ARGUMENT IS EVERYWHERE!

Using the Writer’s Notebook in Daily Argument Writing

A mini-unit designed to introduce daily argument writingi3 College Ready Writers Program

National Writing Project2014

Finding Opinions & Leveraging the Writer’s Notebook in Daily Argument Writing

• Collect ideas, save thinking• List writing territories• Quick Lists• Schedule of My Day• Writing Sprints

Responding to the world and creating a voice --

Arguments are everywhere.

Quick List

• 1-2: Two ways you spend your time• 3-4: Two things you like that others might not• 5-6: Two topics you are talking about• 7-8: Two TV shows or books you are watching/reading• 9-10: Two things others like but you don’t• 11: Anything on your mind

• Star ones you’re ready to write about.

Schedule of My Day: Donald Graves

• Write down your schedule• Code the list—mark “A” on each topic that you

have an opinion about or could find an argument about

• Why use this?

5:45 Get up, fix breakfast5:55 Turn on radio6:10 Wake kids

etc.

Writing Sprints

• 1 minute, timed writing

• Share a “start” with a partner.

• Why a sprint?

Making Claims at a Glance

• Helps students see themselves as observers of the world

• Demonstrates how quickly we form opinions• Provides practice in reacting in writing

Faceinabook - billboard

The animal Rescue League in Berk County Pennsylvania has a Book Buddies Program for children in grades 1-8. The children

read to cats that are available for adoption. Yahoo News 2-22-14

Excerpt:

Is your doctor on a drug maker's payroll?

Our view The Editorial Board, USATODAY8:44 p.m. EST February 20, 2014

This week, drug and device manufacturers began reporting to the government. A report found 22 doctors who received $500,000 from major drug companies. GlaxoSmithKline announced that it is moving to stop paying doctors for speaking engagements and attending medical conventions.

Doctors have long gotten small favors from drug makers: pads with logos, a deli tray sent to the office, tickets to sporting events and free drug samples. But in recent years, those trinkets have evolved into big money for doctors paid to speak to other doctors about new drugs, often using canned scripts provided by the pharmaceutical companies.

Critical Reading / Stop and Jot

Choose an article that will spark controversy.

• Mark 3 dots (randomly)• Read up to the dot• Pause at dot• Write: Pull a line or react to the text. (Possible questions to consider

as you respond)– What reactions do you have to the evidence/information or claims in the

text/– What do you know about the topic or claims that might be added to the

information in the text?– What is your view on the topic or claims in the text?

• Continue reading, pausing, writing

Looping / Peter Elbow

• Read over your “stop and jot” entry.• Find a word, phrase, or line that is interesting

to you.• Write it at the top of a new page.• Write ONLY from that phrase. Push for

surprise—try to write to discover new ideas.

• Why Looping?

Creating Habits of Writing: Doing and Making

• Developing and thinking through ideas• Developing fluency• Developing stamina• Developing habit of looking at the world and

responding

Exit slip

• Make a claim about argument writing.

• List one takeaway from this mini-unit.