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Crafting Persuasive Arguments: MLA Format Essay
Grade 12English15 days
In this Project-Based Learning module, 12th-grade students engage in crafting persuasive argumentative essays that adhere to MLA formatting and citation guidelines. The project is structured around a central driving question about constructing academically sound arguments that consider multiple perspectives. Through various activities, students develop skills in thesis formulation, research, essay outlining, writing drafts, and refining grammar, culminating in a polished argumentative essay. The project not only enhances students' proficiency in English language standards but also fosters critical thinking and understanding of academic integrity.Argumentative EssayMLA FormatCritical ThinkingResearch SkillsThesis DevelopmentAcademic Integrity12th Grade English
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we effectively construct a compelling and academically sound argumentative essay that not only presents multiple sides of the argument but also adheres to MLA guidelines?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What elements are necessary to construct a strong argument in an essay?
- How can research be effectively used to support an argument?
- What processes can be used to critically evaluate different sides of an argument?
- In what ways does the structure of an essay contribute to its persuasiveness and clarity?
- How do MLA format and citation styles support academic integrity in writing?
- Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when crafting an argumentative essay?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will effectively formulate a thesis statement that presents a clear argument on their chosen topic.
- Students will conduct thorough research using reliable sources to gather evidence supporting their argument.
- Students will critically evaluate differing perspectives on their chosen topic to construct a balanced argumentative essay.
- Students will organize their ideas and evidence logically to create a cohesive argumentative essay.
- Students will apply MLA formatting and citation guidelines to their essay to ensure academic integrity.
- Students will demonstrate the use of standard English grammar, vocabulary, and usage in their writing.
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1
Primary
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.Reason: The project requires students to construct an argumentative essay, which involves supporting claims with evidence, aligning directly with this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4
Primary
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.Reason: The project involves producing a coherent argumentative essay with a clear structure and appropriate style, in line with this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7
Primary
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.Reason: Students will conduct research to gather evidence for their essays, which reflects the activities described in this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.9
Primary
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.Reason: The project demands gathering and utilizing evidence from various texts to support arguments, thus aligning with this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.3
Secondary
Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.Reason: Students must make stylistic choices in their writing, reflecting their understanding of language, as required by this standard.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.1
Secondary
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.Reason: The project requires students to write essays adhering to standard grammar and usage conventions, aligning with this standard.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Debate Showdown
Students are introduced to a simulated debate tournament where they are assigned roles as either the pro or con team on various controversial topics. They must prepare their arguments, backed with factual evidence, to compete head-to-head, sparking immense curiosity and passion for researching and crafting effective arguments.The Misinformation Maze
Present students with a 'news article' that is filled with fabricated information and bias. Challenge them to identify errors and misinformation, spurring interest in validating their sources and emphasizing the importance of solid evidence, ultimately leading to a drive for crafting fact-based essays.Controversial Curiosity Quest
Initiate a treasure hunt that encourages students to find hidden 'treasure chests' around the school, each containing intriguing yet controversial topics. The goal is to incite curiosity and impel them to explore different perspectives, turning their findings into compelling arguments after thorough research.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Thesis Treasure Hunt
In this activity, students craft a compelling thesis statement for their argumentative essay, acting as the foundation of their argument.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Choose a topic that interests you and has clearly defined opposing sides.
2. Brainstorm potential arguments for both sides of your selected topic.
3. Draft a thesis statement that clearly articulates your position on the topic, ensuring it is specific and debatable.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the central argument of the essay.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1 as it requires students to state a clear argument.Activity 2
Research Rally
Students engage in an in-depth research process to collect evidence supporting their thesis statement, using reliable and varied sources.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Identify credible sources, including academic journals, books, and reputable websites.
2. Collect evidence that supports your thesis statement and take notes, ensuring to capture pertinent quotes or data.
3. Organize the gathered information in a research notebook or digital folder.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA research portfolio containing curated evidence and sources to support their argument.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7 and W.11-12.9 as students conduct research and gather evidence from multiple texts.Activity 3
Perspective Panorama
Students explore alternative viewpoints on their topic to ensure a balanced argument in their essay.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Investigate at least two opposing perspectives on your selected topic.
2. Compile a list of reasons, supported by evidence, that others might use to challenge your thesis.
3. Reflect on these perspectives and refine your thesis statement if necessary to address these counterarguments.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn analysis document summing up opposing viewpoints and your response to each.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1 by preparing students to counter opposing arguments.Activity 4
Outline Architect
Students create a detailed essay outline to organize their research and ideas logically.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Use your thesis statement as the backbone of your outline.
2. Organize major points and supporting evidence into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
3. Ensure each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence and integrates evidence cohesively.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive essay outline ready for drafting.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFacilitates CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.4 by prompting logical organization and clarity in writing.Activity 5
Drafting Daze
In this step, students bring their outline to life by writing a full draft of their essay.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Expand your outline into a rough draft, using full sentences and ensuring logical flow.
2. Focus on connecting ideas and paragraphs smoothly using transitions.
3. Write with attention to style, tone, and language suitable for an academic essay.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed draft of the argumentative essay.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.4 by requiring students to develop a structured and coherent essay.Activity 6
MLA Mastery
Students learn and apply MLA formatting to their essays, ensuring all sources are correctly cited.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Review MLA guidelines to understand formatting rules, including in-text citations and Works Cited page.
2. Format your rough draft following MLA standards.
3. Create a Works Cited page that lists all referenced materials appropriately.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA properly formatted essay draft with accurate citations and Works Cited page.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.3 by emphasizing the importance of MLA style and citation.Activity 7
Grammar Gurus
Students perform a meticulous review of grammar and language use in their essay, ensuring clarity and correctness.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrases or errors.
2. Use grammar-checking tools or peer reviews to identify and correct mistakes.
3. Focus on correcting sentence structures, verb tenses, and punctuation for standard English usage.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished argumentative essay free of grammatical errors.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1, focusing on grammar and language use.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioArgumentative Essay Mastery Rubric
Category 1
Thesis and Argument Quality
Assesses the clarity, specificity, and strength of the thesis statement and the argument's coherence throughout the essay.Criterion 1
Thesis Statement
Evaluates the clarity, specificity, and debatable nature of the thesis statement as the foundation of the essay.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe thesis statement is exceptionally clear, specific, and debatable, thoroughly setting the basis for the entire essay.
Proficient
3 PointsThe thesis statement is clear, specific, and debatable, effectively guiding the essay's argument.
Developing
2 PointsThe thesis statement is somewhat clear and specific, but lacks precise debatable qualities.
Beginning
1 PointsThe thesis statement is unclear or too broad, failing to provide a cohesive argument.
Criterion 2
Argument Development
Measures the degree to which arguments are well-supported and logically developed throughout the essay.
Exemplary
4 PointsArguments are exceptionally logical, well-supported with evidence, and critically thought through.
Proficient
3 PointsArguments are logical, well-supported with evidence, and demonstrate good critical thinking.
Developing
2 PointsArguments are somewhat logical with basic evidence; critical thinking is present but limited.
Beginning
1 PointsArguments are illogical, poorly supported, and lack critical thought.
Category 2
Research and Evidence
Examines the quality, relevance, and integration of evidence gathered through research to support the essay's thesis.Criterion 1
Research Quality
Assesses the quality and reliability of sources and the effectiveness of evidence gathered.
Exemplary
4 PointsResearch uses highly reliable, varied sources and integrates evidence seamlessly into the argument.
Proficient
3 PointsResearch uses reliable sources and integrates evidence well into the argument.
Developing
2 PointsResearch uses mostly reliable sources, but evidence integration is inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsResearch uses unreliable sources and poorly integrates evidence.
Category 3
Critical Analysis and Counterarguments
Evaluates the ability to analyze different perspectives and address counterarguments effectively in the essay.Criterion 1
Counterargument Analysis
Measures the effectiveness of analyzing and addressing counterarguments in the essay.
Exemplary
4 PointsCounterarguments are thoroughly analyzed and convincingly refuted, strengthening the essay's argument.
Proficient
3 PointsCounterarguments are analyzed and effectively refuted, contributing to the essay's argument.
Developing
2 PointsCounterarguments are mentioned but not effectively addressed or refuted.
Beginning
1 PointsCounterarguments are ignored or not addressed, severely impacting the essay's credibility.
Category 4
Organization and Coherence
Focuses on the logical flow and structure of the essay, ensuring a clear and cohesive argument presentation.Criterion 1
Essay Structure
Evaluates the logical organization and integration of paragraphs and sections within the essay.
Exemplary
4 PointsEssay is excellently structured with logical flow and seamless transitions between points.
Proficient
3 PointsEssay is well-structured with logical transitions between most ideas and sections.
Developing
2 PointsEssay structure is inconsistent with some logical transitions, but lacks full cohesion.
Beginning
1 PointsEssay lacks logical structure and cohesion, disrupting the flow of argument.
Category 5
Language and Conventions
Assesses command of language, grammar, style, and adherence to MLA format in the essay.Criterion 1
Grammar and Style
Evaluates the use of standard English grammar, vocabulary, and academic style.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates superior use of grammar and stylistic choices, enhancing clarity and engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates consistent use of correct grammar and an academic style appropriate for the audience.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic control of grammar and style, but with noticeable errors affecting clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsUses poor grammar and inappropriate style, seriously impacting essay clarity and professionalism.
Criterion 2
MLA Formatting
Checks adherence to MLA formatting guidelines, including citations and Works Cited.
Exemplary
4 PointsFlawlessly adheres to MLA format, ensuring academic integrity and professionalism.
Proficient
3 PointsAdheres to MLA format with minor errors that do not detract significantly from professionalism.
Developing
2 PointsShows some MLA formatting adherence but with noticeable errors affecting professionalism.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to adhere to MLA format, undermining the professionalism and credibility of writing.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
Reflect on the process of choosing a topic for your argumentative essay. How did you ensure it had clearly defined opposing sides? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you address them?
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Question 2
How effectively do you believe you created and supported your thesis statement throughout the essay?
Scale
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Question 3
Consider the research process during this project. Which strategies did you find most useful in gathering and organizing evidence for your essay?
Multiple choice
Required
Options
Using Academic Journals and Databases
Discussing with Peers and Teachers
Online Research using Reputable Websites
Library and Archive Visits
Question 4
In what ways did exploring differing perspectives change or reinforce your viewpoint on the chosen topic?
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Question 5
Rate your familiarity and comfort with MLA formatting and citation before and after completing this essay project.
Scale
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Question 6
Why is it important to ensure your argumentative essay is grammatically accurate? Reflect on any grammatical challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
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