- Author:
- Chelsea Kulp
- Subject:
- Writing
- Material Type:
- Assessment
- Level:
- High School
- Tags:
- License:
- Public Domain Dedication
- Language:
- English
- Media Formats:
- Text/HTML
Education Standards
12 Angry Men: Performance Assessment Grade 10
Overview
This task asks students to base their arguments on their own strong feelings within the context of having just read 12 Angry Men.
** This performance assessment was developed by a collaborative team of teachers and division staff from Middlesex, Poquoson, and West Point school divisions.
Grade/Content: English 10 Reporting Category: Writing, Research
Performance Task: 12 Angry Men - Persuasive Essay
SOL 2017 Standards
Strand: Writing, Research
SOL 10.6 a-i, j, k, m, n
SOL 10.7 a-d
SOL 10. a-f
Essential Understandings
- Students will understand the need to get others to accept their point of view, while learning that arguments in the essay should be reasonable, verifiable, and credible.
- Students will understand that strong evidence is essential to any argument, and intentions must be clear.
- The structure of a classical argument from the framework of Aristotle is important.
- To be aware of the audience, and prepare to be challenged by other views.
Context Statement: This task asks students to base their arguments on their own strong feelings within the context of having just read 12 Angry Men.
Task: Write a research-backed/text based persuasive argument with the intent of swaying the reading audience.
Student Outcomes/Specific Tasks:
- Students will move through stages of the persuasive writing process under teacher guidance to produce a persuasive essay.
Teacher Directions
Before the task: The Teacher will make sure that there is a clear understanding between the writing of argumentative essay vs. persuasive essay writing. It will be noted to students that:
- In argumentative essays, you show both sides of the coin to readers. You describe all arguments and counterarguments, even if you don’t agree with some of them, and it’s up to readers to decide which works best.
- In persuasive essays, you choose a side and represent arguments only about this aspect to convince readers of the truth of your words.
Aristotle's structure of Ethos/Pathos will also be examined.
During the task: Teacher should guide students through all stages of the process, examining persuasive argument choices, student textual research/support, student notes, and a rough draft.
After the task: Students will their argument with classmates. a detailed rubric is useful for grading.
Suggested Timeframe: Two-four weeks, depending on student abilities
Suggested Materials: Internet access, note-taking materials, electronic word processing tool (such as Google docs), 12 Angry Men Play
Suggested Modifications/Differentiation: Topics, length of essay, and choice of mentor texts can be differentiated based on ability levels and student accommodations
Student Page
Persuasive Essay
Your task is to write a persuasive essay using the play we just read, 12 Angry Men as your source material. A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing where you use logic and arguments to convince readers of your point of view, using solid evidence such as research, stating facts, examples, and quotes from experts.
What is a Persuasive Essay?
A persuasive essay is one in which you use logic and arguments to convince readers of your point of view. For that, you need to provide solid evidence for arguments, such as research, stating facts, examples, quotes from experts, and logical reasons.
Persuasive essays are also known as argumentative. However, there’s a difference between these two essay types:
- In argumentative essays, you show both sides of the coin to readers. You describe all arguments and counterarguments, even if you don’t agree with some of them, and it’s up to readers to decide which works best.
- In persuasive essays, you choose a side and represent arguments only about this aspect to convince readers of the truth of your words
Your Schedule:
Step 1: Before you decide what you will persuade your audience to think, make sure to choose a persuasive essay topic that inspires, but also gives you intext support and materials to research.
Step 2: Identify your topic and position, and start researching. This process should take a while, and utilize the 12 Angry Men Text, and any other support material you would like to use.
Step 3: Take research notes. Follow our guidelines for good note-taking skills:
Categorize notes by topic and source.
Paraphrase - DON’T copy word for word! That is PLAGIARISM!
If you must quote, be sure to use proper citations.
Step 4: Outline your paper. Include your thesis statement , your textual evidence-backed argument.
Step 5: Draft your essay. Make sure you use proper citation within your essay.
Use the following structure when you are writing.
- Introduction: hook, background, thesis.
- Body: 1-2 paragraphs, each with an argument and supporting evidence.
- Body: 1 paragraph, with your opponent’s arguments and your counterarguments on why you still disagree.
- Conclusion: sum up your points, restate your thesis, and leave readers with food for thought.
- Essay length: 3-4 pages, double-spaced
Step 6: Get feedback on your rough draft.
Step 7: Write and Submit your final draft
Rubric: attached as Word document
This performance assessment template was adapted from VaSCL.