Sections 2 and 3: What are we doing in class?

Sections 2 and 3 are writing a short argumentative essay on the following topic:

Should all U.S. students be required to speak at least one language besides English?

Here are the notes we took from the two articles.  Now students should use one of the two outlines provided below to organize their thoughts.  Students have until the end of class tomorrow to finish the essay.  I will read through them and provide feedback.  The essay will be a formative grade between 80% and 100%, assuming all the required parts are included.

We will do one more practice essay.  Then the students must do the whole process on their own.  We will start the second essay on Thursday. I need to prepare them for the essay they will write for the state test.

Reasons they should be required to speak on language besides English

Reasons they should NOT be required to speak on language besides English

What reasons do the articles have to support they SHOULD be required? 1.     Many countries outside of the United States require their children to learn another language. 2.     We need to hold up our end of the cross-cultural conversation. 3.     Information on the Internet is available in multiple languages. 4.     Law enforcement and intelligence agencies need people who speak other languages. 5.     Improves vocabulary skills 6.     Stimulates memory 7.     Develops patience and close attention. 8.     Students are exposed to another culture. 9.     It’s not a burden if done early. 10.  Improves cognitive development 11.  Enhances academic skills 12.  Sense of wonder 13.  Looks good to colleges

What reasons do the articles have to support they SHOULD NOT be required? 1.     The rest of the world is already learning English. 2.     It is a burden to learn a language in high school. 3.     Waste of money because of empty language stalls. 4.     Waste of time a.     80% only do it because they have to. b.     Do it only because colleges require it. c.     They don’t achieve fluency. d.     We give high grades for minimal progress. e.     Our intelligence agencies higher foreigners if they need someone to speak another language.

General Outline #1

Paragraph 1

Claim: Students should be required to learn a second language.

Reason 1 + Explain

Reason 2 + Explain

Reason 3 + Explain

Paragraph 2

Counter Claims: There are those who believe students should not be required to learn a second language.

They believe…

They also believe…

They also believe…

Paragraph 3

Refute the counter claim: Even though some believe students should not…, they are wrong.

Explain why each one is wrong.

Conclusion: You have proven that students should be required to learn a second language.

General Outline #2

Paragraph 1

Claim: Students should be required to learn a second language.

Reason 1 + Explain

Reason 2 + Explain

Reason 3 + Explain

Paragraph 2

Counter Claims: There are those who believe students should not be required to learn a second language.

They believe….

            However, explain they are wrong.

They also believe…

            However, explain they are wrong.

They also believe…

            However, explain they are wrong.

Conclusion: You have proven that students should be required to learn a second language.