This document provides instructions and materials for students to write a letter to their congressman arguing their position on genetically modified (GM) foods. It includes background information on bills regarding GM foods, as well as objectives for the letter such as developing claims and counterclaims while supplying evidence from the provided article. Students indicate their initial position on GM foods, read sections of the article while taking notes, and discuss pros and cons in a group. The document outlines steps for outlining and drafting the letter, including considering the audience and using evidence from the text to support statements.

1. Biology Research
Assignment
Letter to your
Congressman

2. Background
Over the last few years there have been several bills and
proposed legislation regarding the development of GM foods.
You will be writing a letter to your congressman explaining
your position on if GMO foods should continue to be produced
and consumed throughout the world.

4. Objective:
● Students will:
○ develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly
○ supply data and evidence for claim and counterclaim
■ Refer to specific pieces of the article at least 3 times
○ point out the strengths and limitations of both claim(s)
and counterclaims
○ anticipate the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

5. Where do you stand right now on the
production and consumption of GM foods?
I am not in favor of GM foods
I am in favor of GM foods
I need more information
before I can make a decision

6. Step 1
• Read section 1 and 2 of
the article
• Feel free to annotate the
article as you go
• Add pros and cons to your
t-chart

7. Step 2
• Discuss the pros and cons on your t-chart with your
team
• Add information to your t-chart
• Discuss the strongest argument for and against GM
foods
• Share out with the class by creating 1 slide

8. Conclusion
There are good arguments on both
sides of the GM food issue
Being informed and understanding
both sides is key to making informed
decisions about our food supply, our
health, and the environment
Tomorrow we will continue our study
of the GM food issue

9. GMO Research
&
Letter
Day 2

10. Objective:
● Students will:
○ develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly
○ supply data and evidence for claims and counterclaims
○ point out the strengths and limitations of both claims
and counterclaims
○ anticipate the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

11. Today
1. Look at your strongest arguments from yesterday
2. Finish reading the article – annotate as you read
3. Work with your team to create 1 slide – 2 pros, 2 cons (cite where
in the article you found this information)
1. Each team will present their own slide
4. Outline ideas/rough draft of letter (if time)

12. GM Foods Research
Day 3

13. You may type or handwrite your letter
share with me to have it printed
You must finish your letter today

14. Composing an Argument
Remember, a good argumentative letter:
● Anticipates the audience’s knowledge and concerns on the
subject
● Has a clear introduction
● States a focus/topic clearly, precisely, and thoughtfully
● Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support and develop
the claims and counterclaims fairly.
● Concludes effectively
● Uses precise language
● Shows control over conventions

15. Writing Prompt
You will now start writing your letter to Senator Jeff Denham
Considering the risks and benefits of genetically modifying foods,
should these foods continue to be produced and consumed
throughout the world?
After reading the provided text, write an a letter that argues your
position on producing and distributing genetically modified foods.
Support your position with evidence from the text at least 3 times. Be
sure to acknowledge competing views.

16. Your letter
Use the letter template provided to properly structure a formal letter
Keep your letter to no more than 2 pages in length
Claims – your reasoning for your position
Counterclaims – what the other side says…and why they are wrong
DO NOT use MLA format. This is not an essay; it is a letter.
To quote a scientist say “According to Robert Goldberg, a biologist
from UCLA…”

19. Congressman Jeff Denham
4701 Sisk Rd., Suite 202
Modesto, CA
95356
Your name
4033 Central Ave
Ceres, CA
95307