Unit Activity: Speaking Truth to PowerPlan and Draft an Argument
In this activity, you’ll plan and draft an argument related to the unit’s theme of speaking truth to power. You may want to review the arguments covered in this unit and note the authors’ craft in composing the arguments:
Part A
Choose one of the following prompts for your argument:
-Most students, because of their age, have less power than others in society. Write an argument about the most effective way to address those in power in order to accomplish a goal. Support your argument with at least one claim and at least two pieces of evidence, and be sure to address a counterargument.
-In your opinion, who has been the most important civil rights leader in history? Use your background knowledge and conduct additional research to defend your choice. Use two pieces of evidence and logical reasoning to support your claim, and be sure to address one counterargument.
-Write an argument about a problem in your school or community that leaders must address. For example, think about a problem related to health care, education, or another important need. Support your claim about why the problem must be addressed with at least one claim and two pieces of evidence, and be sure to address a counterargument.
Part B In the table provided, write a plan for how you’ll develop the different sections of your argument.
Introduction
✓ What the argument? State the argument as an opinion.
✓ What background information does your audience need to understand the argument?
Claim and Evidence
✓ What claim or reason supports your argument/opinion?
✓ What evidence supports your claim? Provide two pieces of evidence.
✓ How does each piece of evidence logically support the claim?
✓ Did you include a counterargument and rebuttal?
Conclusion
✓ Sum up your argument.
✓ Include a call to action.
Part C
Using the plan you created in part B, draft your argument. Use a formal style and objective tone, and be sure to include these elements:
-an argument/opinion statement and any necessary background information
-at least one claim (reason) supporting the argument
-at least two pieces of evidence supporting each claim
-commentary explaining how each piece of evidence logically supports the claim
-a counterargument and rebuttal
Part D
Revise the draft you created in part D. Be sure to review these elements and look for ways to improve them:
-Use phrases and dependent clauses to clarify logical relationships between claims and evidence.
-Review language choices to ensure a consistently formal style and objective tone.
-Use in-text citations to cite your sources of evidence. If needed, review these guidelines for citing your sources using MLA format.
-Finally, edit the draft to eliminate spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
