Lesson: Creating a Persuasive Argument for The Strong's Video Game Hall of Fame

Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to create a persuasive argument for the best video game using evidence and logical reasoning.

“I can” statements

As a video game consumer I can construct an argument to build a persuasive argument as to why my electronic game should be inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame at the Strong.
As a critical thinker I can use diverse reasoning, provide solid evidence, share facts, use examples and quotes to bolster my argument.
As a listener, I can listen to my peers as they also share their persuasive arguments and provide constructive feedback.

Grade Level: 7-12

Common Core Standards

ELA-Literacy.W.7.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

ELA-Literacy.W.7.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

ELA-Literacy.W.7.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.

DEIA Standards

Cultural Responsiveness

Students will be able to recognize and respect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all students, including their varied interests and cultural influences on their choices of video games.

Equity

Students will be able to provide equal access and opportunity for all students to participate in the lesson regardless of their background, including their familiarity with video games.

Inclusion

Students will be able to create a safe and inclusive learning environment that welcomes and values diverse perspectives, and encourages all students to share their unique perspectives and experiences with video games.

Intersectionality

Students will be able to recognize and address the ways in which different aspects of students’ identities (such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status) intersect and influence their experiences and opinions of video games.

Representation and Bias

Students will be able to analyze and discuss the representation of diverse characters and perspectives in different video games, and recognize and address any biases or stereotypes that may be present in those representations.

Social Justice

Students will be able to discuss how the video game industry and gaming culture can perpetuate or challenge systemic inequalities and injustices, and encourage students to consider the social impact of the video games they play and promote.

Materials

Computer with internet access
Paper and pencils Rubric for grading persuasive arguments

Lesson Hook

Visit the World Video Game Hall of Fame on The Strong’s website and explore the various games that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame from 2015 to now! You will find over thirty games that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame from 2015 to 2021. Your job as a video game consumer is to nominate your favorite electronic game into the hall of fame. But you have to have the best argument!

Procedure

Introduction (10 minutes)

Begin by asking students to think about their favorite video games and why they enjoy playing them.
Discuss as a class what makes a good video game and why people have different opinions about what is “the best” game.
Explain that in this lesson, students will learn how to create a persuasive argument for the best video game, using evidence and logical reasoning

Research (20 minutes)

Have students research different video games and their reviews.
Encourage them to look for evidence to support their arguments, such as gameplay mechanics, storyline, graphics, or player reviews.
Provide resources such as video game review websites, YouTube channels or popular blogs and forums

Pre-Writing (15 minutes)

Have students brainstorm their arguments and supporting evidence.
Encourage them to organize their ideas into a clear and concise outline.

Writing (30 minutes)

Have students begin writing their persuasive arguments, using their outlines and research.
Encourage them to use persuasive language and to anticipate counterarguments.
Remind them to use evidence and logical reasoning to support their claims.

Peer Review (20 minutes)

Have students exchange their persuasive arguments with a partner.
Encourage them to provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Have them use the rubric to score each other’s arguments (optional)

Revision (20 minutes)

Have students revise their persuasive arguments based on peer feedback.
Encourage them to strengthen their arguments and evidence.

Assessment (optional)

Use a rubric to grade each student’s persuasive argument, based on their use of evidence, logical reasoning, persuasive language, and organization.

Extensions

Have students present their persuasive arguments in front of the class or in a debate format.
Have students research and argue for the best video game in a specific genre, such as action, adventure, or sports.
Have students write a response to a counterargument or opposing viewpoint to their persuasive argument.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

Have students share their final persuasive arguments with the class.
Discuss as a class the different arguments and why they are persuasive.
Summarize the lesson and emphasize the importance of using evidence and logical reasoning to create a persuasive argument.