Seeking Justice: To Kill a Mockingbird (2020)

Lesson 32
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ELA

Unit 6

8th Grade

Lesson 32 of 35

Objective


Develop strong claim statements, including a counterclaim, and continue to draft body paragraphs.

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Writing Prompt

To Kill a Mockingbird is often considered one of the most significant novels in the history of American literature. And yet there is significant debate around whether it should be taught in schools.

Imagine that your school is considering whether or not to continue teaching this text next year. Write a letter to your school principal explaining your position on this issue and urging him or her to either remove the book from the curriculum or continue teaching it.

In your letter you should:

  • Clearly state your position in a clear claim statement.
  • Explain the primary points on both sides of the argument around the text.
  • Provide quoted textual evidence from at least three sources to support your position.
  • Write a clear introduction and conclusion.

Note: This task is not asking you whether or not you liked the book; your job is to argue whether or not the book is a valuable part of the school curriculum.

Lesson Guidance


  • After looking at the evidence on both sides of the debate, students should take a position.
  • Explain that a strong claim statement will include the writer’s position, as well as the why: To Kill a Mockingbird has no place in the curriculum because…
  • Explain the purpose of a counterclaim and provide an example of what a counterclaim looks like.
  • Have students draft a counterclaim. Although some argue…, To Kill a Mockingbird has no place in the curriculum because…
  • If time remains, have students continue to work on their body paragraphs.

Common Core Standards


  • W.8.1 — Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
  • W.8.1.a — Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
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Lesson 31

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Lesson 33

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