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Reading and Writing Workshop

Voice and Choice – Argument and Persuasion
Overview:​

• Theme: Voice and Choice
• Sessions: 6 sessions
• Text Types: Letters to the editor, speeches, advertisements (all from the public domain)
• Standards:
  • RI.6.8 – Trace and evaluate arguments
  • W.6.1 – Write arguments with clear reasons and evidence
  • SL.6.3 – Evaluate a speaker’s argument and specific claims

Session-by-Session Breakdown
Session 1: What Is an Argument?

• Focus: Understanding claims, reasons, and evidence
• Text: Letter to the Editor: “Why Students Need Recess”
  Source: The Public Domain Review
  URL: https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/the-new-york-times-letters-to-the-editor-1890-1920
  (Search: “children and schools” section)
• Activities:
  • Identify the claim, supporting reasons, and evidence.
  • Group discussion: Is the argument convincing? Why?
• Standards Focus: RI.6.8

Session 2: Evaluating Arguments in Speeches

• Focus: Evaluate argument quality and persuasive techniques
• Text: Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” (1851)
  URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14941
• Activities:
  • Highlight persuasive techniques (e.g., repetition, rhetorical questions).
  • Debate preparation: Which parts of her argument are strongest?
• Standards Focus: SL.6.3

Session 3: Writing Your Own Argument

• Focus: Writing a clear claim with supporting evidence
• Text Model: Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” (excerpt)
  URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/19211
• Activities:
  • Students write a short opinion piece using a claim and three supporting reasons.
  • Peer review for clarity, logic, and effective use of evidence.
• Standards Focus: W.6.1

Session 4: Persuasion in Advertising

• Focus: Recognizing persuasive language and emotional appeals
• Text: WWI Poster: “I Want YOU for U.S. Army” (1917)
  URL: https://www.loc.gov/item/93500076/
• Activities:
  • Analyze how language and visuals work together to persuade.
  • Create an advertisement (print or digital) for a cause or issue students care about.
• Standards Focus: RI.6.8, W.6.1

Session 5: Speaking Your Argument

• Focus: Delivering and evaluating spoken arguments
• Text: Susan B. Anthony’s “On Women’s Right to Vote” (1873)
  URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37683
• Activities:
  • Group presentations: each student presents their argument orally.
  • Listeners evaluate presentations for clarity, logic, and use of persuasive techniques.
• Standards Focus: SL.6.3

Session 6: Final Project – Publish or Present

• Focus: Final writing or speaking project using all learned skills
• Student Choice Board:
  • Write a new letter to the editor on a contemporary issue
  • Create a persuasive poster or multimedia ad
  • Deliver a persuasive speech to the class
• Assessment:
  • Rubrics aligned to RI.6.8, W.6.1, SL.6.3
  • Student reflection: How did I use my voice to express my choice?