Unit Overview:
This four-week unit will explore the effects of bullying. Students will read a
series of non-fiction feature articles about bullying. The articles will address
cyber bullying, the role of a bystander, the effects of bullying and ways to
overcome bullying. Student will then examine ways to control this ongoing issue
by researching reasonable consequences for this offense.
Task Details
Task Name: How Can We Control Bullying?
Grade: 7
Subject: English Language Arts
Depth of Knowledge: 4
Task Description: Through close analysis of the texts provided, students will
write a formal essay addressing the concept of bullying. Using examples from
our sources, students will examine bullying and its effects. Through valid
research, students will evaluate appropriate repercussions (consequences) that
would help control this ongoing issue, both in school and online. The in-depth
analysis will enable students to develop a clear position and maintain it
throughout the essay, produce a favorable consequence of action, and
incorporate a suitable counter argument, opposing their original position.
Students will present their textual analysis in an argumentative manner,
ultimately swaying the reader’s opinion through reasoning and use of textual
evidence.
The formal essay must include references to the resources we read in class.
Students must include a works cited page using proper MLA format. There
should be a minimum of three sources.
Standards Assessed:
ELA-Literacy.W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic
and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection,
organization, and analysis of relevant content.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2a Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to
follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as
definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include
formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia
when useful to aiding comprehension.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2b Develop the topic with relevant facts,
definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2c Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion
and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.* CCSS.ELALiteracy.W.7.2d Use precise language and domain- specific vocabulary to
inform about or explain the topic.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2e Establish and maintain a formal style.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2f Provide a concluding statement or section that
follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.
Materials Needed:
Articles:
“Confessions of a Teenage Bully” by Rachel Simons
“Cyberbulling” by Kathy Wilmore
“Students are Suspended for Verbally Abusing School Bus Monitor” by Jennifer
Preston
“Meet the New Sheriff” by Suzanne McCabe
“Monona Police Can Now Cite Parents For A Child’s Bullying” by Doug Erickson
“Cyberbullying Can Be A Crime But It Can Be Punished: The Judicial Notice”
by Jessica Brewbaker
Books:
Excepts from Teen Cyberbullying Investigated by Judge Tom Jacobs
Excerpts from Dear Bully by Meagan Kelley Hall & Carrie Jones
Documentary:
Bullied: A Student, A School, and The Case That Made History
I.S. 239
Name _________________________
Class _____ ID _____
Date _____________
Directions to Students
Performance Task: How Can We Control Bullying?
Bullying may have a devastating effect on those who are bullied if gone
unchecked. The consequences are far reaching not only for those who are
being bullied, but for those who are silent bystanders as well. You will read
and watch a series of informational texts and sources dealing with the effects
of bullying on those who are bullied, as well as the consequences of remaining
silent in the face of bullies. Through close analysis and further research, you
will write a formal response on the effects of bullying. You will address a
means of control by acknowledging a consequence and punishment, as well as a
counter argument to your claim.
You will write a formal essay on bullying. Using examples from your sources,
you will examine bullying and its effects.
The formal essay must include references to the articles we read in class. You
must include a works cited page using proper MLA format. There should be a
minimum of THREE sources.
You must have the following pieces to submit for me:
Outline: due ______________
Edited rough draft including the works cited page: due ____________
Final copy including cover and works cited page: due ____________
I expect you to have at least TWO different people edit your rough draft.
Each person should use a different color when editing. Please ask the person
to print and sign his/her name. It can be a friend, a family member or a
teacher.
Prompt:
Bullying may have a devastating effect on those who are bullied if gone
unchecked. Discuss the negative effects of bullying and establish a means of
control by determining a sufficient consequence.
Use explicit and inferred evidence from the texts to support your claim.
Be sure to acknowledge a counter claim and include evidence from your sources.
CHECKLIST
____ You will need a cover. The cover should include your essay title in the center
(no pictures). Your name, homeroom and English ID must be in the lower righthand corner of the cover.
____ Do NOT include a heading on the first page of your essay.
____ The essay title should be in the center at the top of the first page of
your essay.
_____Establish and maintain a clear position.
____ Your essay must have an introduction, at least three body paragraphs
and a clear conclusion. Create an organizational structure that introduces and
concludes the argument and orders reason and evidence so that they make
sense. Make transitions between and within sections clear.
____ Your essay must be double spaced. Use size twelve font.
____ Your goal is to explain the effect of bullying, provide a way to control this
growing problem by establishing a consequence (punishment). Incorporate insight
from the pieces we read and watched (the non-fiction articles we read, and the
media pieces we viewed in class). Provide multiple reasons that make sense and
support the overall position. Include RELEVANT evidence to support your
reasoning.
_____ Discuss an alternate or opposing position of consequence: demonstrate
understanding that there is another possible position on the topic.
_____ Demonstrate accurate literal and INFERENTIAL understanding of the source
material.
____You must use at least THREE sources. You must choose from the non-fiction
articles we read. This does not limit you to three quotes! This just means that
you must use AT LEAST THREE SOURCES of information.
_____ You must also include a works cited page using correct MLA format. It must
be the last page of your essay. There should be three different sources on
this page
_____ Demonstrate a command of grammar, usage, and mechanics across the essay.