News or Views? 7 th Grade SB 2.16

Take A Stand! Every issue has two sides DEBATE – to present sides of an argument by discussing opposing points For our activity, move to the side of the room with the sign that matches your opinion.

Your School Cafeteria Should Sell Soft Drinks. AGREE?DISAGREE?

Take A Stand! You have two minutes! ~ In your groups, formulate reasoning to rationalize your position.

Take A Stand Each side will have a few minutes to argue your opinions. In a paragraph or two, reflect on the debate and write a summary of the main points in the arguments supported by your opponents. ALSO – evaluate the effectiveness of both arguments.

In the News… Two Types of Text in Newspapers News Article – objectively presents both sides of an issue Editorial – takes a position on one side of an issue and tries to convince readers of the correctness of the position

As We Read… Write the word “pro” in the My Notes section next to information that supports the position of allowing cell phones in school and “con” next to information that opposes it.

News Article “City Schools Cut Parents’ Lifeline (the Cellphone) 1.Look at the opening paragraphs (often called the “lead” in a news story). Note the who, what, when, where, why and how of the story.

List the people and organizations that are against having cell phones in schools. Highlight their main objections. In the My Notes space, make notes about the arguments and whether they are using cause and effect, analogy or authority as their basis News Article “City Schools Cut Parents’ Lifeline (the Cell phone) Place a *star* by the most effective argument.

List the people and organizations that are in favor of having cell phones in schools. Highlight their main reasons for support with a different color. In the My Notes space, make notes about the arguments and whether they are using cause and effect, analogy or authority to support cell phones in schools. News Article “City Schools Cut Parents’ Lifeline (the Cellphone) Place a *star* by the most effective argument.

“Hang It Up” As we read… Mark the text by highlighting words and phrases that express the writer’s opinions about the topic. What side of the issue does the author support?

Editorial: Hang It Up 1.Look at the lead. How does the author choose to open the piece? 2.State the author’s position on the issue. Highlight text that reveals this position 3.Mark the sections of text where the editorial addresses the opposition. Make a note as to whether the author addresses the opposition fairly, and explain why you think so.

Comparing News Article with Editorial