Argument essay lesson plan

I had this idea for a lesson plan a while ago, and I've been trying to figure out the best way to implement it effectively. I have a loose outline for what I would LIKE to do, but I could use some ideas on how it could be improved. The main focus is generating ideas in writing, taking a position, and making an effective argument. Let me know what you think so far!

Argument Essay class activity:

Put a statement of two or three sentences on the board and have students agree or disagree. As a class for a few minutes, discuss why or why not. Ask students at the beginning how many ideas they think they can generate for each position (5-10? 20? More?). Make that one of the goals.

The teacher makes two columns on the board: agree/disagree, and has students add to each column with supporting short phrases or single words. Start the list with only 5 or so ideas for each.

Divide class in half so that half agree and half disagree.

Have students copy the original statement and then write two or three sentences to embellish the original statement, putting in why they agree/disagree.

Partner with someone from a different perspective and argue/discuss your point of view, adding anything new to your short essay (can be in note form). Add as much as you can.

Have students switch essays, and return to his or her half of the classroom.

For the conclusion, have the “agree” students share the perspectives of the “disagree” students and vice versa. Add to the list of generated ideas on the board.

Lesson outcomes

Did the class reach their goal of generated ideas? Why or why not?

Did anyone change his or her mind during the course of the lesson? Why/Why not?

Did anyone hear an idea that was new or different that helped strengthen his or her position?

Did anyone hear an idea that weakened his or her position? What can you change about your idea to make it stronger?

Can you name one thing you heard that you were not aware of before?

Below are some statements I could use for the lesson.

Agree/Disagree statements

--Being a teenager today is more difficult than at any other time in history. Teenagers of today have a far greater amount of problems and obstacles than teenagers in the past. In addition, adults don’t think teenagers have any problems at all, and don’t understand what life is like for the modern teen, which makes being a teenager more difficult.

--People are never satisfied with what they have. They always want something more or something different. Therefore, no person can ever be truly happy.

--There is nothing that young people can teach older people. The older you get, the more opportunities you have to experience and learn. Therefore, young people should always listen to what older people have to teach them.

Again, any input for how to improve the lesson or possible obstacles in teaching it would be greatly appreciated!