Fighting Injustice: Uprising & Flesh and Blood So Cheap

Lesson 31
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ELA

Unit 2

7th Grade

Lesson 31 of 38

Objective


Unpack the expectations of a research-based writing task and begin to gather evidence in preparation for writing an op-ed.

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Writing Prompt

In this unit, you learned about the unjust treatment and dangerous conditions faced by American garment workers in the early 20th century. The tragedy of the Triangle Fire brought attention to the plight of workers and led to reforms across the country, as witnesses and local leaders fought for new laws to protect the rights and safety of workers. 

Because of these new laws and regulations, many people assume that conditions for garment workers in the United States today are significantly better than those faced by the women who worked in the Triangle Factory. However, reports by the United States Department of Labor demonstrate that problems in the garment industry persist today. 

Using information from Flesh and Blood So Cheap and additional informational texts, write an op-ed for your local newspaper taking a position on the following question: Are conditions for garment workers significantly better today than they were in the early 20th century? 

The op-ed should consist of an introduction, two body paragraphs with evidence from at least three sources, a conclusion paragraph, and a bibliography. 

In preparation for answering this question, take notes on the conditions faced by garment workers (in sweatshops and factories) in the early 20th century from Flesh and Blood So Cheap, pages 68–74. Be sure to include the page number where you found the information. 

Sample Response

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Homework


Students should read through these articles in preparation for tomorrow's class.

To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

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Common Core Standards


  • 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.
  • W.7.7 — Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
  • W.7.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Supporting Standards

RI.7.1
RI.7.2
RI.7.10
W.7.1
W.7.4
W.7.8
W.7.10
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Lesson 30

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Lesson 32

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