Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol Name the C.E.R.S. prompt and both Claim Options Step 1 – Explore the Prompt Prompt: In the movie Clue there are three alternative endings, two of which reveal a particular suspect as the murderer. Choose which ending is the most logical. (EXAMPLE) Claim A: The most logical killer was Ms. Scarlett with Yvette as an accomplice. (EXAMPLE) Claim B: The most logical killer was Mrs. Peacock (EXAMPLE)

Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol 1. Read or Listen to the source for Evidence for Both Sides 2. Suspend your judgment for now! 3. Take notes on both sides for strong, vivid quotes, facts, and/or statistics -T-Charts are recommended! Step 2 – Gather Evidence

Choose a side that supports the Claim for your C.E.R.S. argument. Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol Choose a side that supports the Claim for your C.E.R.S. argument. Step 3 - Pick Sides Claim A Claim B

Click timer to activate Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol Click timer to activate Step 4 - Caucus with Team Caucus with your side’s team Start the 3 minute timer Decide as a team what is the best Evidence and Reasoning for your Claim? Sort through and discuss. 4. Rehearse your argument. Plan to share it organized in the C.E.R.S. format.

Click timers to activate Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol Click timers to activate Step 5 - Face Off! 1. Meet your opponent for a Face Off Decide which side will go first Start the first 2 minute Timer One person States their Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning The other person Listens and takes notes. 2. When the first timer runs out… 3. Switch roles - Start the second 2 minute timer - Repeat above but with switched sides

Click timers to activate Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol Click timers to activate Step 6 – Tell Back Start the first 1 minute timer Tell back to your opponent his or her best points. Q: What Evidence and Reasoning was their most compelling and persuasive? When the first timer runs out… Switch roles - Start the second 2 minute timer - Repeat above but with switched sides

Click timer to activate Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol Click timer to activate Step 7 – Caucus Regroup Start the 3 minute timer Regroup with your side’s team 3. Share the best Evidence and Reasoning that you heard from your opponent’s argument 4. As a group, plan a rebuttal against your opponent’s best Evidence and Reasoning

Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol Click timers to activate Step 8 – Face Off Rebuttal Start the first 1 minute timer Rebuttal with opponent Tell your opponent your rebuttal to their best Evidence and Reasoning. When the timer runs out… Switch roles - Start the second 2 minute timer - Repeat above but with switched sides

Step 9 - Next Steps Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol Either flash draft your STRONGEST C.E.R.S. argument… … Or brainstorm your own Synthesis Considering using a more sophisticated position (not A or B, but C) … Or chart powerful debate moves and strategies Step 9 - Next Steps