ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING UNIT

Day 8, Friday, 3/10/17, 50 minutes

Teacher: Miriam Gueck

Subject Area: U.S. Literature Grade Level: 11 School: Fort Collins High School
Unit Title: Argumentative Writing Unit
Lesson Title: SAT Prep: SAT Language and Writing portion timed simulation; Draft/revise
Argumentative Essay

Standards:
Standard: 3. Writing and Composition
3. Writing demands ongoing revisions and refinements for grammar, usage,
mechanics, and clarity
a. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and
usage when writing or speaking. (CCSS: L.11-12.1)
i. Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time,
and is sometimes contested. (CCSS: L.11-12.1a)
ii. Resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references (e.g.,
Merriam-Websters Dictionary of English Usage, Garners Modern American
Usage) as
needed. (CCSS: L.11-12.1b)
iii. Use a variety of phrases (absolute, appositive) accurately and purposefully to
improve writing
iv. Use idioms correctly, particularly prepositions that follow verbs
v. Ensure that a verb agrees with its subject in complex constructions (such as inverted
subject/verb order, indefinite pronoun as subject, intervening phrases or clauses)
vi. Use a style guide to follow the conventions of Modern Language Association (MLA) or
American Psychological Association (APA) format
vii. Use resources (print and electronic) and feedback to edit and enhance writing for
purpose and audience
a. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling when writing. (CCSS: L.11-12.2)
i. Observe hyphenation conventions. (CCSS: L.11-12.2a)

Learning Target:

Students will experience the SAT Writing and Language Test Simulation
Students will continue to draft the Argumentative Essay

Success Criteria:

Students will take a timed simulation of the SAT Writing and Language test, recording answers
on scantron forms
Students will continue to draft and revise their Argumentative Essays

Materials Needed (include page numbers, supplies, resources):

36 Physical copies of SAT Writing and Language Test
36 scantrons
Extra No. 2 pencils
ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING UNIT
Day 8, Friday, 3/10/17, 50 minutes

Argumentative Essay research

laptops

Anticipatory Set (optional):

After greeting students I will talk about how taking the timed practice test will alleviate anxiety on test
day since theyll have already experienced this type of situation. I will advise them to answer the
questions they know, and with the time they have left, to do their best with the rest. I will tell them
to have an amazing spring break, and show/remind them that our first Argumentative Essay workshop
is the Tuesday after break, March 21st, that they need to bring a 3-page draft of their essay that day,
and that failure to do so will result in a 10% deduction from their final essay grade. Phones cannot be
on desks or on their person, and absolutely no talking during the test. I will tell them to turn their
tests over and begin the timer.
(5 min)

Procedure (step by step through the lesson activities):

I will administer a timed simulation of the SAT Writing and Language test. I will walk around several
times to ensure phones are put away and to let students feel supported.
I will grade students notes from yesterday and return them when the timed test is over.
I will offer support during essay drafting/revising time.
(44 min)

Closure (optional):
Have an awesome Spring Break!!
(1 min)

Evaluation/Assessment:
SAT Writing and Language Test
Essay drafts