Counterclaim Paragraph

The basic formula for a counter claim paragraph is as follows:

• Counterclaim Paragraph Transition
• Opposing Point of View
• Evidence for Opposing Point of View
• Refuting Transition
• Refute Opposing Point of View
• Evidence
• Proving Justifier
• Restate your Point of View and Opposing 

  

Example:

        On the contrary, (insert opposing point of view). As stated in the text, " (insert evidence to support opposing claim) ". However, (insert what disproves opposing point of view and supports your view). The article also states that (evidence to support your view). Obviously, (conclude the paragraph by asserting your view and disproving the opposing). 

The Rush for Riches-Article

The Rush for Riches

The Rush to Riches

The article The Rush to Riches on Teen Biz 3000 is about the 1849 California Gold Rush. We will be doing what is called a Socratic Seminar on Monday, November 23, during class. A Socratic Seminar is a class discussion on the topic that presents opinions and a information to support those opinions. To make sure that you are prepared, you will be researching the 1849 California Gold Rush and evidence to support the whether the gold rush had a positive or negative effect. Find evidence for both sides of the discussion, as you will not know which side you are arguing for until Monday. Mrs. Samuel will pose the question at the start of the Seminar and the rest will be up to you and your classmates. Here is a link to help you get started with your research. http://www.history.com/topics/gold-rush-of-1849
Good Luck!!

Thesis Statement and Body Paragraph Assignment

This week, we have been working diligently on composing an informative thesis and body paragraphs based on our planning sheets for the article Welcome to Great Falls Park. The requirements for a body paragraph are as follows:

• Transition
• Topic Sentence
• Evidence 1
• Elaboration on evidence 1
• Evidence 2 
• Elaboration on evidence 2
• Evidence 3
• Elaboration on evidence 3
• Justifier with closing sentence

The basic template for what is expected is below:

      Transition, + restate the topic + because/results in/result of + reason #1. Based on information presented in (Article Name) , (evidence). The evidence provided shows (elaboration). In paragraph number (#) it states, (evidence). This proves (elaboration). The author also states (evidence). This information (elaboration). Justifier, + restate the topic + because/results in/result of + reason #1.

When restating the topic, make sure that you state it differently than you did previously. Elaboration should explain the relation between the evidence, topic, and reason.

Assignment

Utilize the thesis statement that you composed to create two body paragraphs. For assistance with transitions and citing evidence, please refer to your reference sheets "Transitional Words & Phrases" and "Examples of Citing Evidence". If further assistance is necessary, please feel free to email me at samuelela8@gmail.com.

Conjuctions

Today, students made a new entry into their SWAG Books on Conjunctions. Please follow the directions and copy the information from the slide below on page G1 in your SWAG Books.

New Grammar Section in SWAG Book

Today, students created a new section in their SWAG books for grammar lessons. To create this section, number the last ten pages of your SWAG book G1 - G20. The first entry in the SWAG book Grammar Section is as follows:

• Across the top of page G1 write Parts of Speech.
• On the first line, write Pronouns.
• Following this write the definition: Words that take the place of a noun.
• Copy the chat below:

• Once you have copied this chart, place a RED X over 1st and 2nd person pronouns. This will serve as a reminder that going forward, 1st and 2nd person pronouns will not be used in your writing unless otherwise stated. 

Argumentative - Claim

On Monday, students begin learning the concept of composing a claim. To compose a claim, students need to follow this formula:

Claim Formula: Claim stem + because + reason #1, + reason #2, + and + reason #3.

Write the above formula in your SWAG Book on page 24, after titling the page "Writing A Claim".

Following the claim formula, copy your class's example.

Period 2
American students should learn another language besides English because it gives better job opportunities, stimulates the brain, and develops cross-cultural communication.

Period 3
American students should be required to learn a second language besides English because it brings people together, improves job security, and enhances English grammar skills.

Period 5
American students should learn another language besides English because it gives better job opportunities, improves cognitive development, and provides better social interaction.

Period 6
American students should learn a second language besides English because it improves English language skills, enhances cognitive development, and increases job opportunities.

Then, color code the class example based on the formula. After this step, use your reasons from the Argumentative Evidence assignment and compose a claim as practice in your SWAG book utilizing the claim formula.