox, NBC News
•Excerpt from Chew On This: Everything You Don’t Want to Know About Fast Food by Eric Schlosser & Charles Wilson
•“Healthy Fast Food: Tips for Making Healthier Fast Food Choices”
•America's Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants (http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20411588,00.html)
WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT HOMELESSESS? (primary and up)
The focus on claim is strong and creatively approached in this mini-unit. Students are challenged to take a stand against homelessness and to identify something they are willing to do about it...or something that they want to convince others to do. The idea of taking a stand is a precursor to a claim. "I will take a stand to support homeless veterans" can then become a claim such as "Our community must provide shelter and support to homeless veterans."
Teachers may want to add other grade-appropriate texts and have students follow up on their claims to connect with an audience who can take the action they suggest.
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SHOULD WE RECYCLE? (Grades 1-3)
The focus on investigating non-fiction texts in order to make a claim is a primary focus in this mini-unit. Students read 3 texts (a chart, a video, and an article) in order to learn information that will help them form an opinion. Students may use a flipbook for taking notes and organizing information.
Teachers may want to add other grade-appropriate texts and have students follow up on their claims to connect with an audience who can take the action they suggest.
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Should We Worry About What We Eat?: Focus on making a strong claim
| should_we_worry_about_what_we_eat_reviewed.pptx |
| should_we_worry_about_what_we_eat_with_adaptations_for_english_learners.pptx |
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| chart_text_1.docx |
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This video is lengthy; you may wish to use the first 7.5 minutes.
