ELA Article of the Week 3.2

Would You Eat a Stem Cell Burger?

Scientists created a burger in the lab from cow muscle cells.

Instructions: Annotate the following article, highlight the responses, then complete the ABC written response.

1st Reading: 2nd Reading: 3rd Reading:

annotate highlight Look for evidence to support the writing prompt

Tips for Annotating Text

Read the following article carefully and make notes in the margin as you read.

Your notes should include:

Comments that show that you understand the article. (A summary or statement of the main idea of important sections may serve this purpose.)

·  Questions you have that show what you are wondering about as you read.

·  Notes that differentiate between fact and opinion.

·  Observations about how the writer’s strategies (organization, word choice, perspective, support) and choices affect the article.

Your margin notes are part of your score for this assessment.

Guided Highlighted Reading

Highlight the vocabulary using one color of highlighter and the comprehension prompts using another color.

Vocabulary:

1.  In paragraph (3), highlight the synonym that means raised naturally without chemicals.

2.  In paragraph (3), highlight the definition of a stem cell.

3.  In paragraph (8), highlight the word that means one who an expert skill.

4.  In paragraph (13), highlight what a greenhouse gas is.

Comprehension:

1.  In paragraph (1), highlight the unusual place where meat was grown.

2.  In paragraph (2), highlight the claim statement that identifies the problem and a solution.

3.  In paragraph (3), highlight the process of making stem cells.

4.  In paragraph (4), highlight three ingredients added to the meat to make it tastier.

5.  In paragraphs (6-10), highlight the country that consumes the most meat.

6.  In paragraph (10), highlight the prediction made.

7.  In paragraph (12), highlight two pieces of evidence that support the dangers of the increase in demands for meat production.

8.  In paragraph (14), highlight two more pieces of evidence that supports the negative impact of meat production.

9.  In paragraph (15), highlight another reason to support the alternative production of meat.

ABC Write Name ______

After reading and highlighting the article, “Would You Eat a Stem Cell Burger”, write a claim statement with two supporting pieces of evidence that supports your opinion as to whether or not you would eat a stem cell burger

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

NewsCurrents Read to Know
(Vol. 12, No. 47)
Aug 19, 2013,n.p.
Copyright © 2013 NewsCurrents Read to Know, published by Knowledge Unlimited, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. Web address: http://newscurrents.com. Phone: (800) 356-2303.

Rubric- Summary of Argument Article

Characteristics of quality writing . . . / You / Teacher
Addresses the prompt:
1. Topic- Is the topic of the original text stated? / yes no / yes no
2. Claim- Is the author's claim clearly stated? / yes no / yes no
Backs it up:
3. Textual Evidence-Does the summary use textual evidence that supports the claim? / yes no / yes no
4. Supporting evidence- Does the summary include textual evidence that is convincing and thorough?
5. Accurate- Does the claim and reason match those in the article? / yes no / yes no
6. Organization- Are the sentences in the paragraph arranged appropriately (Has an introduction, body, and conclusion?)? / yes no / yes no
7. Own words- Is the summary written in your own words? / yes no / yes no
8. Transitions- Are there a variety of transitional strategies used? / yes no / yes no
*9. Word choice- Does the summary clearly express ideas using precise language (strong verbs, descriptive adjectives, appropriate verb tense, etc.) that is appropriate for the topic, audience, and purpose? / yes no / yes no
*10. Sentence structure- Are some ideas combined into longer, more complex sentences? / yes no / yes no
Conclusion:
11. Conclusion- Does the conclusion relate to the prompt and support the writer’s original claim? / yes no / yes no
Conventions:
12. Spelling-Are all words spelled correctly? / yes no / yes no
13. Capitalization- Are all proper nouns capitalized along with the initial word of each sentence? / yes no / yes no
14. Punctuation- Are all sentences correctly punctuated- including end punctuation? / yes no / yes no

* these items may be added in as the writer progresses

Sources: Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium English Language Arts Rubrics, 2012; Teaching Basic Writing Skills, Judith C. Hochman, 2009; Written Expression Instruction, Anita L. Archer, Ph.D. 2013.

NewsCurrents Read to Know
(Vol. 12, No. 47)
Aug 19, 2013,n.p.
Copyright © 2013 NewsCurrents Read to Know, published by Knowledge Unlimited, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. Web address: http://newscurrents.com. Phone: (800) 356-2303.