1. Discussion Question: Does America truly live up to its name of “land of the free and the home of the brave”? Why or why not?

2. Discussion question continued
Does your answer change when you add murder and capital punishment into the equation?
Consider: our checks and balances system, how people are incarnated, how we can justify taking life, etc.
Consider: What does America need to prosper? How could we set the standard for other nations?

3. Class activity
Are you for or against capital punishment? You cannot have a middle ground here. You either are or you aren’t.
Left side – For
Right side – Against
In your group, come up with 3-4 reasons to support your stance. Use your devices to find some form of evidence (anecdotal, statistics, historical, etc.) to each of your reasons.
I will come around, monitor your progress, and give your things to consider.

4. Outline for an argument
Thesis (acknowledge opposing POV in a dependent clause)
Common ground
Why my position is valid
Opposing ideas  encourage compromise OR refute their ideas (politely)
Lasting impact conclusion