The Argument Action Project is the culminating experience of the The Hate U Give argument writing unit, designed to move students from critical analysis to authentic, anti-racist initiatives. Grounded in Ethnic Studies, this lesson empowers students to recognize that their voice and actions can make a difference in dismantling systemic oppression.
Spanning two 100-minute block periods, this lesson focuses on Agency and Advocacy. Students begin by interpreting the visual rhetoric of social justice posters through a gallery walk, evaluating how images and text converge to convey powerful messages. This critical media analysis prepares them to become co-conspirators in their own education.
The heart of the project is the creation of an original social justice poster. Working in collaborative groups, students choose a sphere of influence and an action topic—ranging from Food Justice and Gender Equality to Abolishing ICE and supporting Teachers of Color.
The lesson concludes with a direct connection to civic leadership: students are encouraged to send their previously drafted argument essays as formal letters to government offices, ensuring their voices are heard by those in power.
What’s Included
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Complete 200-minute lesson plan focused on Praxis and Collectivism.
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“What Do U Stand For” Presentation for visual analysis.
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Social Justice Poster Rubric to guide student creation and evaluation.
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Gallery Walk Prompts for structured media interpretation.
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Authentic Student Examples showcasing projects on Food Deserts, LGBTQ+ Rights, and more.
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Alignment with WAESN Elements of Liberation and CCSS for Speaking, Listening, and Reading.
Why Educators Use This Lesson
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From Theory to Action: Moves students beyond the classroom and into civic and legislative leadership.
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Visual Literacy: Teaches students to use persuasive techniques in diverse mediums beyond just text.
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Student-Centered Choice: Allows students to advocate for issues that directly impact their own lived experiences.
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Intergenerational Impact: Positions youth as strategists and educators capable of shifting public narratives.
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Builds Community Power: Encourages students to share their work publicly within the school and beyond.
This is the radical approach to ELA that transforms students into the youth leaders Washington needs.