Persuasive Writing Assignment Michael vs LeBron

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Total Pages: 17 pages
Answer Key: Included with rubric
Teaching Duration: 2 days
File Size: 2 MB
File Type: Zip

Looking to engage your students in persuasive writing using a topic they care about? This Persuasive Writing Assignment: Michael vs. LeBron will spark critical thinking, debate, and strong writing skills as students determine who truly deserves the title of GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in basketball - LeBron James or Michael Jordan.

After listening to a thought-provoking podcast, students will gather evidence from this oral text and use it to support their opinions. With multiple format options and built-in scaffolding, this resource is perfect for differentiating your instruction and keeping students motivated.

Click Here To View The Preview

What’s Included:

✅ Detailed Teacher Lesson Plan – Easy to follow and ready to teach!
✅ Graphic Organizers – Help students organize their arguments and evidence.
✅ Persuasive Writing Assignment Choice Board (write an essay, create a slideshow or record a podcast).
✅ Answer Key – Includes sample responses.
✅ Assessment Options – Choose between a detailed rubric or a points-based grading scale.
✅ PDF and Digital Formats – Compatible with Google Drive for flexible classroom use.

Skills & Standards:

• Citing evidence from multimedia/oral texts
• Opinion and persuasive writing
• Organizing and supporting arguments
• Listening comprehension
• Critical thinking and debate

⚠️ Language Note: The podcast contains mild language: "damn" (2x), "pissed off" (1x), and one censored expletive. Please preview before use and decide based on your classroom context.

Why Teachers Love This Resource:

• Real-World Engagement: Students are immediately hooked by the Michael vs. LeBron debate - perfect for connecting classroom skills to real-life interests.
• Multimedia Integration: Combines listening, critical thinking, and writing - great for addressing diverse learning styles and standards.
• Built-In Differentiation: The choice board empowers students to show their learning in a way that suits them best - essay, slideshow, or podcast!
• Ready-to-Go: With detailed lesson plans, graphic organizers, and assessment tools, you can print or assign digitally - no prep needed.

Teacher Feedback 

1. “Excellent resource! Students loved it and it's great to give them a few options of what they want to do with this assignment.”
2. “This unit is clear, well organized, and easy to use.  It was engaging for my students to use and my students were engaged.  Thanks!”
3. “This was a great lesson that I could leave for one day with a sub (the listening and T-chart part).  Students enjoyed it because it was sports-related”

Perfect For:

• Middle school or high school ELA
• Writing units on opinion or persuasive texts
• Sub plans, homework, early finishers, or enrichment
• Engaging reluctant writers with relevant, real-world topics