Utopia presents two paragraphs from the book; Sir Thomas More argues that there are times when death is preferable to living
Cloning, a New Quest for Immortality?
How Cloning Works from CNN, this site requires Flash capabilities. Is cloning our society's technological solution to immortality? The site is very good at explaining the basics of cloning
History of Cloning Scroll down to examine the timeline; as you can see, although cloning is now in the news, many people have been involved in developing cloning techniques over a long period of time
Advantages of Cloning lists many advantages; be sure to examine all of them, especially the last one!
Step 4
Once you've collected your materials ....
You have collected various articles to help you broaden your understanding of immortality. Continue to read your t-chart that support the two perspectives that immortality is a desirable quest or not a desirable quest. Remember to balance the number of examples (evidence of an open mind). Use the completed t-chart to help students organized their supporting ideas for the academic controversy.
Students are placed into 2 groups, using the following formula: Group "A's" present the perspective that it is a desirable quest. Group B's present the idea that it is not a desirable quest. Afterwards, everyone switches perspectives (B presents it is desirable and A the opposite).
Once you have completed the academic controversy, they are ready to pose the critical question "To what extent is immortality desirable?" Based on the data you've collected in the t-chart, select your best examples that support your point of view. Use the persuasive writing recipe sheet to structure your examples that support your point of view. Use the persuasive writing recipe sheet to structure your examples and belief statement. After proof reading, publish your writing as an essay in persuasive writing.
Alternatives to writing a persuasive essay may be an oral presentation of the critical analysis.
Evaluation: A note for teachers
Students assess their persuasive writing using the recipe for Persuasive writing. (The teacher may wish to collaborate with students to come to a consensus on final evaluation). Be sure to make observations of the students' worksheets and behaviours during the data gathering stages. The Ministry Group Communication Skills Reference Set may be useful as well as the criteria for critical analysis sheet.
