How do we make our voice heard?

In this module, we will explore writing effective op-ed articles - and then put our knowledge to the test by sending our own articles to the Chaffee County Times!

Module summary:

• analyze effective (and published) editorials
• learn the secrets behind writing an effective editorial
• write editorials and submit them for publication

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essential questions

• How do we paraphrase outside sources to back up our claims?
• How do we revise for grammar and punctuation to prepare writing for publication?

goals

• Students will understand that claims must be substantiated by relevant authorities, and that this kind of support can be added to our writing smoothly through paraphrasing
• Students will understand that specific checklists can help look for mechanical errors (grammar, punctuation) in our writing - and that we must look for such errors intentionally

activities

 Tuesday/Wednesday

• Introduce
  • warm-up: four corners discussion
  • review syllabus and expectations
• Expose
  • read and annotate a published editorial
    • annotations: how does the author argue and back up their claim?
  • watch NY Times video on writing an effective editorial
    • take notes on Rosenthal's 7 principles
• Practice
  • write out 2-3 persuasive statements you agree with about different topics
  • choose one statement to focus on for your editorial
  • plan out what you want to say about this topic (think problem and solution)

Wednesday

• Practice, continued
  • research the topic for back-up ideas
  • draft your editorial (450-500 words, precisely)
    • use Google Docs and share with Christine
    • rough outline: 
      • your opinion
      • cause of the problem
      • your recommendations for how to fix/improve
      • intentional conclusion
• conference with Kathy - fill out content feedback form together
• revise content as needed

Thursday

• finish content of editorial
• read your editorial aloud by yourself to check smoothness of writing and clarity of ideas - then revise as needed
• self-edit with mechanics (grammar and punctuation) checklist
• submit revision to Christine (send a comment in the Google Docs when you're done)

Friday

• check in with Kathy on any further revisions needed
• get syllabus signed off

c-tachs

Writing

• Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

Language

• Demonstrate command of conventions of standard English grammar when speaking and writing
• Demonstrate command of standard capitalization and punctuation

resources

Editorializing syllabus
Content evaluation sheet
Mechanics evaluation sheet

Americans Should Serve
File Size:	65 kb
File Type:	pdf

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File Type:	pdf

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