Goal: Compares/contrasts perspectives, considers counterarguments or opposing positions, and draws original and thoughtful conclusions with future implications.

Similar to the debate, understanding the counterargument is beneficial when writing an argumentative research paper.

How can you incorporate this writing style in your paper?

Step 1: Acknowledging a common point made by the opposition (other side)

Step 2: Refuting or arguing why that point is not valid based on research

Step 3: Connecting back to the thesis

Check out these sources for additional help:

https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/undergraduates/writing-guides/how-do-i-incorporate-a-counter-argument.html

https://www.mesacc.edu/~paoih30491/Refutationpgphs.html

As mentioned in yesterday, tomorrow we will meet in a one-on-one context for English class. This will provide everyone with an opportunity to ask specific questions about their research project. I will call each student individually via Google Hangout Video Chat. You don’t need to worry about opening Google Meet, simply have your Google Hangouts Chat open and wait for my call!

Schedule

1. Jayson- 10:45-10:55
2. Max- 10:57-11:07
3. Zoe- 11:09-11:19
4. Jessie- 11:21-11:31
5. Lior- 11:33-11:43
6. Talia- 11:45-11:55
7. Kiera- 11:57-12:07
8. Ari- 12:09-12:19
9. Aidan- 12:21-12:31

For Kiera, Ari, and Aidan, I realize this cuts into your lunch time. If you would like we could reschedule your meetings for a period later on during the day.

It was great speaking to you all today! I look forward to continuing our meaningful discussion and lessons virtually. As mentioned earlier, here are a few resources that can be useful to review prior to crafting a conclusion. I will be providing feedback on each of your Google Docs this week. Additionally, I will post a meeting schedule for Friday that contains the order for individual Google Meet conferencing. Each student will have 10 minutes to chat about their rough draft/ask any questions. Great job today!

Conclusion: Keys to Success

• Restate your topic and why it is important,
• Restate your thesis/claim,
• Address opposing viewpoints and explain why readers should align with your position,
• Call for action or overview future research possibilities.

Check these out:

Conclusion Tips and Tricks

For those who have already completed their conclusion, please focus on editing. You may use the COPS editing checklist below as a guide. I would also suggest reading your paper out loud. Additionally, printing the paper and making edits with a pen can sometimes enhance clarity while editing.

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It’s time to get this virtual party started! As mentioned previously, the fun and the learning will continue through the use of videos, Google Meet sessions, and email communication. Please remember that all of your teachers are here to help guide you through this online learning journey.

In our class today we will learn about/discuss:

1. OJCS Online Learning 101 Presentation
2. Q&A about online learning/preparation for high school
3. Sample Cover Page for Research Writing (click this link to view my sample)
4. Transition Videos

Good morning middle school students! As many of you know, we are moving to a new learning platform via the internet. We will continue to develop our reading, writing, oral communication, and media literacy skills.

The vocabulary homework practice packet that is due tomorrow can be submitted digitally. I will ask you to take pictures of your completed pages and email them to me (in one email). You will still receive points for completing this assignment. 

As for the vocabulary test, at this point I am unsure how and when we will proceed with these assessments. I am researching different ways to administer tests online. I will update you when I have come to a viable conclusion. For now, we will be putting a pause on the vocabulary tests.

I look forward to meeting with you next week in a digital context. Please keep an open and positive mindset as you begin a new learning adventure.

Attached you will find the terms to study for the next vocabulary unit. As discussed in class, students had the option to choose to study the Grade 8 Wordly Wise Vocabulary Unit or the enriched set of terms. Both units include a homework practice packet that will be due on Monday (3/16).

The vocabulary assessment will take place on the following Friday (3/20).

Click this link to access the enriched vocabulary set:  Grade 8 Enriched Terms

Wordly Wise can be found here:

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Today the Grade 7 and Grade 8 students received their English Exams back. We talked about the importance of taking time to review the exam in detail. This is a great time for students to goal set and reflect upon the exam experience as a whole.

Think about the following questions:

• What did I excel upon?
• How did I prepare for this exam? What worked well? What could I change for next time?
• What areas do I need to improve upon within the English context?
• What study tools can I use to prepare for my next assessment/exam?

Students are being asked to show and share their exam with their parents. The exam must be signed and returned by Monday. 

This week students are constructing their introductory paragraphs for their research project.  I have attached various sources that can be referenced as they begin crafting their introduction.

Students should be following this format:

1. Hook (grab the attention of the reader)
2. Background Information about your topic (describe the complexity of the issue)
3. Thesis Statement (should be the last line of the introduction)

Check out these sources:

https://www.mesacc.edu/~paoih30491/intropgph.html

https://www.bucks.edu/media/bcccmedialibrary/pdf/ThesisStatementsandIntroductionsJuly08_000.pdf

Source: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwA7Aepp7nRUJNa8roQ-6Bw?pbjreload=10

Happy studying! Here are a few extra resources to help you prepare for our English exam.

Grade 8 English Exam Review Kahoot

Grade 8 Exam Slideshow Presentation

A research database contains information from published works around the world. Databases are useful because sources are analyzed and scrutinized at a higher level to limit misinformation. Additionally, not everyone has the opportunity to post their articles on these websites. Research databases provide professionals and experts in a specific field with a landing spot for their research. These sources can also provide information about current research studies and findings.

As we have discussed in class, your job as a researcher is to determine the credibility of each and every source you plan to use. Please do not accept any information as a true until you have determined the who, what, why, and how that information was attained.

Check out this link to access over 100 free research databases: Research Database Sites

Question to think about: What is the difference between a website and a research database?