Although this lesson plan is based on “Final Word,” Craig Wilson’s USA Today column, the strategies could be adapted to any local columnist. After reading three articles independently, groups share observations about content and style used by the author and then each member crafts an article in the author’s style. As a final word, articles could be sent to the journalist.

Common Core

RI.9-10.6 RI.11-12.6 W.9-10.4 W.11-12.4 L.9-10.2.a L.11-12.2.a