Title
Finding the Roots of Polynomials Analytically
Skill
Essay Pre-Writing Activity
EBA Activity
Structuring a Complex Argument
Claims
_________________ is the most important theorem for finding the roots of
polynomials analytically.
[Fill in the blank with The fundamental theorem of algebra, The remainder and
factor theorem, Descartes’ rules of signs and complex conjugates theorem, and
the Rational zero theorem.]
Procedure
Timing/Pacing
This is a standard Essay Pre-Writing activity.
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This activity occurs near the end of the unit. Prerequisite knowledge
includes the fundamental theorem of algebra, the remainder and factor
theorem, Descartes’ rules of signs and complex conjugates theorem
and the rational zero theorem. After this lesson, students will have a
multiperspective debate.
This activity should take approximately 30 minutes.
This activity should come at the end of the lesson after a review of the
four theorems and individual practice.
Notes
Students may choose their own claims and support them with at least three
warrants stating why their chosen theorem is more important than the other
three. To support students in staying clear about the definitions, applications
and connections between theorems, have them create a table to organize
definitions, examples and commentary on each theorem as they learn them
throughout the unit. This can serve as text for this activity.
Follow Up
Activities
To include an oral component, this activity could be followed by a Structured
Argument Soapbox.
Text
Standard Algebra 2 Text
Boston Debate League © 2012
Essay Pre-Writing Graphic Organizer
Essay Outline
Possible Structure
Introduction
“Hook”
Introduce the topic.
Restate the resolution and state
your position clearly.
Transition to the essay body.
Explain why your warrant supports
your original interpretation.
Explain another reason why your
warrant supports your original
interpretation (optional)
Explain why your warrant supports
your original interpretation.
Body
Explain another reason why your
warrant supports your original
interpretation (optional)
Boston Debate League © 2012
Notes, Comments and Ideas
Explain why their claim is
unfounded.
Explain why your warrant supports
your original interpretation.
Explain another reason why your
warrant supports your original
interpretation (optional)
Transition to conclusion
Conclusion
Restate the resolution and state
your position clearly.
Summary of reasons (optional)
Clincher (conclude with your
opinion or a “call to action”)
Boston Debate League © 2012