The Assignment

Sharing/Oral Presentations

Examples of Index Card Prompts
 
 

Grade Level: Middle School
Class:  Language Arts
Class Time Needed: 5 days
Materials:  Index Cards (with argument scenarios), Pencils, Paper
*examples included below
 

• Have students divide up into groups of four.  Each group member is then given an index card that contains an argumentative writing prompt.  The group members must brainstorm various persuasive techniques and generate ideas that might successfully work to change someone else's viewpoint or way of thinking toward a specific subject.  Brainstorming helps to generate a variety of responses and gets the students thinking about the topics.
• It is acceptable for students to swap prompts within their own group, if someone chooses to do so.  Then the students must work independently to write an argument paper, defending their position on the topic.
• It is also acceptable for students to offer suggestions or to help each other as they produce their own papers.  This works well as a peer editing technique for struggling students or students who have become stuck on an idea.
• Students are given 3 days to write, revise, and polish their argument papers for oral presentations on the final two days.

Back to top of page

Students are given the opportunity on days 4 and 5 to share their persuasive arguments with the class.
 
 
 

Back to top of page
 

1. Ms. Doubter doesn't believe that you wrote your own book report.  In fact, she doesn't  believe that you read the book at all.  As a result, you will be getting an F on the paper if you can't convince her that the work is really your own.  Ms. Doubter's skepticism is justified because you never work hard on any assignment and you have a reputation for cheating. Recently you've worked hard to improve your ways.  Write a convincing argument to get that A.
2. You have just received your new video game (Space Invaders) in the mail from the Games Are Us Company in Likensburg, MIssouri, but it doesn't have all the new features being offered on the updated version (which is what you ordered).  The commercial clearly stated that the updated version was the one being offered at $39.99.  When you called to complain, the sales representative rudely denied that the commercial was a mis-representation of the product you received.  Write a persuasive argument to convince the head of the company that you're justified in your complaint.

Back to top of page