Reading Comprehension, Week 13 Analyzing an author's argument: Three Editorials on the European Refugee Crisis

Overview In this final lesson of the semester, students will apply Toulmin’s model (from Week 12) to the analysis of three editorials about the European and African refugee crisis. These editorials are very similar in the points that they make. In three sections and in small groups, students will analyze one editorial and present their findings to the class. In the second half of class, students will use Toulmin’s model to construct a strong argument in response to the question, What should Morocco’s response be to the Middle Eastern and African refugee crises? Groups will write an editorial of their own, which will be analyzed by another group of students for its “sophistication,” i.e., for containing all the parts of Toulmin’s model. In the second half of the class, students and instructor will review for the Final Exam on Week 14.

First Hour Begin by discussing refugee crises. What causes them? What are some recent ones? Distribute copies of the three editorials (one copy per small group of 4-5 students), perhaps in three sections of the classroom (one editorial per section). Remind the students of Toulmin’s model of argumentation from last week. Have students read the editorial they were given and quickly analyze it using Toulmin. Have one or two groups of students from each section present their analyses. What common elements are found in each of the editorials?

Second Hour Raise the question, What should be Morocco’s response to the refugee crisis in the Middle East and Africa? Brainstorm some possible responses (let them all come to Morocco; help them to pass through Morocco to Europe; build a wall along Morocco’s borders to keep them out, etc.) and record these on the board. Have the students choose one of these responses and write an editorial for the Morocco World News in small groups. Collect the papers. Distribute them to other groups and have the students peer-edit them using Toulmin’s model. Conduct a discussion: Which group had an excellent argument? Why?

Third Hour Begin review for the Final Exam.