Objectives: Students will be able to write an argumentative essay defending why lawyers should defend unpopular clients by using evidence from three provided sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.B Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.C Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
Differentiations: Extra support for vocabulary (word bank) and syntax, co-teaching, various access points to the text, grouping by skills and learning styles, graphic organizer, template, repetition, and scaffolded instructions
Do Now: Pick a question from yesterday’s talk about the text and write a paragraph to respond to the question.
Guided Practice: We’ll ask for 2 volunteers to share their responses. We’ll evaluate how questions can help us think and write critically.
Mini Lesson: How does Harper Lee use claim and emotional diction to portray a lawyer who bravely represents an “unpopular” client Tom Robinson?
Watch the clip of Atticus Closing Argument https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOocTXKPVVU
We’ll look at Chunk 1.
Claim: The defendant is not guilty.
Emotional Diction( patho): “The case is as simple as black and white”, ” [evidence] flatly contradicted”, ” to be sure beyond all reasonable doubt”
Main Idea: Robinson is not guilty because the evidence against him is questionable ( 12 words).
Art of Persuasion: Atticus juxtaposes contrasting statements connected with “”but. For example, it requires no minute sifting of complicated facts, but it does require you to be sure beyond all reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant“; ” It has relied instead upon the testimony of two witnesses whose evidence has not only been called into serious question on cross-examination, but has been flatly contradicted by the defendant.””. The defendant is not guilty, but somebody in this courtroom is.“
Independent Practice
Each group will analyze each assigned chunk and complete the following-
- Underline his claim
- Circle emotional diction
- Summarize the main idea in fewer than 12 words
- How does Atticus persuade the jury?
Check for understanding:
Now apply the strategies you have learned from Atticus Finch’s closing argument, revise the paragraph you have written about why lawyers should defend unpopular clients.
Your Task: Write an argumentative essay in which you argue whether lawyers should defend unpopular clients. You must use all three sources provided for you:
- Source 1: informational text ” legal view : defending unpopular clients”
- Source 2: Excerpt fro To Kill a Mockingbird
- Source 3: article about John Adam’s defending the British soldiers