Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Aim: How do we identify the strength of supporting evidence?

Quick Write (emphasis on QUICK): Generate one question you have about the Argument Essay Challenge.

By now you should be familiar with the assignment. Today before sitting down to write your introduction, you might want to get your ducks in order by finding evidence to support your claim.
One way to do this is by creating a double-entry journal. State your claim at the top of the paper and then draw two columns. In the first column write down whatever facts, studies or evidence you found that supports your claim. In the second column explain the so what? factor. In other words, why does this evidence matter?

Hint: It is strongly suggested that no matter which side you are taking, you read about Carol Dweck's study of the danger of praise and positive labels on page 71 in Chapter 3. It provides relevant information on the argument essay topic regardless of where you stand on the issue. If you don't think it's relevant, then consider dismissing it as part of your counterargument.

For your convenience, the challenge is re-posted below. You may tweak the question if you want. Just make sure that you take a strong position. Don't sit on the fence!

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: Line up your reasons and evidence for your body paragraphs before writing your introductory paragraph.