Finding Supporting Ideas

Research writers take special care to organize their notes into 'Supporting Categories.' THIS  IS THE MOST CHALLENGING STEP OF BUILDING AN ARGUMENT.  Once you have your supporting categories, you can start to build your thesis/claim. Look at the these two samples below:

What categories could these research facts be organized into?

Reading Classes: H/W - Make sure your supporting topics and have written your supporting topic sentences in the graphic organizer. 

Don't just 'talk the  talk' - WALK THE TALK - click link to find out more http://www.dosomething.org/

Research Day

Membean: Feedback 1

C/D & E/F Classes

You should be finished with your research by the end of today.  Many of you will have begun to draft your thesis statements. Remember: Go to an earlier blog post to find links to the thesis generators.

Don't forget: 10 mins of Membean for tomorrow

G/H Class
You will have begun your research. You should have collected your sources and be finished researching by END OF CLASS Thursday.

I was once introduced to the phrase, "what goes around, comes around." It never really clicked to begin with. Now it does...

Let's Get Down to Business...

You are now working independently on your 'Research Based Argument'

Use this file to collect all of your notes for your research based argument:  What is the ISSSSSUE?

Use this resource on MONDAY to for  research: Advanced Search Tips

My expectation is that you have a topic and have collected your four sources by Tuesday. Some of you will have already gone on to begin taking notes. Those of you who have not selected your own topic are STRONGLY advised to choose a topic from this list: (sources linked)

Nuclear Power
College Education
What is a Healthy Diet?
Cell Phones

You must keep up to date by showing your progress through the stages of the report using BOTH the online chart (see right column) and the chart on my white board in the classroom

Reading Classes
H/W - 10 mins of Membean Practice
Suggested H/W: Begin reading and taking notes from 1 or two of your sources.

Due Date for Final Piece: Wednesday 11th C/D & E/F Classes. Friday 13th G/H Classes

Show a little kindness...

Research Based Argument: Presentation Options

Use this link for class: Jumpcut Videos: How to Make One 

Retakes: A number of students have asked to resubmit a piece of work or retake a test. You are very welcome to do so. (Perhaps people are aware of the upcoming report card!) Please come by and see me and write your name down on the board.

Research Based Argument: Coming Soon
We will use this resource on MONDAY to begin our research: Advanced Search Tips

Your topic can be simple -but expertly researched. e.g.


THINKING H/W -Make sure you have an idea for your research based argument. We will begin researching on Monday. Students who don't have ideas will be given a topic to research. (It is better that you have your own). You can ask your parents for ideas


Optional H/W: Thanksgiving Toast

Use your public speaking skills to deliver a Thanksgiving Toast to your family. Take the time to address each member of your family and tell them why that person is so special to you.  This would truly put a smile on your family members' faces. Take care!

Have a truly relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving. Rest, relax, and have plenty of fun. Don't forget your little 'Thanksgiving' toast at the dinner table.


 Enjoying Life  - Sometimes you got a just have a good giggle...
 What would you do it you discovered your parents had eaten all your Halloween candy?

B.E.V.E.S.

Thesis Generator: Use this link

Copy.paste your thesis statement into this doc: Thesis Statement Practice

You will be assessed on your short presentation tomorrow using this criteria.

H/W: Minimum of 15 minutes Membean practice. (Due: Next Monday)

Remember: You must have an idea (that is easy to research) for a topic for your research based argument.

Planning Gird attached here: What is the ISSSSSUE? We will spend both reading and writing classes in December working through this piece. The final due date for your work is Wednesday Dec. 11th This will be an important summative grade.

Progress Charts: This chart will be used to monitor your progress!