Module 2

The objectives for Week 2 are as follows:

• • Define "social issues" and submit topics that interest you;

  • Identify the main idea and supporting detail from an online article;

At the end of this week, you will have:

• • Submitted your vote on which social issue we will study for the next few weeks!

  • Watched a short slideshow on distinguishing between main ideas and supporting details;

  • Read and reviewed an article;

  • Submitted a short writing sample that summarizes the main idea and supporting details of an article.

This unit, we will be buidling our persuasive writing skills through a study of social issues. To get started, Google the phrase "Define Social Issues." What do you find? In other words, what is a social issue? And, what are some examples of social issues that we can observe in New Orleans? In America?

Simply speaking, a social issue is a problem that affects people. On a larger level, social issues are problems that affect large groups of people and weaken our communities. For example, drug abuse and gun violence are two examples of social issues in New Orleans and in America.

In order to build our reading comprehension, critical thinking, and research skills, we will be studying 1 specific social issue this unit. In order to determine which social issues is best, we will be completing a class poll, in which everyone will get to vote on which issue they'd like to study this unit. So to get started, check out this giant list of social issues! Then, complete the short survey below:

After you complete the survey, continue on with this week's lesson by accessing Module 2.1 here.