Argue like a Lawyer!!

Continuing on with teaching the 8th grade how to write an argumentative essay.  Hoping they will have the skills to "argue like a lawyer!" as my grandpa used to say.  Here are the assignments and plans for next week Jan. 27-31:

Monday	Journal—Students will write down their opinion about how to handle the cheating scandal with grading or not, etc.  No names will be signed.  They will turn in to me, I will read them to myself, tear them up, and then make a decision.    Discuss the RAFTS over the Olympic info texts from practice test booklet.  Discuss possible pros & cons.  Then have various students go to the board and show an example of a 3 stair step.
Tuesday	Journal—Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?     Work on 3 Stair step--due at end of hr.
Wednesday	Journal—Are test scores a good indication of a school’s competency?   Write a 5 paragraph rough draft over the Olympic info text from practice test booklet.  Write in test booklet.  Due at end of hr.  Must have at least the intro paragraph, as well as pro #1 and pro #2.
Thursday	Journal—Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?   Finish up argumentative rough draft essays.  Partner up.  Have students then use the argumentative rubric created for kids to assess a score for their partner’s paper.
Friday	Journal—Should companies market to children?   Continue with rubric and assessment.  Due at the end of hr.