This document outlines the requirements and process for writing a position statement on an environmental issue. Students will research their topic using at least two cited sources, write a 250-word blog post exploring their beliefs, and compose a 3-4 sentence position statement stating their stance. They will present their statement to the class and may rewrite it after completing the unit to reflect how their understanding has changed. The assignment aims to have students directly express their opinions on an environmental subject in a concise yet supported statement.
This document outlines the requirements and process for writing a position statement on an environmental issue. Students will research their topic using at least two cited sources, write a 250-word blog post exploring their beliefs, and compose a 3-4 sentence position statement stating their stance. They will present their statement to the class and may rewrite it after completing the unit to reflect how their understanding has changed. The assignment aims to have students directly express their opinions on an environmental subject in a concise yet supported statement.
This document outlines the requirements and process for writing a position statement on an environmental issue. Students will research their topic using at least two cited sources, write a 250-word blog post exploring their beliefs, and compose a 3-4 sentence position statement stating their stance. They will present their statement to the class and may rewrite it after completing the unit to reflect how their understanding has changed. The assignment aims to have students directly express their opinions on an environmental subject in a concise yet supported statement.
This document outlines the requirements and process for writing a position statement on an environmental issue. Students will research their topic using at least two cited sources, write a 250-word blog post exploring their beliefs, and compose a 3-4 sentence position statement stating their stance. They will present their statement to the class and may rewrite it after completing the unit to reflect how their understanding has changed. The assignment aims to have students directly express their opinions on an environmental subject in a concise yet supported statement.
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Position Statement (100 points):
Due Date _________
Throughout the course we will be looking at environmental issues through reading and discussions. As we all have our own opinions on the impacts of climate change on the world we live in you will need to formulate a statement that states your beliefs. For this assignment you are going to write a position statement taking a stance on your beliefs about the environment and what changes that you believe need to be made. A position statement is an expression of ones beliefs that is to the point delivering the authors stance on a subject. This statement should be no longer than four sentences; anymore and you will be pushing towards writing a full paragraph. Think of this as being a thesis sentence in an essay, you will want an initial declarative statement and 2-3 additional sentences that help support what you are taking a stance on. Your position statement should be direct and concise, so use your words carefully. Remember this is your own position and belief, whether you want to support drilling for oil or reducing carbon emissions take a stance on what you believe. You will not be marked down because your beliefs differ from your classmates or my own beliefs. All steps into writing the position statement must be submitted on time to receive full credit. On the day your position statement is due please come prepared to read aloud your position statement. Expectations - Research that supports your ideas and beliefs, summarized and cited in MLA - 250 word blog post exploring your beliefs - 3-4 sentence position statement stating your beliefs - Read aloud to the class your position statement Process for writing your position statement. Brainstorming (does not need to be typed): Write out one or two of your own beliefs about the environment and what changes you believe need to be made. Think about: - What do I know about this topic or subject? - What information do I need to deepen my understanding? - How does this impact the environment? - What changes do I think need to be made? Research (blog post): Look up two articles on your topic that will be beneficial to deepen your understanding. After you have read these articles please complete the following tasks for each article: 1) Cite article in MLA format 2) Write down two quotes that you found important 3) In one or two sentences explain how this article was helpful to you Prewriting (blog post): Write out 250 words or more to flush out your position and beliefs. This should be rough and exploratory, feel free to include support from what you have researched to help you through
this process. Though you will only be submitting 3 to 4 sentences for your final draft flushing out your beliefs and position will help you think about your own stance from a broader point of view. Publishing of Position Statement (blog post): You will submit your position statement on your blog. The final draft of this should be different than your prewriting. Do not just cut and paste 4 sentences that you think are good. Extension:
The position statement should be returned to at the end of the unit. Students should rewrite a new position statement based on what they have learned over the unit. The new position statement should be different from the original, but can and should be on the same topic as the original. Once students have written a new position statement, they should post both position statements on their blog and write a 500 word reflection on the similarities and differences between the two position statements, how their personal position has shifted or changed, and how what they have learned has influenced their beliefs. Assessment You will be graded on based on 4 criteria: drafting, connection to material and presentation of your photo essay. You will also have a 5% stake in what you would like to be graded on. Research: Citations in MLA Quotes from sources Annotations
_____5 _____10 _____5
Prewriting: Blog post 250 words
_____15
Publishing: Well-articulated statement o Direct statement about beliefs o Reflects research o Demonstrates opinion about subject o Creates entry for conversation o Free of grammatical errors Read aloud or student choice____________________________
Reading for All Purposes 1. Literary criticism of complex texts requires the use of analysis, interpretive, and evaluative strategies f. Demonstrate knowledge of classical foundational works of world literature g. By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 11CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. (CCSS: RL.11-12.10) 2. Ideas, evidence, structure, and style create persuasive, academic, and technical texts for particular audiences and specific purposes a. Determine an authors point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness or beauty of the text. (CCSS: RI.11-12.6) c. Use reading and note-taking strategies (outlining, mapping systems, skimming, scanning, key word search) to organize information and make connections within and across informational texts e. Obtain and use information from text and text features (index, bold or italicized text, subheadings, graphics) to answer questions, perform specific tasks, or identify and solve problems g. By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 11CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. (CCSS: RI.11-12.10)
Writing 1. Style, detail, expressive language, and genre create a well-crafted statement directed at an intended audience and purpose a. Use a range of elaboration techniques (such as questioning, comparing, connecting, interpreting, analyzing, or describing) to establish and express point of view and theme b. Create a clear and coherent, logically consistent structure appropriate to the chosen literary genre (biographical account, short story, personal narrative, narrative poem or song, parody of particular narrative style, play script) 2. Ideas, evidence, structure, and style create persuasive, academic, and technical texts for particular audiences and specific purposes c. Address audience needs and anticipate audience questions or misunderstandings d. Select and build context for language appropriate to content (technical, formal) e. Control and enhance the flow of ideas through transitional words or phrases appropriate to text structure f. Support judgments with substantial evidence and purposeful elaboration g. Draw a conclusion by synthesizing information h. Revise writing using feedback to maximize effect on audience and to calibrate purpose. Follow the conventions of standard English to write varied, strong, correct, complete sentences
3. Standard English conventions effectively communicate to targeted audiences and
purposes a. Deliberately manipulate the conventions of standard English for stylistic effect appropriate to the needs of a particular audience and purpose b. Seek and use an appropriate style guide to govern conventions for a particular audience and purpose c. Seek and use an appropriate style guide to govern conventions for a particular audience and purpose Research and Reasoning 1. Independent research designs articulate and defend information, conclusions, and solutions that address specific contexts and purposes c. Critique and defend sources and information based on credibility, relevance and appropriateness relative to context and purpose 2. Logical arguments distinguish facts from opinions; and evidence defines reasoned judgment Identify false premises or assumptions c. Analyze rhetorical devices used in own and others appeals d. Summarize ideas that include alternate views, rich detail, well-developed paragraphs, and logical argumentation Oral Expression and Listening 1. Effective speaking in formal and informal settings requires appropriate use of methods and audience awareness a. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks. (CCSS: SL.11-12.4) e. Choose specific words and word order for intended effect and meaning
