The Severus Snape Debate

Lesson Plan Snapshot. Sign up or Log in for access to complete peer-reviewed lesson plans, teaching tools & more. It's all FREE. Sign Up »
Log in to View Complete Lesson Plan

Theme:

Persuasion and Debate Using Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Grades:

6 - 8

Subject:

English, Other

Duration:

2 lessons, 60 minutes each

Standards
& Goals:

California Content Standards English Language Arts, Grade 6

Reading

2.7 Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations

3.8 Critique the credibility of characterization and the degree to which a plot is contrived or realistic (e.g., compare use of fact and fantasy in historical fiction)

Writing

2.5 Write persuasive compositions:

  1. State a clear position on a proposition or proposal
  2. Support the position with organized and relevant evidence
  3. Anticipate and address reader concerns and counterarguments

Listening and Speaking

2.4 Deliver persuasive presentations:

  1. Provide a clear statement of the position
  2. Include relevant evidence
  3. Offer a logical sequence of information
  4. Engage the listener and foster acceptance of the proposition or proposal

Objectives:

Students will:

  • Use text from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K.Rowling (and other Harry Potter books, as necessary) as evidence/support to form an argument for or against the character of Severus Snape
  • Employ the appropriate persuasive writing and speaking techniques to convince classmates of Snape’s guilt or innocence
Log in to View Complete Lesson Plan
figure reading a large book

Are you an RFB&D member? Most of the books featured in these lesson plans are in the RFB&D Library. Check out the RFB&D Online Catalog today.

Not an RFB&D member? Learn how to become a member today.

Not sure if you are a member?
Call 1-800-221-4792 to find out.