Keeping a journal as they read helps prepare students for more engaging discussion and elaborated writing.  When they have thought deeply about key issues and written words, phrases and sentences to record those thoughts, students are more likely to speak up with confident and write with authority. Here are some journal questions to help your [...]

Consider having students practice oral arguments before writing argumentative or persuasive essays.  During debates, remind students that it is information and reasoning, rather than volume and unsupported opinions that make for convincing speeches and compelling essays. One way for students to understand this concept better is to prepare for, participate in, and then debrief experiencing [...]

Check out this discussion thread on English Companion Ning which includes Carol S’s distinction, as well as a list of quality resources to teach this key kind of writing and meet Common Core Standards for English Language Arts. Written by Carol  S Argue = change what the readers THINK Persuade = change what the readers [...]

Have you seen this resource from Frank Baker? He acknowledges that the conten is somewhat dated, the basic elements still are useful in its updated format.  Take a look and adapt to your setting. OBSERVING PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES I used it with success during the 2008 election season. It proved to be a good way to [...]

It’s important to know the values, beliefs, and attitudes that motivate behavior in order to write an effective persuasive speech or argumentative essay.   It also is important to understand ways that speakers and authors reveal these motivators in their writing. I used a website for creating word clouds as a kick-off to a persuasive speaking [...]

Sometimes it is helpful for students to be released to express their emotional responses to literature.  Being objective is tough and writing personally can be a step to writing more objectively.  Anyway, whatever words, phrases, or images the writers choose to use reveals their attitudes toward the topic anyway, so why fool ourselves in thinking [...]

One way to introduce students to the power of persuasion and to show them evidence of logical fallacies is to have them analyze advertisements in print and digital media.  You can have students write and post their analysis or present their findings in a speech using visual aids.  You may find paying attention to color [...]

Asking students to consider the ethics of a character can open discussions that challenge values, beliefs, and attitude that motivate behavior.   For some students, these discussions may be uncomfortable if they cause the students  to consider their own reasons for acting, but such assignments also may help students understand better why people they know [...]

Many countries around the world conduct civil discussions in their legistlative bodies using Parliamentary Procedure.  This also is true about business, social, and religious organizations.  Students who understand the basics of parliamentary procedure often find themselves moving up into leadership positions in the schools, churches, and social groups.  As important as it is to be [...]

Learning to listen critically and to respond responsibly to controversial issues are skills especially useful in a democratic socieity.  Student Congress provides a venue for students to practice both these skills.   This handout with Student Congress Bill Instructions is one you can adopt or adapt for use with your students.