1. Purpose: To write a multi-paragraph essay that establishes a problem with Neshaminy’s course offerings and provides a reasonable solution, proven through credible and ample research. Create a defensible claim. Learn methods for researching a single topic using various resources. Blend quotations properly into the essay. Understand how to adequately construct an argument and support it with credible and reliable research. Write multiple drafts of the essay (pre-write, drafting, revision and editing). Recognize the difference between plagiarism and paraphrasing. Correctly cite a source and quotations used in research. Create a research paper with proper citations and Works Cited page.

2. Pre-write
Would you rather be able to pause the world around you or silence it?
Would you rather be able to fast forward life or rewind it?
Would you rather live in a world without cell phones or a world without computers?
Would you rather spend a five-hour car ride with Kayne West or Beyonce?
Take a stand and defend your position with reasons.
Discussion: What makes for a good stand? What makes for good reasons? How is a person convincing?

3. Fishbowl Discussion:
Outer Fishbowl: Take notes in the T-chart on the following page for both rounds of the discussion.
Round 1 Fishbowl: Each of the six students will provide reasons for their claim whether the article agreed or disagree on the issue based on the Student A’s stance. The guide will move the conversation along from point to point. Students on the outside will take notes of the main points of each article.
Round 2 Fishbowl: Each of the six students in the inner fishbowl will no longer represent their claim, but instead argue their stance on the issue. The guide will manage the discussion (clarify, ask for explanations, etc.) The students on the outside of the fishbowl will take notes on the discussion.
Round 3 Fishbowl: The outside circle will share what points they thought the members of the inner circle made that were strong (convincing) and why. The guide will then decide whether he or she has changed his or her mind on the issue, or has decided to stay with the previous point of view.
At the end of class, submit your notes for credit. Inner fishbowl students will receive points if he or she contributed to the discussion.

4. Pre-write Day 2
Make a list of all of the things that are wrong with school (there is no limit to how long your list can be).
Now, make a list of what you think your parents would say is wrong with school (there is not limit to how long your list can be).

5. Pre-write
Now that you have a running list of what is wrong about school, identify what about the class you proposed in your timed writing would solve one or a few of these issues.
Problems:
Solutions: (because of your class)

6. Pre-write
Following the chart, put your side of the argument on the left (what class you think should be added).
Then, think about someone that would disagree with you (a teacher, another student, an administrator, a parent, etc.) and write what their argument would be.
Then, at the bottom, fill out what your response would be to that person who disagrees and what that person’s response to your argument would be.