Title
Skill
EBA Activity
Claims and/or
Warrants
Foreshadowing
Making a Strong Argument
Choosing the Best Warrant Writing Exercise
You may use the following claims and warrants:
Claims:
 In the short story “A Sound of Thunder,” the author best illustrates the
literary device of foreshadowing to prove that the Time Safari, Inc.
Company is an irresponsible company. (if using “A Sound of Thunder”)
 In the short story, “_____________” the author uses foreshadowing to
prove that ___________ company is an irresponsible company. (if using
another text)
Warrants:
 Because the author’s gives the reader direct information by explaining the
plans of the company in the text.
 Because the author places clues in the first few sentences of the story to
indicate the information about the company that will be important later
 Because the author portrays characters' subtle reactions to objects in their
environment to show that those objects might play an important role in the
upcoming actions of the company.
Procedure
Standard Choosing the Best Warrant Writing Exercise.
Timing/Pacing
1. This activity fits in the middle of the unit after students understand the basic
elements of plot. Prior to this activity students should have actively read the
short story. After this activity students can continue to analyze
foreshadowing in other science fiction short stories.
2. The entire activity will take approximately twenty minutes.
3. This activity should be at the end of the lesson. Students should have
actively read the short story. This activity must be after students have read
the story.
Notes
Although the claim is debatable, most students will agree that Time Safari, Inc. is
irresponsible even if others are also irresponsible. There are many potential reasons
that Time Safari, Inc. is irresponsible, which allows students to weigh which reason
is the most valid. Although students can do this activity as a comprehension
activity. The power of this lesson is that they arguing for a specific literary device
which reinforces understanding of, “foreshadowing.”
Follow-up
To include an oral activity, follow up with an Argument Soapbox activity.
Activities
Text
“A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury or any other Dystopian short story that
focuses on conformity and rule of a “company.” Most dystopian short stories have a
company that governs society.
Boston Debate League © 2012
Name:_____________________________________ Class:__________________Date:______________
Choosing the Best Warrant Writing Exercise
Background Information:
Claim and Warrants
Claim: In the short story “A Sound of Thunder,” the author best illustrates the literary device of
foreshadowing to prove that the Time Safari, Inc. Company is an irresponsible company.
Warrants:
1. Because the author’s gives the reader direct information by explaining the plans of the
company in the text.
2. Because the author places clues in the first few sentences of the story to indicate the
information about the company that will be important later.
3. Because the author portrays characters' subtle reactions to objects in their environment to
show that those objects might play an important role in the upcoming actions of the company.
Preparing to Write
Step 1 – Select the strongest warrant. Warrant #___.
Step 2 – Provide 2 reasons why the warrant you choose is the strongest
Reason 1:
Reason 2:
Step 3 – Provide 2 reasons, 1 for each of the 2 weaker warrants why they are not as strong of an
argument.
Warrant #__ is weaker because…
Warrant #__ is also weaker because…
Boston Debate League © 2012
Paragraph Set-up
The strongest reason for believing [claim] is true is the fact that [the warrant you chose]. One
reason why this warrant is best is [reason why the warrant is best]. Additionally, [2 nd reason
why the warrant is best]. Some would argue that [1st opposing warrant] is a better reason to
believe [claim], but that is not the case. Specifically, [reason why 1st opposing warrant is
weaker]. In addition, others would argue that [2nd opposing warrant] is a better reason to
believe [claim], but that is not the case. In fact, [reason why 2nd opposing warrant is weaker].
Thus, [the chosen best warrant] is clearly the best reason to believe [claim].
Paragraph
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Boston Debate League © 2012