Unit 3: Lesson 5 (April 7)

That's debatable.... 

It is now time to start thinking about the summative task. A good argumentative essay is based on a clear thesis and supported by detailed research. Before you can begin writing, you need to identify a topic of interest.

BRAINSTORM: Gender, Identity and Worth in Sport

• Spend 10 mins looking at the flipboard on 'Gender, worth and Identity in Sport'. 
• Generate a list of all potential topics for the summative task. 
• Share with your table group and generate a detailed list. 

Developing a research question

Each table will select a topic of interest

1) Generate a list of possible questions about the topic- be creative, jot-down all ideas- there are NO bad questions at this point.

2) Select 3 of the most promising questions (should be debatable and interesting). Complete the checklist below for each question.

Is the scope of your question appropriate: not too wide, not too narrow?

Is it manageable within the time constraints allowed? (2 research periods; 1 planning period; 2 writing periods)

Will the answer fit word requirements of the assignment? (2-3 pages)

Can you find sufficient and timely information in the library?

Will Internet, Web, and field research produce more source material?

Is your question simple enough to seek just one answer, not several?

Is it specific enough that your audience will understand your objective?

Will the results be interesting? Does it concern a real and debatable issue?

Does your question really interest you? Do you honestly crave the answer?

3) Refine your questions based on your answers above. Be ready to share your research questions with the class.


Summative Argument Proposal

Start working on your summative proposal (in drop). By next class, you need to have a clear research question and two annotated articles in your research portfolio (articles must look at different sides of the question).

H/W: By next class, you need to have a clear research question and two annotated articles in your research portfolio (articles must look at different sides of the question).