Lesson Title: This or That

Grade: 6th

Learning Target:

I can choose a side of an “argument”, state my claim, and support it with evidence.

Number of class periods: 1

Materials / resources: Novel (IDR), Composition notebook, list of “this or that” options

Unit Overarching Concept:

 Writing a paragraph that presents and supports a persuasive argument

Unit Essential Question(s):

 How do you construct a persuasive argument?

 What constitutes effective evidence?
 How do you revise?

Lesson Objective:

For students to understand how evidence supports their claim and makes their writing more
persuasive.

Common Core State Standard(s)

 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1 A-C
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.C
Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that
contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.

 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4
Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts,
and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate
volume, and clear pronunciation.
  CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.D
Review the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives
through reflection and paraphrasing.

Context: (Briefly note how this lesson connects to the previous lesson?)

 We discussed the different types of evidence and why we use each type, before activity today
we will talk about which type of evidence they are using.

Context: (Briefly note how this lesson connects to the next lesson?)

 Our next lesson focuses on how we determine if a source is credible, connecting with this
lesson because we discussed how things are more persuasive when you have evidence but
making sure that evidence is correct and reliable is imperative.

Lesson Procedure:

1. 15 min. IDR
2. 10 min. Lesson: What is a claim, where is it found
3. 15-20 min. “This or That” activity (Chocolate or Vanilla, Cat or Dog, etc.)
 Students will stand on opposite sides of room depending on choice
 As a group discuss what your claim is (Ex: Cats are better than dogs.), come
up with 3 pieces of evidence to back up your claim.
 Share argument with other side
4. 10 min. Choose one of the statements and write out a paragraph with your claim and
3 pieces of evidence. (You may use what you and your group came up with)

(5-10 minutes) -- Lesson-based Formative Assessment

 Share out and practice paragraph

Culminating assessment for this unit:

 Argument paragraph based on a given topic