Synthesis and Argument Writing: Is it ever okay to fail?

Every English teacher needs new ways to teach argument, rhetoric, and analytical writing. The Inquiry-Based Synthesis Essay is here to save the day!

This argument essay is designed to help you out in a quick fix OR to teach in-depth rhetorical analysis. The essay can be scaffolded up or down, from highly difficult and challenging to ELL and SpEd friendly. In a nutshell: The essay question asks students to develop an argument about the question: is it ever okay to fail? Their job is to read the sources (articles, videos, etc.) provided, annotate them, look for evidence that supports each side, choose a side, and then finally compose an essay arguing to answer the question.

Here's what you're getting:

೦ An easy to read Teacher Lesson Plan with an overview of the assignment and a daily implementation plan

೦ A single-page essay prompt sheet for students to use to break down the question and do initial brainstorming. Here is a preview of the prompt:

The American media presents highly conflicting views of failure.  Failure is used as plot twist for delayed, great success. Failure is also seen as unacceptable in the eyes of parents, bosses, and teachers.  There has to be a way to discuss the real benefits and hindrances of failure, so we’re asking you. You have been given a mission: read, analyze, and annotate the readings, then, based on all of the evidence you’ve accumulated and observed, make a decision and answer the question below:

According to the articles and readings provided,

is it ever okay to fail or accept failure?

೦ A list of TEN specially curated sources for this particular question. Explore articles, videos, Ted Talks, infographics and more that all offer rich perspectives in answering the question. Each source is screened, hand-picked, and valuable for class discussion, homework assignments, and even small group work.

೦ An "evidence tracker" graphic organizer for students to use while reading and examining sources. Students keep track of evidence and which side of the argument is getting stronger as they read deeper and deeper into the ten different sources.

೦ TWO different essay outline options including clear directions and definitions for each part of a strong body paragraph. This product uses common core language (claim, subclaim, evidence, etc.)

೦ ALL sources are provided to you, the teacher, in Google Docs format. This means that you are free to edit, change, and customize each and every handout to meet your own personal teaching style. Also, you can assign this easily on Google Classroom OR simply print the handouts as-is.

Questions? Feel free to ask in the Q&A section!

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