Multiple+Perspectives

=**Topic or Focus:**= Multiple perspectives - point of view - persuasion

Subject:
English language arts

Level:
High School

Key Standard(s): (from the Common Core State Standards, English Language Arts)
> W.9-10.1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.
 * RL.9-10.7. Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment (e.g., Auden’s “Musée des Beaux Arts” and Breughel’s Landscape with the Fall of Icarus).
 * RL.9-10.2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

Text/Resources to be Used (Optional):
Print or projection of the painting, //Starry Night,// by Vincent Van Gogh.

//Rationale://
//When forming an argument or writing persuasively, students often quickly determine their stance, and have a difficult time considering another perspective, once they have made up their minds. This makes it difficult for them to adequately substantiate their claim against alternative arguments.//

//Directions://

 * Day 1.** Students will examine an image of Van Gogh's painting, //Starry Night.// Then they will answer the following:

//"This painting is entitled,// Loneliness//. Why did the artist give this title to the painting? Give three specific examples from the painting to support your answer."//
 * Day 2.** Students will examine the same painting the second day. Then they will answer the following:

//"Now imagine that this painting is entitled,// Love//. Why would the artist give this title to the painting? Give three specific examples from the painting to support your answer."//


 * Day 3.** The students will again examine the painting by Van Gogh. Then they will answer the following:

//"Consider the responses to the previous two questions, and examine the painting once again. Which of the two titles is the **best** title for the painting, in your opinion? Why? Give specific reasons to support your answer. Make sure your answer also addresses the title that you didn't select."//

//Scoring://
//Day 1: 5 pts (2 pts for answer, 1 pt for each piece of supporting evidence)// //Day 2: 5 pts (2 pts for answer, 1 pt for each piece of supporting evidence)// //Day 3: 5 pts (1 pt for answer, 1 pt for each piece of supporting evidence, 1 pt for addressing counterargument)//

//Analysis://
This assessment will distinguish among the following:
 * Students who can identify specific evidence to support a central theme.
 * Students who can defend an argument using appropriate supporting evidence.
 * Students who can evaluate the relative merits of two points of view when developing an argument.

//Contributor://
//Harmony Scaglione, English Teacher, Eli Whitney Technical High School, Hamden, CT// //Editor: Kim M. Bennett, Consultant, Northside Consulting, Hartford// //Submitted 02/29/2012//