Lifting Our Voices

How can we use our voices to effect change?

Grades
9-12
Subjects
ELA, Social Studies
Key Content
argumentative writing, persuasion, rhetoric, speech, video creation, community issues
Close-up of a microphone as seen from a stage, with a blurred background of spectators at an outdoor rally

Students learn about rhetoric and argumentation as they individually write and present persuasive speeches to convince first-time voters of their stance on a current social, economic, or political issue. As a team, students work together to research their topic and refine their position as they collaboratively create an issue guide pamphlet to further persuade members of their community.

Note: For an example of students creating campaign ads during an election year, see this Overview of the Propositions Project at the Metropolitan Arts and Technology High School.