UNIT 3
Position Papers: Research and Argument

BEND I: Writing a Position Paper: Games Based on Fictional Violence — Diverting or Harmful?

Session 1 — Debating Positions to Develop a Complex Argument

Mentor Text: "High-Jinks: Shoot-Out"

Exemplar position paper: Letter to Mayor Bloomberg

Session 2 — Flash-Drafting Arguments while Working on Specific Writing Goals

Argument Writing Checklist, Grade 8

Anchor chart: How to Write an Argument (Grade 7)

Exemplar position paper: Letter to Mayor Bloomberg

Speech to the School Board

Anchor chart: How to Write a Position Paper

Session 3 — Angling Evidence to Support Specific Points

Bend I Text Set

Anchor chart: How to Write a Position Paper

Chart: Sophisticated Techniques for Framing and Adapting Quotes

FIG. 3-3 chart: Some Common Logical Fallacies

Chart: Guide to Citing References

Argument Writing Checklist, Grade 8

Session 4 — Using Connotative Language to Paint a Tone

Mentor Text: "High-Jinks: Shoot-Out"

Anchor chart: How to Write a Position Paper

Argument Writing Checklist, Grade 8

Chart: Writers of Information Texts Aim Toward Goals...

Chart: Writers of Information Texts Use Techniques...

Session 5 — Writing Powerful Conclusions

FIG. 5-1 chart: Powerful Conclusions Might...

Anchor chart: How to Write a Position Paper

FIG. 5-2 chart: Emergency Checklist Word Processing Safety Check

Session 6 — Getting Ready to Publish: Polishing Presentations and Attending to Conventions

Chart: Guide to Citing References

Session 7 — Unleashing the Inner Dramatist to Give Speeches More Impact

Video Links set   

Chart: Tips for Rehearsing and Giving Confident and Stirring Speeches

Session 8 — A Celebration of Speeches

Argument Writing Checklist, Grades 8 and 9

FIG. 8-1 Mingus' speech

BEND II: Writing a Position Paper on a Complicated Issue: Should Child Soldiers Be Given Amnesty?

Session 9 — Grappling with Issues of Intensity and Developing Initial Understanding

Sample letter to parents

Bend II Text Set

Session 11 — Debating to Draft More Balanced and Principled Arguments

Bend II Text Set

FIG. 11-1 chart: Let's Argue About Texts

FIG. 11-2 chart: Transitions That You Can Use as You Argue

Anchor chart: How to Write a Position Paper

Session 12 — Strengthening, Framing, and Pacing Evidence

Bend II Text Set

Anchor chart: How to Write a Position Paper

FIG. 12-3 chart: Writers Frame Evidence By...

Chart: Argument Writers Aim Toward Goals...

Chart: Argument Writers Use Techniques...

FIG. 12-2 Emily's Reflection

Session 13 — Attending to Alternative Arguments and Points of View

Anchor chart: How to Write a Position Paper

Chart: To Provide Context in an Introduction, Writers Try...

Chart: A Continuum of Fairness in Addressing Counterclaims

Exemplars from a Writing Community 

Session 14 — Using the Organizational Structure of Your Piece to Help Build Your Argument

Chart: Organizational Structure Possibilities Template

Anchor chart: How to Write a Position Paper

FIG. 14-1 chart: Argument Writers Aim Toward Goals...

FIG. 14-1 chart: Argument Writers Use Techniques...

Session 15 — Tailoring Position Papers as Letters: Attending to Audience and Presentation

Argument Writing Checklist, Grades 8 and 9

Session 16 — A Social Activist Celebration

FIG. 16-1 G.C.'s letter to Amnesty International

FIG. 16-2 Gio's letter to the United Nations Secretary General

FIG. 16-3 S.B.'s letter to the U.S. Military Tribunal