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____________________________________________ Date ___________________ Period _____________

Persuasive Argument Unit Final Project (DUE Thur Nov 5th)

We spent the first half of this unit thinking about what it takes to make a persuasive
argument (Real or Fakewhat would it take to convince you? = evidence), practicing our
writing skills (the Persuasive Argument Pre-Assessment), and gathering background
information on mass shootings (close-reading and responding to the article The Killing
Contagion.) All of this has been leading up to YOU being able to make your own persuasive
argument about a controversial topic: mass shootings.

YOU get to choose how you would like to present your argument.

________ OPTION 1: Semi-Formal Group Debate
Two competing teams will argue the different sides of a topic relating to mass
shootings: Should schools have armed security guards?
You will work with your team to develop your arguments AND to anticipate the
arguments of the opposing team, using evidence from two different articles (these
will be provided.)
The two teams will present their arguments in a semi-formal debate (timed, but
with some flexibility). The class will vote on which team was the most persuasive.
Each team will turn in a written copy of their arguments, counter-arguments, and
citations to the teacher for grading.

Question: In debate, you can but do not necessarily have to argue the position that you
personally agree with. If you select this project, which position would you like to argue?
(Circle one)
For: Schools SHOULD have armed security guards
Against: Schools should NOT have armed security guards.

Why would you prefer to argue this side? _________________________________________________________
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________ OPTION 2: Public Service Announcement Poster
You will decide on one aspect of the mass shooting problem, and find at least one
additional article to provide more information about the problem.
You will design a Public Service Announcement poster EITHER to raise awareness
about the specific problem OR to suggest a solution for it.

You will need to explain and justify your poster by answering a series of questions
and providing direct citations from your article.
You will share your poster to the class in a brief presentation.

Question: If you select this option, brainstorm some possible topics you think you might
like to represent.
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________ OPTION 3: Persuasive Argument Essay
You will close read and annotate at least one additional article about school
shootings.
Based on your two readings, you will create an essay that seeks to persuade its
audience about EITHER the cause of mass shootings (too many guns, mental illness,
revenge/anger, etc.) OR a possible solution to prevent more from happening (gun
control, arm more citizens, mental illness prevention, higher security measures etc.)
using direct evidence from your articles
The essay will be a minimum of three paragraphs, including an introduction and a
conclusion.
You will use brainstorming, outlining, and peer editing to develop and revise your
essay before turning it in.

Question: If you select this option, brainstorm some possible topics about the cause of
mass shootings, ways to prevent more mass shootings, or both. Which topic is the most
interesting to you? ___________________________________________________________________________________
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