Thomas Jefferson and Slavery: Practice with Argument

The lessons work on collecting details for an essay assessment that focuses on author’s purpose related to the argument, analogy, and rhetorical appeals. The 2010 College Board AP English Language and Composition examination prompt on Benjamin Banneker’s letter to Thomas Jefferson is used with links to student samples and a lesson on forming excellent to adequate thesis sentences or claims. These lessons fit in well into any Honors Literature class, Pre-AP, American Literature, or AP English Language class.

Students will also close read and annotate the text by Paul Finkelman,”The Monster of Monticello.” Students will view supporting video clips, and listen to an NPR story on a Banneker and Jefferson. There is a link to Ken Burn’s film, “Thomas Jefferson” and interviews with Paul Finkelman and Historian John Hope Franklin. The resource has an explanation on how portions of the lessons can be used in the flipped classroom environment.

There is also an opportunity to write a rhetorical précis, as well as supporting material for teaching this strategy to your students. These four lessons prepare students for AP Language and Literature exams, Common Core extended response assessments, American and World Literature Course exams, the SAT and ACT essay and critical thinking activities

In this resource, there is a unique detailed rubric that can be used to score Socratic Seminars in a way that encourages organic fluid discussions. In the guide, there is a step-by-step explanation on how to conduct a fishbowl discussion with the rubric. The packet includes complete lessons, common core standards, essential and key questions.

NEW FOR 2018

Added 9 pages to the resource
An additional 2 days of lessons
Rhetorical Situation in Hamilton, the Musical
Additional videos for
Framed paragraph responses
Original scored student sample essays