Topic: Modern Technology
Essential Question: How is modern technology helpful and harmful to society?
Performance Mode: Argument
Reading
6.RL.6 When reading texts, including those from diverse cultures, determine the theme, how characters respond to conflict or how the speaker reflects upon a topic, and summarize the text.
6.RI.6 When reading texts, including those from diverse cultures, determine the main idea of a text, explain how they are supported by key details and summarize the text.
6.R.8 Determine the meaning of words and phrases, including figurative language, connotative meanings, and figures of speech. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings within a text.
6.RI.11 Analyze how the author distinguishes a perspective and/or position from that of others.
6.R.13 Evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
6.RI.14 Compare one author’s presentation of events with that of another.
Writing
6.W.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, and provide a concluding section related to the argument presented.
a. Introduce claims supported by evidence from credible sources, and create an organizational structure in which claims are logically grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
b. Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claims and evidence.
c. Use appropriate conventions and style for the audience, purpose, and task.
6.W.4 Conduct short research projects to craft an argument or answer a question.
a. Gather, synthesize, and use information from credible sources on the topic.
b. Generate ideas to demonstrate understanding of the topic under investigation.
c. Avoid plagiarism by quoting or paraphrasing and provide basic bibliographic information for sources.
d. Interact and collaborate with others throughout the writing process.
convince
certain
sufficient
declare
various
💡 It is essential to have students use these words throughout the unit, particularly in their performance tasks/assessments.
Unit Supplementary Resources
Anything But Typical | Nora Raleigh Baskin | 640L
Classified | Traci Sorell and Natasha Donovan | 940L
Counting by 7s | Holly Goldberg Sloan | 770L
El Deafo | Cece Bell | NP
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library | Chris Grabenstein | 720L
Holler of the Fireflies | David Barclay Moore | 670L
The Invention of Hugo Cabret | Brian Selznick | 820L
Out of My Mind | Sharon M. Draper | 700L
Ugly | Robert Hoge | 890L
Wonder | R.J. Palacio | 790L
A Wrinkle in Time | Madeleine L’Engle | 740L
CommonLit Alternate Argumentative Unit
The Power of Play
Essential Question: How can we make recess work for middle school?