Biology Research Assignment

Letter to your Congressman

BackgroundOver the last few years there have been several bills and

proposed legislation regarding the development of GM foods.

You will be writing a letter to your congressman explaining

your position on if GMO foods should continue to be produced

and consumed throughout the world.

Objective:

● Students will:

○ develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly

○ supply data and evidence for claim and counterclaim

■ Refer to specific pieces of the article at least 3 times

○ point out the strengths and limitations of both claim(s)

and counterclaims

○ anticipate the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

Where do you stand right now on the production and consumption of GM foods?

I am not in favor of GM foods

I am in favor of GM foods

I need more information

before I can make a decision

Step 1• Read section 1 and 2 of

the article

• Feel free to annotate the

article as you go

• Add pros and cons to your

t-chart

Step 2• Discuss the pros and cons on your t-chart with your

team

• Add information to your t-chart

• Discuss the strongest argument for and against GM

foods

• Share out with the class by creating 1 slide

ConclusionThere are good arguments on both

sides of the GM food issue

Being informed and understanding

both sides is key to making informed

decisions about our food supply, our

health, and the environment

Tomorrow we will continue our study

of the GM food issue

GMO Research &

Letter

Day 2

Objective:

● Students will:

○ develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly

○ supply data and evidence for claims and counterclaims

○ point out the strengths and limitations of both claims

and counterclaims

○ anticipate the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

Today1. Look at your strongest arguments from yesterday

2. Finish reading the article – annotate as you read

3. Work with your team to create 1 slide – 2 pros, 2 cons (cite where

in the article you found this information)

1. Each team will present their own slide

4. Outline ideas/rough draft of letter (if time)

GM Foods ResearchDay 3

You may type or handwrite your lettershare with me to have it printed

You must finish your letter today

Composing an ArgumentRemember, a good argumentative letter:

● Anticipates the audience’s knowledge and concerns on the

subject

● Has a clear introduction

● States a focus/topic clearly, precisely, and thoughtfully

● Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support and develop

the claims and counterclaims fairly.

● Concludes effectively

● Uses precise language

● Shows control over conventions

Writing PromptYou will now start writing your letter to Senator Jeff Denham

Considering the risks and benefits of genetically modifying foods,

should these foods continue to be produced and consumed

throughout the world?

After reading the provided text, write an a letter that argues your

position on producing and distributing genetically modified foods.

Support your position with evidence from the text at least 3 times. Be

sure to acknowledge competing views.

Your letterUse the letter template provided to properly structure a formal letter

Keep your letter to no more than 2 pages in length

Claims – your reasoning for your position

Counterclaims – what the other side says…and why they are wrong

DO NOT use MLA format. This is not an essay; it is a letter.

To quote a scientist say “According to Robert Goldberg, a biologist

from UCLA…”

Congressman Jeff Denham4701 Sisk Rd., Suite 202

Modesto, CA95356

Your name

4033 Central Ave

Ceres, CA

95307