This activity helps students practice with analysis of an argument using a text about infamous Chicago gangster Al Capone. The task is similar to the SAT writing, where students evaluate an argument for effectiveness. This activity includes two passages, guiding questions, and a response prompt. Grading and rubric included.

The first article, “Scarface is Al Capone” is written to slant towards untrue claims. Students will likely find it easier to use the text to disagree with the author, which can often be a challenge. The second article, “The Legacy of Al Capone” is written to be slanted towards true, or commonly understood, claims about Al Capone’s legacy. Both include an answer guide to help show the textual evidence or analysis that students may use.

Both articles are original texts, created for these activities. Questions and Response prompt can be used together or function as stand-alone activities.

Contents:

• “Scarface is Al Capone” informational text
• “Scarface is Al Capone” Analysis Questions
• “Scarface is Al Capone” Response Prompt
• “Scarface is Al Capone” Analysis Questions Key
• “The Legacy of Al Capone” informational text
• “The Legacy of Al Capone” Analysis Questions
• “The Legacy of Al Capone” Response Prompt
• “The Legacy of Al Capone” Analysis Questions Key

This item is a single file PDF.

Want more Al Capone Informational Text activities, check out the St. Valentine's Day Massacre Activities Bundle- PDF

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Suggestions for use:

• Responding to literature
• Short story study
• Creative project
• Whole class book study
• Book clubs
• Book groups
• Reading clubs
• Reading groups
• Independent Reading
• Build a literature unit
• Literary analysis
• Alternate literary response
• Differentiated instructions