Research Simulation Task: Poe and Thoreau 2024

Consider and discuss:

Does this cartoon show that solitude has a positive impact on his well-being?

Objective

If you finish early...

A1 &B1: Objective

Do Now:

Complete the newly assigned

Newsela Article.

Quick link available on Teacher Page.

SWBAT participate in a Writing on Demand Task in order to synthesize information to create an effective argument by responding to a Research Simulation Task Prompt. 

Evidence Based Claims

Consider and discuss:

Did solitude lead to mental instability for Chris McCandless of Into the Wild or does it have a positive impact on his well-being?

SWBAT integrate and evaluate multiple sources in order to synthesize information and create an effective argument by responding to a Research Simulation Task Prompt. 

Self Assessment

Must be highest lexile article for it to count!

Today I will...

So I can...

I know I have it by...

Standards: RI.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats ... in order to address a question...

RI.11-12.9 Analyze seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth-century foundational U.S. documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features.

W.11-12.1.A Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences the claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

Research Simulation Task or RST

The Research Simulation Task is a challenging task for the following reasons…

Purpose:

Definition:

“Synthesis” is the combining of separate elements or substances to form a coherent whole.

Discuss: How do you use synthesis in other academic areas of study?

The synthesis essay is first and foremost a persuasive argument.

You MUST use the facts and ideas presented in the provided sources.

• You will have to balance three or more sources as you consider your essay topic

• Various media-type sources, such as: an article, a video, and/or a graph

• You must synthesize the sources into a thesis-driven essay (the primary claim of your paper).

• You will be assessed on how well you can read & write in relation to a particular subject: English, History, or Science.

• To analyze an informational topic presented through several articles or multimedia stimuli.

• To synthesize information from multiple sources, in order to write an analytic essay.

Research Simulation Task

Process of synthesis writing:

Research Simulation Task:

Develop your own original idea, or thesis, based on the sources provided.

Assemble ideas from the various sources. NJGPA usually requires that you use THREE sources.

Poe and Thoreau

Sources:

Source A – Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer (anchor)

Source B – from “Where I Live and What I Lived For” and “ Solitude” in Walden – Henry David Thoreau (text or audio)

Source C – “Being Alone: The Pros and Cons of Being Alone” – Lena Firestone (text).

Source D – “The Lake-To-” –Edgar Allan Poe (poem)

Source E – Raptus Cartoon (comic)

Prompt:

Does solitude lead to mental instability or does it have a positive impact on a person’s well-being? Support your position with evidence from at least three sources.

Research Simulation Task usually requires you to use three sources. You will lose points if you use less, but will not earn points for using more. Be sure to read directions closely.

Next class:

We will practice writing a synthesis argument by responding to this prompt.

*Use the sources to support or augment your OWN argument. DO NOT summarize the sources and allow those writers to speak for themselves—you are using what they say for your OWN purposes.

Graphic Organizer

Discuss:

Complete the left column as we discuss the padlet entries.

Consider the following:

IN SUMMARY

Steps for Writing an

Effective RST

• Understand the prompt.
• Consider your opinion of the topic.
• Read the source material.
• Annotate.
• Chart your findings.
• Decipher the authors' claims.
• Quote and cite interesting source material.
• Formulate your thesis.

• The Body Paragraphs
• Create strong topic sentences.
• Give one reason in support of your thesis.
• Explain as necessary.
• Present supporting evidence. Be sure to DOCUMENT ALL SOURCES!
• Explain what the evidence shows or suggests as true. DO NOT interpret the source material.

AGREE OR DISAGREE?

Step One:

Read the prompt.

• Begin writing.
• Your thesis must be clear and direct!
• Your topic sentences should support your thesis.
• You should provide a paragraph (when appropriate) to address the opposition.

• The Concluding Paragraph
• Restate your thesis!!!
• Bring the paper to a thoughtful ending.
• Your reader should be able to recall the important information you gave in your paper.
• Draw further significance from the reasons and evidence presented.
• Be philosophical! Show your wisdom!

Consider the question.

Determine your opinion.

(It is best to read for a purpose—finding claims with which you agree and disagree.)

It might be worth your time to consider

possible ideas before reading.

Annotate the Readings

WRITING THE ESSAY

BODY PARAGRAPHS

Step Two: Before Writing

Topic sentence:

Give one reason in support of your thesis.

Underline or highlight key lines or ideas.

Explain as necessary.

Look for quotable claims.

Introduction

You may skip an engaging lead.

Present specific supporting evidence

(quotations from the provided sources—but

you may also bring in other evidence).

The writer explains the significance of the specific

supporting evidence (e.g., what does the evidence

show or suggest as true?)

Look for points that you agree with as well as points with which you disagree. *Remember, addressing the opposition is central to effective argumentation.

Identify/clarify the issue at hand.

Make sure all sources are documented.

In general, mark the texts in such a way that you can easily return to them and find exactly what you need.

Present a clear, direct

thesis statement.

Read the materials:

• Familiarize yourself with what others have written about the topic by reading the sources provided.

• Formulate your own thesis (claim).

Determine your opinion.

(It is best to read for a purpose—finding claims with which you agree and disagree.)

Star the evidence that supports your opinion or preliminary claim.

Mark the evidence that opposes your opinion or preliminary claim with an X.

Solitude has a positive impact on a person’s well-being? Support your position with three reasons.

Choose a group member to share out.

QUESTION! QUESTION! QUESTION!

STEP THREE:

You might be asked an agree/disagree question or perhaps to give a list of ideas, such as what is most important to consider in a given situation.

What are the claims made by the writers?

CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH

Review your chart. Select the ideas/concepts that you will use to support your opinion.

Create an organization chart, such as a T-Chart.

Draw further significance from the

reasons and evidence presented.

Do you note any logical fallacies or unsupported claims?

What does the writer assume to be true, and is it true?

If appropriate, plan to address the opposition. You can do this in one paragraph. This paragraph should address the opposition’s views and explain why you ultimately disagree with their position.

As you read, briefly list claims/information/facts in your chart that are deemed important. Place the sources of that information in parentheses.

Bring the paper to a thoughtful ending. (Be philosophical! Show your wisdom!)

Look at any charts and statistics. Are there any numerical changes? What is the presumed cause of any change? Might there be other causes?

Remember, some sources can contain multiple useful facts or claims—ones that could be listed on either side of your chart.

Question! Question! Question!

Do not just accept what the writer writes as truth. It is your job to evaluate the sources and the claims!

As you read, add ideas to your chart.

Objective

Does solitude lead to mental instability or does it have a positive impact on a person’s well-being?

Support your position with evidence from at least three sources.

SWBAT review elements of a Research Simulation Task in order to synthesize information to create an effective argument by identifying evidence to support a prompt.

Today I will...

So I can...

I know I have it by...

Standards: RI.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats ... in order to address a question...

RI.11-12.9 Analyze seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth-century foundational U.S. documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features.

W.11-12.1.A Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences the claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

Organize your thoughts before writing.