Argumentative Speech - ELA Grade 8
We humans are constantly working to make our world better in some way. Every day, we can read about another new scientific breakthrough or an improved way of making or doing something. Modernizations often provide small conveniences, like fitness trackers, waterproof sunscreen, self checkouts, or smart doorbell cameras.
Yet, all of these little "improvements" can have big impacts--both good and bad--on how we interact with each other and with our environments.
This assignment gives you a chance to take a closer look at one of your favorite modern conveniences and decide if it really is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Then, convince your audience to believe it, too!
TIME TO EXPLORE
Learn more about something that fascinates,
entertains, interests or intrigues YOU!
entertains, interests or intrigues YOU!
Choose a topic (or three) and dive in!
Start by choosing three modernization topics from the list in the sidebar. As you explore each topic, you're likely to find many different issues related to each topic.
In Points of View, read the Overview, Point, and Counterpoint sections. Reading all three will enable you to better understand the controversy, providing a foundation from which you can broaden your knowledge of the topic.
Select an issue and formulate your research question.
For argumentative research, you should try to come up with a question that you can answer with yes or no. For example:
Topic: Genetically Modified Foods
Are genetically modified foods necessary to feed the growing world population?
Should all genetically modified foods require a warning label?
Should genetically modified foods be banned?
Pick a side and make your claim.
Genetically modified foods are necessary to feed the growing world population.
All genetically modified foods should require a warning label.
Genetically modified foods should be banned.
Dig deeper with Online Resources
Contains general overviews AND detailed articles on your specific modernization topic.
Contains articles that present multiple sides of current issues so you can find out about the positive AND negative impacts of the modernization topic you're exploring.
Contains general information AND detailed articles on your specific topic. Great for learning more about the effects of modernization on our physical and mental health.
Contains general information AND detailed articles on your specific modernization topic.
Newsela Essentials has thousands of current news articles from respected publications. Students can search for nonfiction content that reflects current issues, real-world events, and recent discoveries or findings.
❗FAMS students should sign in with your school account to access unlimited articles and premium content!
When you find a source with interesting information you might want to use, be sure to add the citation and permalink to your Resources doc so you can locate that source again.
For your research project, you need to cite and document evidence to support your argument. Evidence can be what the text says explicitly as well as what the text infers.
When you take notes you should be summarizing, paraphrasing, and indicating if you are quoting a source.
For more details see Step 3: Document of the Research Guide on BadgerLink.
DRAFT, REVISE, and EDIT
Synthesize and organize the information you've found about your topic.
Explain what you've discovered using your own words.
Explain what you've discovered using your own words.
BACK UP YOUR ARGUMENT
WITH VISUAL AIDS
Consider using a digital design tool to create
a dynamic visual display to support your argument
a dynamic visual display to support your argument
