Spot the Scam: Use Argumentative Writing to Stop Misinformation

Curipod creator studio

Updated 20 days ago

Customizable lesson description

Uncover the truth behind misleading social media posts! In this interactive lesson, students will critically analyze a social media post by an influencer, identify misinformation, and create compelling counter-posts using evidence. Engage your students in developing critical thinking and argumentative writing skills while navigating the digital world responsibly. Target Audience: Subject: English Language Arts Grade Level: 6th-8th Grade Estimated duration: 45 minutes Learning Outcome: Students read a set of sources and inquire to identify misinformation. They practice researching, analyzing evidence, and writing arguments to support their claims. Lesson Outline: 1. Introduction: Introduce students to a generated social media influencer and the dubious product they are promoting. 2. Activity: Students read the influencer’s social media post, identify the misinformation, and conduct research to find accurate information. 3. Writing: Students write a counter post to stop the spread of misinformation, providing evidence to support their claims. 4. AI Feedback: Students receive AI feedback in the form of a scenario based on a rubric. (How many users bought the product? How successful was their counter post?) 5. Revise/Resubmit: Students are given the opportunity to refine their writing to "repost" and have a larger impact. 6. Extension: Students create their own product to sell along with a social media post To generate your lesson: - Select your grade level - Select a product category - Select a social media outlet - Select an influencer name and age - Select the influencer's purpose Standards Covered: CCSS (Common Core State Standards): 6th Grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.8: Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text. 7th Grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.8: Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text. 8th Grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.8: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text. TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills): 6th Grade: 6.11(A): Develop drafts into a focused, structured, and coherent piece of writing. 6.13(B): Examine sources for reliability, credibility, and bias. 7th Grade: 7.11(A): Write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of a specific audience. 7.13(C): Use appropriate and effective organizational patterns in argumentative texts. 8th Grade: 8.11(A): Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. 8.13(D): Distinguish between fact and opinion in argumentative texts. Tags: Misinformation Argumentative Writing Social Media Literacy Critical Thinking Middle School ELA Digital Literacy Fact-Checking Persuasive Writing