A Separate Peace

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Persuasive Argument: The True Nature of Finny’s Fall”

In this activity, students will work together to outline a persuasive essay arguing either “for” or “against” the argument that Gene intentionally jostled the branch to knock Finny to the ground. Student groups will then present their findings in a mini debate.

Throughout the novel, Gene struggles with the feeling that he is responsible for Finny’s injury at the tree; however, whether or not this injury was intentional is never clearly defined.

For this Activity, choose a side—either “for” or “against” the claim that Gene intentionally jostled the branch to knock Finny to the ground—and work with a small group to gather evidence and outline a persuasive essay that proves your argument.

• Clearly identify your point of view in a thesis statement at the beginning of your outline.
• Gather details from the text to substantiate your argument.
• Create topic sentences for each of the points of your argument. List your supporting evidence in the outline.
• Acknowledge and refute the possible counterclaims to your argument. Include these details in the appropriate sections of your outline.