Analyzing Evidence to Take a Position on a Writing Prompt

This lesson teaches students how to take a position on a writing prompt by analyzing evidence for each side. It involves planning a response, listing evidence for agreeing or disagreeing with a prompt, and evaluating which side has the strongest evidence. The lesson emphasizes the importance of selecting a position based on the quality of evidence rather than quantity. Students learn to create a graphic organizer to list reasons for both sides and judge the evidence to make an informed decision. The lesson concludes with a recap of the process.

What is the main task described in the lesson introduction?

• Designing a new playground

• Creating a poem about school

• Writing a letter to the principal

• Writing a story about recess

Why is it important to analyze evidence from both sides before taking a position?

• To find the position with the strongest evidence

• To ensure you have the most evidence

• To confuse the reader

• To make the letter longer

What is a common mistake when choosing a position?

• Writing too many reasons

• Picking a position without evidence

• Choosing based on personal preference

• Ignoring the prompt

Which of the following is a reason to agree with the principal's decision?

• Children need exercise

• Recess helps with social skills

• Studying is more important

• School is too boring

What is a reason to disagree with the principal's decision?

• Recess causes too much noise

• Children need exercise to stay healthy

• Recess is a waste of time

• Recess damages the grass

What should you do after listing the evidence for each side?

• Ignore the evidence and choose randomly

• Ask a friend for their opinion

• Judge which side has the strongest evidence

• Write the letter immediately

What was the final decision made in the lesson?

• Agree with the principal

• Disagree with the principal

• Write a neutral letter

• Not to write the letter at all