The Life of a Sled Dog

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The Life of a Sled Dog

• Writing a Persuasive Essay

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Introduction

• You just finished reading Akiak, a story about
  the Iditarod dogsled race in Alaska. You read
  about Akiaks journey and now you will read about
  the lives of sled dogs who race in the Iditarod.

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Assignment

• After you finish reading two articles about the
  lives of sled dogs, it will be your job to decide
  if you think it is cruel to force these dogs to
  race in the Iditarod. You will then complete an
  internet activity explaining how to write a
  persuasive essay. Then you will write an essay
  persuading your classmates to agree with your
  opinion.
• Do you think it is cruel to force dogs to race in
  the Iditarod????

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Research

• First read the article, A Sled Dog Life. Pay
  attention to how the dogs are treated and how
  their owners feel about them.
• 2. Then read the article, Is the Iditarod
  for the Dogs?. Pay attention to what the animal
  rights activists have to say AND what the mushers
  have to say in their own defense.

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Finished Reading???

• Now its time for you to think about if it is
  cruel to force dogs to race in the Iditarod. Talk
  about it with someone sitting next to you ( your
  partner, if you are working with someone).

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Persuasive Writing

• Before you can write about your opinion,
  complete the internet lesson about persuasive
  writing. Your teacher will provide you with the
  handouts you will need for drafting, editing, and
  revising. So, you will not need to print them.
  When you are ready to write your essay, type it
  in Microsoft Word. Save the document to your
  number.
• Persuasive Writing Lesson
• Note Although the lesson gives examples of
  different persuasive writing topics, your essay
  must answer the question, Is it cruel to force
  dogs to race in the Iditarod dogsled race?

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Early Finishers

• Read more about the Iditarod by visiting the
  following websites
• Explore the Trail
• Historic Iditarod
• Young Mushers