Finding the Best Evidence with "Two Famous Friends"

 

 

Unit Overview

The learning objective for this lesson is for you to develop the skills necessary to find evidence in an informational text, enhance your dictionary skills, and understand the proper use of modifiers. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify key details and supporting evidence within a text, effectively use a dictionary to define unfamiliar words, and correctly employ modifiers to enhance your writing by adding clarity and precision. Through guided practice and interactive activities, students will strengthen their critical reading skills, expand their vocabulary, and refine their writing style to communicate their ideas with appropriate evidence and descriptive language effectively.

 

Finding Evidence

It is essential to support our ideas with strong evidence. This not only enhances the credibility of our arguments but also helps us develop critical thinking skills. This section will explore five types of evidence that can effectively support our ideas.

 

1.  Statistical Data: Statistics provide concrete numbers and facts reinforcing our arguments. For instance, discussing the benefits of physical exercise, we can cite research showing how regular exercise improves academic performance. We can demonstrate the correlation between physical activity and improved grades using statistical data.

2.  Expert Opinions: Experts in a particular field possess extensive knowledge and experience, making their opinions highly valuable. Quoting experts can add weight to our arguments. For example, if we debate the importance of renewable energy sources, we can include quotes from renowned scientists specializing in the field. Expert opinions help us establish credibility and show knowledgeable individuals support our ideas.

3.  Personal Anecdotes: Personal anecdotes provide a unique perspective and can make our ideas relatable. Sharing personal experiences helps create a connection with the audience and adds an emotional element to our arguments. For instance, when discussing the importance of mental health awareness, we can share a personal story of overcoming challenges and how seeking help positively impacts our lives. Personal anecdotes make our ideas more memorable and engaging.

4.  Case Studies: Case studies involve in-depth analysis of real-life situations. They comprehensively understand a subject and offer concrete evidence to support our ideas. For example, when discussing the impact of climate change, we can present a case study on a specific region affected by rising sea levels and how it has led to displacement and loss of livelihood. Case studies help us delve into the details and present a compelling argument.

5.  Research Findings: Research findings result from extensive studies conducted by professionals in various fields. They offer empirical evidence that can support our ideas. For instance, if we are discussing the effects of technology on sleep patterns, we can cite research studies that demonstrate how excessive screen time before bed disrupts sleep quality. Research findings provide reliable evidence that can strengthen our arguments.

Supporting our ideas with the best evidence is crucial. By utilizing statistical data, expert opinions, personal anecdotes, case studies, and research findings, we can present well-rounded arguments that are persuasive and compelling arguments. Remember, evidence is the backbone of any argument, so choose the most relevant and credible sources to support your ideas.

Let’s Practice

 

 

Dictionary Skills

Dictionary skills are essential for students to enhance their language proficiency and overall academic performance. Navigating through a dictionary effectively can assist you in expanding your vocabulary, developing your reading comprehension, and gaining a deeper understanding of the English language. This section will explore the importance of dictionary skills and some useful tips to enhance your dictionary skills.

 

1.  Understanding Dictionary Entries: Dictionary entries are structured to provide comprehensive information about a word. Each entry typically includes the word's spelling, pronunciation, definition(s), example sentences, and part(s) of speech. Familiarizing yourself with these components will ensure you can extract the maximum information from each entry, enabling a better understanding of the word's usage and meaning.

2.  Using Guide Words: Guide words, usually found at the top of each dictionary page, act as navigational aids to help locate specific words quickly. These words represent the first and last entries on the page and are essential for efficient dictionary usage. Understanding how to guide words work, you can quickly locate the desired word, saving valuable time during research or when looking up unfamiliar terms.

3.  Exploring Synonyms and Antonyms: Dictionaries provide synonyms and antonyms for many words. Synonyms have similar meanings to the defined word, allowing students to expand their vocabulary and make their writing more diverse and engaging. On the other hand, Antonyms offer words with opposite meanings, helping you understand the concept of contrast and improving your understanding of language nuances.

4.  Decoding Pronunciations: Dictionaries provide phonetic symbols that represent the pronunciation of a word. Understanding these symbols will enable you to correctly pronounce words they encounter for the first time. By breaking down complex words into syllables and using the provided pronunciation guide, you can build confidence in their oral communication skills and avoid common pronunciation errors.

5.  Utilizing Example Sentences: Example sentences in dictionaries provide context for word usage. By studying these sentences, you can understand how words are used in different contexts, correctly use them, and expand your understanding of grammar. Analyzing examples and sentences can also enhance reading comprehension skills and enable students to apply new words in their writing effectively.

Mastering dictionary skills is crucial as it enhances your language proficiency, expands vocabulary, and improves reading comprehension. By understanding the structure of dictionary entries, utilizing guide words, exploring synonyms and antonyms, decoding pronunciations, and utilizing example sentences, you can unlock the power of words and become more confident in your language abilities. Regular practice and application of these skills will undoubtedly lead to academic success and effective communication in the future.

Let’s Practice

 

 

Modifiers

Modifiers are an essential part of the English language that can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. In this section, we will explore the different types of modifiers and how to use them correctly. By understanding modifiers, you can express yourself more accurately and vividly in your writing.

 

Types of Modifiers:

1.  Adjectives: Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They provide additional information about the size, shape, color, or qualities of the noun they modify. For example, in the sentence "The beautiful flowers bloomed in the garden," the word "beautiful" is an adjective that modifies the noun "flowers."

 

2.  Adverbs: Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They provide information about how, when, where, or to what extent something happens. For example, in the sentence "She ran quickly to catch the bus," the word "quickly" is an adverb that modifies the verb "ran."

 

3.  Phrases: Modifying phrases are groups of words that act as adjectives or adverbs. They provide additional details about nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. For example, in the sentence "The girl with curly hair won the race," the phrase "with curly hair" modifies the noun "girl."

 

4.  Clauses: Modifying clauses are groups of words that contain a subject and a verb. They can act as adjectives or adverbs, providing additional information about nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. For example, in the sentence "The book that she borrowed from the library was very informative," the clause "that she borrowed from the library" modifies the noun "book."

Understanding modifiers is crucial for effective communication and writing. By using modifiers correctly, you can add depth and clarity to your sentences. Take the time to practice using different modifiers, and soon you'll notice a significant improvement in your writing skills.

Let’s Practice

 

 

"Two Famous Friends" by Jean K. Potratz

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson with two other colleagues surrounding a table. John Adams and their two colleagues are sitting around the table, Thomas Jefferson is standing up. There is paper on the table and one piece of paper on the floor. They are seated in a old looking room by a fireplace with a candle stick placed on the wall.

 

You will have two ways to read and complete the activities. 

1.  Click here to get a download copy of the reading activity.

2.  Click here to sign up for an online version of the reading activity through CommonLit. (Code: F6SRJ9UF)

The target lesson will have five parts.

·     Part 1 - Warm-Up: Writing

·     Part 2 - Video Introducing the Target Skill: Finding the Best Evidence

·     Part 3 - Review the Target Skill

·     Part 4 - Reading and Answering Questions

·     Part 5 - Assessment