9th Activity 3.5 + Grammar Practice

​Activity 3.5: When Anecdote Becomes Argument

Essential Question:
How can a personal story be used to make an argument?

By Amari Beard

Learning Targets:

Today I will:

• Write clear sentences that explain ideas

• Identify how an author uses a personal story to support an argument

• Determine who the author is writing to and why

Multiple Choice

DO NOW (GRAMMAR WARM-UP)

Which sentence is clearer?

Be ready to explain your answer.

• A. Working is good for teenagers.

• B. Working helps teenagers develop responsibility and independence.

​Why Clarity Matters(Mini-Lesson)

Clear sentences help readers understand an argument.

Clear sentences:

• Explain what the author believes

• Explain why

• Avoid vague words like good, bad, stuff, things

Fix the Sentence(I do/We Do)

Original Sentence:
Teenagers should work because it’s good.

Improved Sentence(My Sentence):
Teenagers should work because it teaches responsibility and independence.


Practice(You do):
Kids should work during the summer.

Think:

• Why should they work?

• What does work teach them?

Multiple Choice

Which sentence best explains an idea clearly and would work in an argument?

• A. Teenagers working is good for them.

• B. Teenagers should work because it helps them learn things.

• C. Teenagers benefit from working because it builds responsibility and independence.

• D. Teenagers working helps stuff happen.

Activity 3.5 Pg 336: Close Reading

As we read:

• Underline places where the author criticizes kids or parenting today

• Circle words you don’t know

• Focus on the story he tells

Working from The Text

For each section of the essay, you and your group will figure out:

1. What does Sasse SAY here?

   • What is happening in this part?

   • What story, idea, or claim is he sharing?

2. What is Sasse DOING here?

   • Is he telling a story?

   • Giving an opinion?

   • Criticizing something?

   • Explaining his argument?

Writing a Public Service Announcement

Task:
Reread paragraphs 12–20 of “What to Do with the Kids This Summer? Put ’Em to Work.”
In this section, Sasse tells parents what they should do. Use his ideas to write a 1-minute Public Service Announcement that answers:

“What should parents do with their kids this summer?”

Your PSA must:

• ✔ Include a clear call to action (tell parents what to do)

• ✔ Give reasons or examples that support your message

• ✔ Use language that would appeal to parents

• ✔ Include catchy phrases or ideas from Sasse’s essay

Length: About 8–10 sentences
Audience: Parents