In this unit, students will learn how to form an argument supported by relevant textual evidence. Students will read Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez to help determine their personal definitions of freedom and what they would sacrifice in order to be free. The goal is to expose students to texts outside of the US. They will be able to compare and contrast their freedoms to freedoms in other countries. Students will be able to analyze and argument what steps are necessary to take in order to achieve freedom.
9-10 Argument Writing: Informational Text Sample Unit
In this informational text unit, students will read a variety of speeches from prominent figures in history regarding their views on freedom. Ideally, this unit will follow Unit 3, which encourages students to develop their own definition of freedom. Students will then use their prior knowledge to analyze and evaluate whether or not the speakers have valid arguments to achieve freedom. Sample speeches and accompanying videos have been suggested, however, speeches can be added per teacher’s discretion. By the end of the unit, students should be able to support a valid argument with relevant evidence. They will present their arguments as a speech to the class.