Messana

Toxicology Writing Assignment After analyzing various texts regarding the USE of CHEMICALS in MEDICINE, FOOD PRESERVATION, CROPS & SANITATION, please write an ESSAY that argues YOUR position on RISKS VS BENEFITS of using chemicals in one of theses areas. Please SUPPORT YOUR POSITION with evidence from the text. Be sure to acknowledge COMPETING VIEWS and GIVE EXAMPLES from past and current events to clarify your position.

Exemplary 100% Proficient 86% Emerging 73% Not Yet Demonstrated 60% Introduction Background/His tory Defining the Problem Thesis Statement 10 points Well-developed introduction engages the reader and creates interest. Contains detailed background information and a clear explanation of the problem. Thesis clearly states a significant and compelling position. 10 pts Introduction creates interest and contains background information. Thesis clearly states a problem and the writer’s position is evident. 9 pts Introduction adequately explains the background of the problem, but may lack clarity. Thesis states a problem, but writer’s position may not be evident. 8pts Background details are a random collection of information, are unclear, and may be loosely related to the topic. Thesis/position is vague or not stated. 6 pts Argumentative Points Body Paragraphs Refutation Conclusion 40 points Well-developed argumentative points directly support the writer’s thesis/position. Supporting examples are concrete and detailed. Commentary is logical and well thought out. Refutation acknowledges opposing viewpoints clearly and skillfully. Conclusion revisits the thesis in a new way and applies the writer’s position universally. 40 pts Most argumentative points are related to the thesis, but one may lack sufficient support of deviates from thesis. Refutation acknowledges opposing viewpoint(s) with some logic and clarity. Conclusion summarizes thesis and key points with some “fresh” commentary present. 34 pts More than one argumentative point lacks sufficient details and support. Writer attempts to address one or more opposing arguments, but the writer may not refute the opposition clearly or adequately. Conclusion mirrors introduction too closely, with little or not new commentary on the writer’s thesis/position. 29 pts. Most argumentative points are poorly developed. Refutation is missing or vague. Commentary is not present. Conclusion does not revisit the thesis or summarize key argumentative point(s). 24 pts Community House Middle School – Argumentative Essay Rubric (p 14 )

BRAINSTORM…. In groups of 4 All Write: The Effects of Chemicals in notebook (p 15) Individually: LIST the first 3 things that come to mind when you wrote this Group Share: Each person in the grp shares what he/she said. If the response is different than your own, please add it to your list in your notebook Individually: Please place a YELLOW around the POSITIVE effects; place a RED around the NEGATIVE EFFECTS

Individual Assignments within Group According to your assignment, you will read & research information regarding the use of chemicals in your area Card A: Medicine Card B: Food Preservation Card C: Crops Card D: Sanitation

Topic of Your Assignment (Write out a chart that looks like this on p. 16 of your notebook) RISKS 1) …….. 2) …….. 3) …….. 4) etc BENEFITS 1) …….. 2) …….. 3) ………. 4) etc

Using the EOG Booklet…1 st text reference Chapter 16: Chemicals and Human Health….please do the following 1) Everyone: please READ p 131 silently 2) Using pgs 132 – 135, please find YOUR assignment area 3) Please read YOUR SECTION and in your notebook, please write down the risks & benefits within your topic on your RISKS vs BENEFITS chart 4) Using your 2 nd text reference, HARMFUL CHEMICALS handout, please read YOUR section and add information to your chart

As a group…. 1) On chart paper create 4 CATEGORIES: Medicine, Food Preservation, Crops, Sanitation 2) Make a RISKS vs BENEFITS chart under each category 3) Write information for each category in the appropriate areas on your group chart 4) One person from group, please place completed chart on wall area

Gallery Walk…. 1) Individually, walk around the class with your sticky notes and write down any ?s/comments you have for the different categories or add information from your research to the categories on the other charts 2) Return to group, and discuss your discoveries from your walk 3) As a group, using the information you have gathered, please decide on a CONCLUSIVE STATEMENT and write it in your notebooks under your RISKS vs BENEFITS CHART….. CONCLUSION: What is the common thread of the effects of chemicals?

HOMEWORK (MUST have with you by NEXT class period so that you can work on your essay. 45% grade!!) Please do the following….. 1) Research YOUR CATEGORY (Medicine, Food Preservation, Crops, Sanitation) 2) Find at least 3 more sources of information 3) Add information to your RISKS vs BENEFITS chart from class. 4) Bring all info to class & be prepared to write rough draft of argumentative essay!

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ( 1 -2 pgs) Please refer to your rubric to ensure all components of essay are included! 1) Thesis Statement (CLEARLY stated!!) 2) Within argumentative piece…. a) State YOUR position (directly supporting your thesis) b) Support your opinion with FACTS from the articles c) Provide counter argument – refutation must clearly acknowledge the opposing viewpoint d) Conclusion ~ MUST revisit the thesis DO A FABO JOB Lil Darlings !!

WARM – UP OR…..EXIT TICKET PLEASE go to Chapter 16 Review p. 136 in EOG Booklet & answer Qs 1-6 on page 17 in your notebook.