UNIT 2: Summative Pro/Con Article

You will work with a partner to create a two-column pro/con opinion article. Your partner will advocate for the "Pro" position, and you will advocate for the "Con" position (or vice versa), both focusing on the exact same core issue.

To successfully execute this assignment, you must:

1. Select a Topic: Choose one specific issue relevant to our school’s students or welfare (e.g., school start times, the use of phones during lunch, new club funding, dress code rules).
2. Divide and Conquer: Each partner will write one self-contained column expressing their opposing viewpoint. Each partner will produce an infographic to accompany their column.
3. Putting it Together: When submitted, the two columns must be presented together as a single, cohesive unit. In a print layout, these pieces would appear side-by-side or on facing pages; for our digital submission, they must be included on the same document.

Required Identification:

1. Include a prominent Standing Headline (a title or header like "Point/Counterpoint" or "The Debate") that immediately signals the dual nature of the article.
2. Includes a subheading for each partner’s section of the article.
3. Following each subheading, include a clear Byline for each writer. It should be clear which writer wrote each section.

Achieving Excellence: What Makes for an Outstanding Column? Your work will be assessed not only on the strength of your individual argument but also on the overall quality of the paired writing.

Remember these core criteria:

• Relevance and Interest: Does your topic matter to your readers?
• Consistency: Despite opposing views, the two columns must maintain a consistent tone and professional style.
• Engagement: Both columns need compelling leads that hook the reader immediately.
• Clarity and Evidence: Use logical sequencing, specific examples, facts, and comparisons to support your interpretation. Avoid overly emotional rhetoric or clichés—deal with the specific issue at hand.
• Vivid Writing: Demonstrate a deep understanding of your subject matter, using varied sentence structures and clear, concise, and vivid language. And, of course, proper diction and grammar are non-negotiable!

Working with a partner, craft a pro/con opinion article on an issue of concern to our student readers. Each partner’s column will be approximately 500 words. Each writer will create an infographic to accompany their column.