Argument Essay Challenge

Aim: How do we outline an argument essay?

Quick Write (emphasis on Q U I C K): Based on your research and yesterday's debate, where do you now stand on selective schools for "smart" kids? Explain.

Congratulations, Brainiacs! You are ready to take on the first challenge in this course.
Your mission is to write an argument essay answering the following question through the lens of mindset psychology.

Question: Do you believe "smart" kids should have their own schools such as Stuyvesant and Bronx Science?

Take a position and support it with evidence from the facts and studies about mindset that we have read and discussed in class. You of course may use your own independent research as well. Use the claims-counterclaims graphic organizer and/or post-its to take notes on the relevant evidence and facts you will use to support your claims.

Here are some critical questions you should think about as you plan your essay:

• How might tracking benefit students’ intellectual growth?
• How might tracking harm students’ intellectual growth?
• How do you identify and support a strong claim?
• How do you evaluate the strength of supporting evidence?
• How do you effectively dismiss a counterclaim?

Argument Essay Guidelines

Write a 750 word essay in which you:

•  Explain what's at stake. Why is this question important?
•  Develop and state your own position.
•  Defend your position with a range of different types of evidence, facts, and information from       the first three chapters of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, articles, and videos we  watched and discussed in class.
•  Include any other research that you may have conducted independently.
•  ADDRESS AND RESPOND TO COUNTERCLAIMS TO YOUR POSITION.
•  Draw your own conclusions.

Start with an outline. You may choose to use this graphic organizer to outline your essay.

Here is the rubric by which it will be graded. You will be expected to complete final drafts, including peer editing, by Friday. The essay should be uploaded to Google Drive and linked to your blog. Essays also should be emailed to msbecker4@gmail.com

Today's Task: State the position you will take in your essay and begin your outline, using your notes.