ESSAY TOPIC GENERATION AND NARROWING

Some schools require uniforms.

All schools should require uniforms.

All K-12 schools should require uniforms.

All K-12 schools should require uniforms in order to create an environment of equality and inclusivity and therefore, a healthy learning learning environment.

CAN THIS TOPIC BE ARGUED?

YES!

Smoking can lead to cancer.

Freewrite (for portfolio)

Think back to the articles we covered in the essay exam unit: "Abby's Lament," "Live and Learn," "Claiming an Education," and "Confronting Class in the Classroom." What were some overarching themes/struggles/positions that you're particularly drawn to. Note: either agreement or disagreement. With that in mind, brainstorm as many argument topics as you can think of.

Group Work

• exchange topics
• discuss how the topics relate to one or more of the essays from the essay exam
• help your partner generate new topics
• help your partner focus topics
• verify that the topic is ARGUABLE!