The focus of today's class was on planning an argument in favor of or against (people can choose whichever position to start with) their topic and organizing the research notecards people have created. To help in this process, I introduced everyone to an outline that works through the process of creating a thesis statement, topic sentences/claims, and organizing evidence within those points.
Everyone then had the rest of the period to work on this outline. I went around to check in with people individually and answer questions.
The order in which tasks should be completed are as follows:
1 - 6 research sources (for, against, and/or objective on the debate topic)
2 - 20 notecards of important information from the sources (summary, paraphrase, and/or quotation)
3 - Create a powerful thesis
4 - Create three or more powerful topic sentences/claims for your position paper
5 - Organize evidence within each claim
6 - Identify rhetorical devices and appeals that can be used in your discussion
7 - Use your outline to begin writing your position paper
Today, everyone should be around steps 4 - 6.
Handouts:
Planning Your Debate: Position Paper Outline
Homework:
Continue working on your outline. We will have time in class tomorrow to work on outlines, but people should be starting to write their papers for homework tomorrow night, so plan accordingly.
