8th Grade Key Terms Kroesch 2017-2018

Essential Question An essential question frames a unit of study as a problem to be explored by the writer It gives direction to research AND writing Beginning with one will help YOU be efficient A good essential question has many areas of exploration Example: What makes a good school? The author first has to define “good” They can use several different criteria for defining this

Essential Question Continued Essential questions do more than present a fact Good questions invite the reader to look over the information and make a statement about it Example: Can comic books be used for more than entertainment? Research: Student Engagement Research: Comic book lexicon Research: Pop Culture Roles Research: Heroes journey in literature Research: Existing classes that use comics

Claim Your point is an opinion generated about the topic using your essential question Your opinion should be one that can be defended with research A strong essential question will not have an obvious “right” point Example: While nutritiously beneficial, the quality of school lunches are a negative to students’ experience

Counterclaim Your essential question should have room for a counterpoint A counterpoint is a differing opinion about your subject that can also be argued with research By presenting the counterpoint and refuting it, you make your own stance stronger Example: School lunches do not need to be enjoyable, they are made with the limited resources of the school, and so, are acceptable as they are

Rebuttal A Rebuttal is a debate technique that strengthens the claim of the speaker By creating a rebuttal, your claim becomes stronger by countering your opposition’s claim. When creating a rebuttal, pick a counterclaim that can be countered by your logic. Arguing subjective (Opinion-based) claims is difficult (since audiences may have different values) Pick something based in facts or statistics to build a rebuttal

EXAMPLES EQ: What can we do to slow down or prevent climate change? Claim: It should be the responsibility of the biggest producers of carbon emissions to take steps to reduce their contributions. Counterclaim: It is impossible for some industries to reduce their carbon emissions without losing profits. Rebuttal: The government could create incentives to help encourage companies to help reduce emissions.