Unit 3 Independent Texts
Unit Home | Writing Task | Anchor Texts | Small Group Texts | Independent Texts
Embedded Files
💡 You may choose which text students will read for their independent tasks or allow them to choose their own.
Text Options
Text Options
Science‐Fiction Cradlesong by C.S. Lewis
UFO Sightings and News by Benjamin Radford
from Packing for Mars by Mary Roach
Trip to Mars Could Damage Astronauts' Brains by Laura Sanders
Support/Resources
💡 This writing task should be completed as independently as possible as a timed on-demand assessment (1-2 days).
Performance-Based Assessment: On-Demand/Timed Argument
Performance-Based Assessment: On-Demand/Timed Argument
Writing Prompt
In this unit you read about space exploration, real and imagined, from various perspectives. Some authors argued in favor of continued or increased exploration of the frontiers of space. Other authors warned of the dangers that may come as a result of it.
Write an argument in which you state and defend a claim in response to the following question:
Should we spend valuable resources on space exploration?
Use credible evidence from the selections that you read and researched in this unit to justify your claim. Support your claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, and organize your ideas effectively so that your argument is easy to follow. Remember to address counterclaims, or alternative viewpoints, to your position. Use a formal tone in your writing.
Academic Vocabulary
justify
alternative
certainty
discredit
assumption
💡 It is essential to have students use these words throughout the unit, particularly in their performance tasks/assessments.
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