Thursday, December 4th

Today students worked on identifying and writing main ideas and details.  First, they worked with their table groups to find main ideas and supporting evidence in several short passages.  Then they worked in larger groups based on height to make an effective persuasive paragraph.  After each group shared, we evaluated the arguments.  Students determined that arguments based on factual evidence were much stronger than arguments based on opinion.  Furthermore, arguments that were "important" were more effective.  For example, arguments based on safety or essential human needs were more effective than arguments based on toys or recreational activities.

Students then worked with a partner to complete a peer review of the homework reading response.  Students completed at least two revisions and then moved on to work on their projects.  

For your reference, this term's writing assessment will be completed over two days during the last week of the term.  We will be completing class activities, like the ones we did today, to work on crafting effective main ideas, eliminating weak arguments, and revising work.  Students who complete their work and make a sincere effort should have no difficulty on the assessment.