In this lesson, we read a popular science article to prove the scientific accuracy of Arleen's cat statistic and to set up a student debate that required the use of persuasive writing skills to argue a position on "invasive species" from the perspective of a character from Joy Williams's short story: Arleen or the girls. Therefore, the lesson continues our work with the note-taking and paraphrasing reading strategy, CHoMP, while providing you with an in-depth understanding of persuasive writing, "invasive species," and characterization/man v. man conflict that will allow you to effectively and eloquently debate your peers on a science issue brought up by the fictional text.
TEXT EXCERPT:
"'Arleen said she saw the cats playing with a mockingbird earlier. She said they had snapped its legs clean off.'
'Clean off?' the girls repeated, marveling at the infelicitous phrasing.
Mommy nodded. She was wearing a lovely floral dressing down and silk slippers, just like the girls.
'Those weren't our cats,' the girls said, 'our cats are sweet cats, old stay-at-home cats, they play with store-bought toys only,' knowing full well that even this early in the summer the cats had slaughtered no less than a dozen songbirds by visible count, that they were efficient and ruthless and that the way in which they so naturally expressed their essential nature was something the girls admired very much.
'Are you aware,' Arleen said, 'that domestic cats kill 4.4 million birds every year in the country alone?" (p. 217).
Nonfiction Twin Text: Are the girls' cats out-of-the-ordinary in their songbird slaughter? On page 217, Arleen links her observation of the girls' cats to standard animal behavior when she cites a statistic portraying domestic cats as frequent bird killers. Therefore, the question becomes: Is Arleen accurate in her statistic? To answer it we read a 2013 nonfiction popular science article that reported the findings of a research study that used critter cams to gauge the true tally of both bird and small rodent deaths by domestic outdoor cats. Continuing our work with the note-taking and paraphrasing reading strategy, CHoMP, we read through the article and practiced the strategy at predetermined stopping points to summarize and reflect on the information. As you read, keep in mind that you will be asked to take a random position on whether domestic, outdoor cats are an example of an "invasive species." Based on your knowledge of the term from your science class, we will be organizing a small student debate. You will be assigned a random position, so it may not be the side you necessarily believe in yourself. Randomization will help you practice your persuasive writing skills! |
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Invasive Species: a species (plant or animal) introduced to a nonnative region that negatively affects the ecosystems they invade economically, environmentally, and/or ecologically.
Man v. Man Conflict: An external conflict between one character (often the protagonist) and another character (often the antagonist) who has opposing aims or viewpoints.
Accountability: to be held responsible for something; to accept the consequences and/or responsibilities of an action or decision.
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Student Debate: Persuasive Writing & Characterization
Are Domestic Outdoor Cats an "Invasive Species"? As a characterization, man v. man conflict, and persuasive writing activity, this debate requires you to become a character - either Arleen or the girls - and assume their hypothetical stance on domestic outdoor cats. Based on the short story, Arleen would most likely argue that cats are indeed an invasive species. However, since the girls do not hold the cats "accountable" for their actions, they would argue that their cats are definitely not an invasive species. In a well-developed persuasive writing (the "P" in PIE!) piece, write as if you were one of the characters. Use your background knowledge of the term, "invasive species," from your science class and text details from the LiveScience article to support your reasoning. You will be randomly assigned to a team and you will work in self-selected pairs. Basic Requirements:
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