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Unit 6 of 6 · 8th Grade Language Arts

Make Your Case

Argument, evidence, and presence — build a persuasive essay and deliver a TED-style talk.

Weeks
31–36 (April–May)
Anchor Text
Great speeches: MLK, Malala, Obama + selected TED Talks
Writing Focus
Persuasive · Argument · Rhetoric
Computer Tool
Google Docs + Google Slides
Showcase
Persuasive essay + 6-minute TED-style talk
Standards
OR W.8.1 · SL.8.4 · SL.8.5 · RI.8.6
Key Vocabulary — 5 Words This Unit
Rhetoric — the art of using language to persuade, including choices of word, structure, tone, and timing
Ethos — an appeal to credibility: establishing that the speaker is trustworthy, knowledgeable, or has lived experience
Pathos — an appeal to emotion: using story, vivid language, or imagery to make the audience feel something
Logos — an appeal to logic: using facts, statistics, examples, and reasoning to support a claim
Anaphora — deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the start of successive sentences for rhetorical effect
W1Reading Great Arguments
Mon Read MLK "Letter from Birmingham Jail" excerpt — find ethos, pathos, logos Reading ▾
  1. Mom will have a 1–2 page excerpt from MLK's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" ready.
  2. Read it once all the way through.
  3. Ethos = credibility (why should we trust this writer?). Find one moment where MLK establishes credibility.
  4. Pathos = emotion. Find one sentence that made you feel something — sad, angry, inspired.
  5. Logos = logic/evidence. Find one place where MLK makes a logical argument or cites a fact.
💬 "The ethos moment is when he… — he's credible because… The pathos moment that hit me was… The logical argument he makes is…"
✓ Done when: one example of ethos, pathos, and logos identified and explained aloud.
Tue Watch 2 TED Talks — analyze the hook, credibility, and emotional moves Reading ▾
  1. Mom will find two short TED Talks (under 10 minutes each) on topics you might care about.
  2. Watch both.
  3. For each one: what was the hook (the first 30 seconds)? Did it grab you?
  4. For each one: did the speaker seem credible? How?
  5. For each one: was there a moment that made you feel something — moved, surprised, convinced?
  6. Tell mom which talk was more effective and why.
💬 "Talk 1 hooked me by… Talk 2's most convincing moment was… The better talk was [title] because…"
✓ Done when: both talks watched and hook, credibility, and emotional moment identified in each.
Wed Brainstorm 10 things you believe strongly — pick one to argue Writing ▾
  1. Open Google Docs and write 10 things you genuinely believe strongly.
  2. These should be things you actually care about — not just "I believe in being nice."
  3. They can be about anything: gaming, music, school, technology, the future, fairness, anything.
  4. Pick one that you think you can argue — one where you have reasons, not just feelings.
  5. Write a one-sentence claim: "I believe that [position] because [reason]."
💬 The best argument topics are things you'd defend in a real conversation — not just things that sound good on paper.
✓ Done when: 10 beliefs listed, one chosen, and a one-sentence claim written.
Thu Research your topic for 1 hour — find 3 supporting facts or statistics Computer ▾
  1. Set a timer for 60 minutes.
  2. Search Google or Google Scholar for facts, statistics, or expert opinions that support your position.
  3. Find at least 3 specific pieces of evidence — a number, a study result, a quote from an expert.
  4. Copy each one into your Google Doc with the source link.
  5. When the timer goes off, stop — even if you want to keep going.
💬 One strong specific fact is worth ten vague claims. A statistic with a source is more convincing than "many people think."
✓ Done when: 3 supporting facts or statistics found and noted with source links.
Fri Pitch your argument in 60 seconds — is it specific? Arguable? Discussion ▾
  1. Set a timer for 60 seconds.
  2. Stand up and state your argument to mom: your claim, your main reason, and one piece of evidence.
  3. When the timer stops, stop talking.
  4. Ask mom: is the argument specific? Can she argue against it, or is it too vague to disagree with?
  5. Revise your claim if needed to make it more specific and arguable.
💬 "My argument is [claim]. The main reason is [reason]. Here's one fact that backs me up: [evidence]." — 60 seconds, no more.
✓ Done when: 60-second pitch delivered and feedback on specificity received.
Mini-Lesson: The Rhetorical Triangle

Every persuasive message works through three overlapping appeals. Great speakers use all three — weak arguments rely on just one.

  • Ethos (credibility): "Why should I trust you?" — earn it through expertise, fairness, or lived experience. Example: "I've spent twenty years working on this problem…"
  • Pathos (emotion): "Why should I care?" — use a specific story or vivid image, not vague guilt. Example: "This is my sister's story…"
  • Logos (logic): "Why should I believe you?" — concrete data, a clear chain of reasoning, no logical leaps. Example: "Studies show a 40% reduction when…"

As you read speeches this week: find one line that uses each appeal. Notice which appeal the speaker leans on most — that's a choice.

Weekly Writing Prompt

Analyze one speech or talk you studied: identify three specific rhetorical techniques (repetition, personal story, statistics, rhetorical question). Quote the exact line for each and explain why it works.

"Technique 1: [name]. The line is: '[quote].' This works because… Technique 2: … Technique 3: …"

Length: 3 short examples, one per technique. Quote + one explanation sentence each.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W2Building the Argument
Mon Argument structure deep-dive — the Toulmin model explained Reading ▾
  1. Mom will explain the Toulmin model: Claim → Grounds (evidence) → Warrant (why the evidence proves the claim) → Rebuttal.
  2. Apply each part to your own argument from last week.
  3. Write your Claim, Grounds, and Warrant in your Google Doc — one sentence each.
  4. Identify the strongest rebuttal someone could make against you.
💬 "My claim is [X]. My grounds are [evidence]. The reason the evidence proves the claim is [warrant]. The best counter-argument is [rebuttal]."
✓ Done when: Claim, Grounds, Warrant, and one Rebuttal written in Google Docs.
Tue Write your full argument map — claim + 3 supporting points + counter Writing ▾
  1. Open Google Docs and write your argument map.
  2. Write your main claim at the top (1 sentence).
  3. Write three supporting points below it — one sentence each.
  4. Write the strongest counter-argument against your position (1 sentence).
  5. Write your rebuttal: why your position still holds despite that counter (1 sentence).
💬 "Claim: [claim]. Reason 1: … Reason 2: … Reason 3: … Counter: some people say [X]. Rebuttal: but [response]."
✓ Done when: full argument map written — 1 claim + 3 reasons + counter + rebuttal = 6 sentences.
Wed Find evidence for each of your three supporting points Writing ▾
  1. Look at your three supporting points from Tuesday.
  2. For each one, find one piece of evidence from your research (or do a quick new search).
  3. Write the evidence under the relevant supporting point in your argument map.
  4. For each piece of evidence, evaluate: how strong is it? Would a skeptic be convinced?
💬 "For Reason 1, my evidence is [fact/stat/quote]. I think this is [strong/OK/weak] evidence because…"
✓ Done when: one piece of evidence found and noted under each of your three supporting points.
Thu Type argument map in Google Docs with headers and bulleted evidence Computer ▾
  1. Open your argument map in Google Docs.
  2. Format it with headers: CLAIM, REASON 1, REASON 2, REASON 3, COUNTER-ARGUMENT, REBUTTAL.
  3. Under each REASON header, add the evidence as a bullet point.
  4. This map becomes the skeleton of both your essay and your talk.
  5. Save it — you'll reference it every day for the next three weeks.
💬 This formatted map is the single most important document in this unit — everything else grows from it.
✓ Done when: argument map formatted with headers and evidence bullets in Google Docs.
Fri Argument debate — defend your position against mom's direct attacks Discussion ▾
  1. Tell mom your argument map.
  2. She will try to knock down each of your three reasons one by one — her job is to argue against you.
  3. Your job is to defend each point using your evidence.
  4. After the debate, write down: which point was hardest to defend?
  5. Decide whether to strengthen that point or drop it and replace it with a stronger one.
💬 "My first reason is [X]. Even if you say [counter], I'd point out that [evidence]…"
✓ Done when: debate done; weakest point identified and decision made (strengthen or replace).
Weekly Writing Prompt

Write your argument map in full sentences: (1) your main claim, (2) three reasons with one evidence sentence each, (3) the strongest counter-argument, (4) your rebuttal.

"I argue that [claim]. First, … because [evidence]. Second, … Third, … The strongest counter-argument is that… However, [rebuttal]."

Length: 1 claim + 3 reason-with-evidence pairs + counter + rebuttal = 6–8 sentences total.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W3The Persuasive Essay
Mon Essay structure overview — hook → background → thesis → body → counter → conclusion Writing ▾
  1. Mom will walk through the essay structure with you using your argument map as the starting point.
  2. Match each part: Hook = how you'll open; Thesis = your main claim; Body = your 3 reasons with evidence; Counter = the rebuttal section; Conclusion = landing the argument.
  3. Write a one-bullet mini-outline for each section — just the main idea per section.
  4. You already have all the content from Week 2 — today is just mapping it to essay structure.
💬 "My hook idea is… My thesis is [your claim]. The three body paragraphs are [3 reasons]. Counter is [your rebuttal]. Conclusion wraps up with…"
✓ Done when: mini-outline written with one bullet per section mapped to your argument.
Tue Draft your introduction — hook must earn the reader in 2 sentences Writing ▾
  1. Open Google Docs: "Make Your Case — Essay Draft."
  2. Write a hook — your first two sentences need to make someone stop scrolling and read.
  3. Options: start with a surprising fact, a bold claim, a question, or a short story.
  4. Write 1–2 background sentences: what is this issue and why does it matter now?
  5. Write your thesis sentence — this is your main claim from Week 2.
💬 Say your hook out loud: "What if I told you that…" or "Every day, [surprising fact]…" or "[Question that challenges what people assume]?" — then write it.
✓ Done when: introduction written with a 2-sentence hook, 1–2 background sentences, and thesis.
Wed Draft body paragraphs 1–3 — topic sentence + evidence + analysis each Writing ▾
  1. For each body paragraph: start with your topic sentence (= the reason from your argument map).
  2. Add your evidence (= the fact/stat/quote you found in Week 2).
  3. Write 1–2 sentences of analysis: how does this evidence prove your reason?
  4. End with a transition to the next paragraph.
  5. Repeat for all three paragraphs — topic sentence + evidence + analysis + transition.
💬 "My [first/second/third] reason is [topic sentence]. Evidence: [fact]. This proves my point because [analysis]."
✓ Done when: three body paragraphs drafted, each with topic sentence, evidence, and analysis.
Thu Draft counter-argument paragraph; type full draft in Google Docs Computer ▾
  1. Write your counter-argument paragraph: "Some people argue that [opposing view]."
  2. Add one sentence of why that view makes sense — be fair to the other side.
  3. Write your rebuttal: "However, [your response]."
  4. Assemble your full draft: intro + 3 body paragraphs + counter+rebuttal.
  5. You still need a conclusion — save that for tomorrow or the revision week.
💬 The counter-argument shows you've thought about the other side — it actually makes your argument stronger, not weaker.
✓ Done when: counter+rebuttal paragraph drafted and full draft assembled in one Google Doc.
Fri Peer review — are the claims clear? Is the evidence convincing? Discussion ▾
  1. Read the draft out loud to mom (or have her read it).
  2. Ask: can she state your main argument in one sentence from memory?
  3. Ask: which piece of evidence did she find most convincing? Which felt weak?
  4. Ask: did the counter-argument feel fair to the other side?
  5. Write two specific revision goals based on her answers.
💬 "After reading this, what do you think my argument is? Which reason convinced you? Which didn't?"
✓ Done when: peer review done and two specific revision goals written.
Weekly Writing Prompt

Draft your conclusion paragraph: restate thesis in new language, synthesize (not just summarize) your three main points, end with a call to action or a question that stays with the reader.

"When we look at [topic] honestly, [thesis restated in new words]. What I've shown is not just [point 1] and [point 2] but also [point 3] — which means that [what this requires of the reader]. The question is not whether [X], but [memorable closing question or call to action]."

Length: 4–5 sentences. Your last sentence should be the most memorable in the essay.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W4Designing the Talk
Mon How TED Talks differ from essays — conversational, story-first, no walls of text Reading ▾
  1. Watch the first 2 minutes of one of the TED Talks from Week 1 again.
  2. Notice: does the speaker use formal language or conversational language?
  3. Notice: does the speaker start with a claim, a story, or a question?
  4. Read the first paragraph of your essay — it sounds different, right? That's the difference between a written and spoken argument.
  5. Tell mom: what are the three biggest differences between giving a talk and writing an essay?
💬 Talks use shorter sentences, direct address ("you"), stories instead of analysis, and pauses. Essays are formal; talks are conversations.
✓ Done when: three differences between a talk and an essay explained aloud.
Tue Adapt your essay into a talk script — shorter sentences, direct address, spoken transitions Writing ▾
  1. Open your essay draft and a new Google Doc titled "Talk Script."
  2. Take your essay introduction and rewrite it as a talk opening — use "you," shorter sentences, and natural spoken language.
  3. Take your three body paragraphs and shorten them — cut each one down to just the key point and the best evidence.
  4. Add spoken transitions: "Here's the first thing I want you to know…" or "Now, someone might say…"
💬 Read each sentence out loud — if it sounds like you'd never actually say it, rewrite it until it does.
✓ Done when: a shortened talk version of your introduction and three main points is in the Talk Script document.
Wed Add personal stories or examples that make the argument human and memorable Writing ▾
  1. Look at your talk script and find one place where you could add a real personal story or example.
  2. Write a 2–3 sentence story or example that connects to your argument — something real from your life or something specific you've observed.
  3. Insert it into the talk script where it fits best.
  4. Does it make the argument feel more real and human? If yes, keep it. If it feels forced, try a different spot or a different story.
💬 The best TED Talk moments are usually the most personal ones — they make the argument feel lived, not just thought.
✓ Done when: at least one personal story or concrete example added to the talk script.
Thu Build a 5-slide visual — one image-based visual per main section Computer ▾
  1. Open Google Slides and create 5 slides.
  2. Slide 1: your topic and hook — minimal text, maybe one striking image.
  3. Slides 2–4: one slide per main reason — just a title and one supporting visual (image, quote, or stat).
  4. Slide 5: your conclusion — one memorable sentence or image.
  5. Rule: no bullet lists. If you can't fit an idea on one slide without a list, split it into two slides.
💬 Your slides should look like something behind a TED speaker — mostly visual, a few words, no walls of text. The slides support you; they're not the talk.
✓ Done when: 5 slides built with no bullet lists and one key visual per slide.
Fri First full run-through of the talk — standing up, from notes, not reading Discussion ▾
  1. Stand up.
  2. Open your slides on the laptop.
  3. Run through the whole talk from start to finish, talking from memory or short notes — not reading the script word for word.
  4. It will be rough — that's normal for a first run-through.
  5. Note two things that felt especially awkward or unclear to work on in rehearsal.
💬 The first run-through is always weird — you're building the muscle memory for the talk. It gets smoother every time.
✓ Done when: first full run-through completed and two things to improve noted.
Weekly Writing Prompt

Write two different opening 2 minutes for your talk. A talk opens differently than an essay — start with a story, a surprising fact, or a question. Choose the stronger one and explain why it works better.

"Opening A: [story-based or question-based opening]. Opening B: [fact-based or different angle]. I'd choose Opening [A/B] because it [does something specific]."

Length: two short openings (3–5 sentences each) + one sentence of comparison.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W5Rehearsal & Refinement
Mon Record the full talk on your phone — watch playback and take notes Discussion ▾
  1. Set up your phone to record video.
  2. Give the full talk as if it's the real showcase — standing, slides, notes only.
  3. Watch the recording once all the way through.
  4. Write down: three moments that worked well, two things you want to improve.
  5. Be specific: not "I need to be more confident" but "I look down at minute 2:10" or "I rush through the counter-argument."
💬 Recording yourself is uncomfortable but it's the fastest way to see what an audience sees. Watch it once, take notes, then put it away.
✓ Done when: talk recorded, watched, and three strengths + two specific improvements written down.
Tue Revise talk script based on recording — fix transitions and pacing Writing ▾
  1. Open your talk script and look at the two improvement areas from yesterday.
  2. Fix those two things — if you rushed through a section, expand it. If a transition was abrupt, rewrite it.
  3. If a section ran too long, cut one sentence or example from it.
  4. Practice just the revised sections out loud a few times until they feel natural.
💬 Don't rewrite the whole talk — just fix the two things you identified. Small focused improvements are more effective than starting over.
✓ Done when: the two identified improvements addressed and revised sections practiced.
Wed Final essay revision — write conclusion, proofread, check any citations Computer ▾
  1. Open your essay draft and apply the two revision goals from Week 3's peer review.
  2. Write your conclusion paragraph (if not already done): thesis restated in new words + synthesized main points + memorable closing sentence.
  3. Run spell check.
  4. Check any statistics or quotes to make sure they're cited (author name in parentheses).
  5. Save the final essay version.
💬 "My conclusion: In the end, what I've argued is [thesis restated]. This matters because [synthesis]. And the question I leave you with is…"
✓ Done when: essay conclusion written, two revisions applied, spell check done, citations checked.
Thu Dress rehearsal — full talk in front of mom with full setup Discussion ▾
  1. Set up exactly as you would for the real showcase — laptop open, slides ready, standing position.
  2. Give the full talk to mom as if it's the real thing.
  3. After, ask her: what was the most convincing moment? What was hardest to follow?
  4. Make one final adjustment based on her feedback.
  5. Rest — you've done the work. Tomorrow is just one more run-through and final prep.
💬 A dress rehearsal means doing it for real — not stopping, not fixing things mid-talk. Get through it start to finish.
✓ Done when: dress rehearsal completed with full setup; one final adjustment made.
Fri Final prep — essay ready, slides finalized, notes reviewed Computer ▾
  1. Export or print the final essay.
  2. Do one final check of your slides — is everything in order? Any typos in the slide text?
  3. Review your speaker notes one more time — not to memorize, just to remind yourself of the flow.
  4. You're ready. Tomorrow is the showcase.
💬 Don't add anything new the night before. The prep is done. Trust it.
✓ Done when: essay exported/printed, slides finalized, and notes reviewed one final time.
Weekly Writing Prompt

Watch your recorded rehearsal and write a 150-word self-critique: three strongest moments in the talk, two specific things you want to improve. No vague feedback — be precise about what and where.

"My three strongest moments are: 1)… 2)… 3)… The two things I most want to improve are: 1) [specific, e.g., 'I lose eye contact at minute 2:30'] 2)…"

Length: 5–7 sentences. Be harder on yourself than you think is necessary — that's how the talk gets better.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W6Showcase — Year-End Celebration
Mon Final essay submitted; last review of talk notes and slides Computer ▾
  1. Submit or share your final essay with mom — this is officially done.
  2. Open your slides one more time — just make sure nothing is out of order.
  3. Read through your speaker notes once more as a final refresh.
  4. Nothing new to add. Everything is prepared.
💬 The essay is finished. The talk is ready. This week is about delivering what you've built.
✓ Done when: essay submitted and final review of slides and notes done.
Tue Final rehearsal — full setup, projector/screen, standing position Discussion ▾
  1. Set up the showcase space: laptop, projector or large screen if you have one, water bottle.
  2. Give the talk one final time — full speed, no stopping.
  3. Time it. Are you between 5 and 7 minutes?
  4. If over 7 minutes, cut one example somewhere. If under 5, expand one section briefly.
💬 This is the last full rehearsal. After this, the only thing left is the real thing.
✓ Done when: final rehearsal done and timing is between 5–7 minutes.
Wed Write a thank-you note or invitation for showcase guests Writing ▾
  1. Decide who you want to invite to the showcase — family, a friend, anyone who matters to you.
  2. Write a short invitation or thank-you note: 3–4 sentences telling them what you'll be presenting and inviting them to come.
  3. This is real-world writing — clear, friendly, and purposeful.
💬 "I'm presenting my year-end TED-style talk on [topic] on [day]. I'd love for you to come. Here's what you can expect…"
✓ Done when: invitation or thank-you note written and sent (or prepared to give).
Thu Set up showcase space; prepare both essay and talk materials Computer ▾
  1. Set up the physical space where you'll give the talk.
  2. Make sure the laptop is charged and the slides are on the right slide.
  3. Have your essay printed or on screen for anyone who wants to read it after.
  4. Have a glass of water nearby.
  5. You're set. Rest tonight.
💬 Everything is prepared. The setup is just making sure the physical stuff doesn't distract from the talk.
✓ Done when: showcase space set up and both essay and talk materials are ready to go.
Fri SHOWCASE: TED-style talk + year-end celebration Showcase ▾
  1. Welcome your audience.
  2. Deliver your TED-style talk — start to finish, full commitment.
  3. Take questions if anyone has them — answer from what you know.
  4. After the talk, write one final paragraph: what is the most important thing you learned about writing this year?
💬 You built six units of writing this year. You researched, argued, described, documented, analyzed, and made your case. Today is just showing what you already know.
✓ Done when: TED-style talk delivered and year-end reflection written.
Year-End Writing Prompt

After the showcase, write a final year-end reflection: What is the most important thing you learned about writing this year? Which unit challenged you most? Which piece of writing are you most proud of and why? What kind of writer do you want to be?

"The most important thing I learned about writing this year is… The unit that challenged me most was [unit] because… I'm most proud of [piece] because… As a writer, I want to…"

Length: 4–6 sentences. This goes in your year-end portfolio — be honest and thoughtful.

✅ Weekly Checklist
Unit Showcase

TED-Style Talk + Persuasive Essay

A polished persuasive essay plus a 5–7 minute TED-style talk with a 5-slide visual. Delivered live at the year-end showcase for family, friends, and invited guests. This is the capstone of the 8th grade year — everything built toward this moment.