Author:
Christa Galvin
Subject:
Communication, Composition and Rhetoric
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Level:
High School, Community College / Lower Division
Tags:
  • Argument
  • English Language Arts
  • Position Paper
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Interactive

    Education Standards

    Topic Selection & Expansion for Argument Papers

    Topic Selection & Expansion for Argument Papers

    Overview

    When students are assigned an argument paper of 7-9 pages for Composition II, they often struggle to gather enough research material to fill the required pages.  This lesson is intended to help them expand their topics in order to write a good research question as well as to gather the appropriate amount of information.

    Students Choose Their Topics

    If using Google Classroom, it would be a good idea to post a shared document for students to post their URL.  That way students have a one-stop location to find everyone's Linos for the next step in the process.

    Students choose the topic for their argument paper.  Each student creates a Lino with their name and the topic they have selected.  They share the URL for their Lino in the class Learning Management System or Google Classroom.  

    Round 1 - Comments

    The teacher should choose groups for each round of commenting to make sure everyone gets enough comments.  Round one groups should be different from round two groups.  It may also be a good idea to tell students how many comments they need to make on each Lino.  In addition, it can be helpful to choose a specific color for comments in each round.

    Students go to the posted Lino links and add their comments to 3-4 classmates' Padlets.  The purpose is to help each other with expanding topics so that each person's paper is thorough and complete.  Their comments may fit into the following areas:

    • What do you already know about the topic?
    • What is your current opinion about the topic?
    • Do you agree or disagree with the argument the writer is making?
    • What questions do you have about the topic?

    Make sure you include your name on each comment you make so that you get credit for your work.

    Round 2 - Expansion

    It is usually not necessary to give students a grade on this activity, but if you choose to do so, make sure students know how many comments they should make.  When scoring, count the comments and make sure each one is a quality, academic, helpful comment, and give points accordinglly.

    Go to 3-4 different Linos and read the comments people have already left.  Make additional comments such as responses, questions, and opinions on the original topic as well as the notes that were made in round 1.  Again, make sure you write your name on your comments.

    Use these comments to gather information during the research stage of the writing process.  It is appropriate to be selective about which comments you choose to include, but it may be helpful to be aware of the opposing arguments or connected topics that classmates shared to make your paper thorough and complete.