STUDENT BACKGROUND

Students will go over the characteristics of a persuasive vs. an argumentative essay, and focus on identifying
claims and counterclaims within two articles.
Students that have been to SeaWorld will share their experiences with the class.

Argumentative Writing Prompt:
After researching the claims put forth by the Blackfish documentary and SeaWorld's
rebuttals on the death of Dawn Brancheau, killer whales in captivity, Tilikum's history at
Sealand and Seaworld, and trainers in the water , write a two to three page argumentative
essay that argues your position on whether Blackfish is a documentary or propoganda. .
Support your position with evidence from your research.
Be sure to acknowledge competing views.
Give examples from past or current events or issues to illustrate and clarify your position.
RESOURCES
The Killer in the Pool, Outside Magazine, July 2010, by Tim Zimmermann
The article gives background on the death of Dawn Brancheau leading into how the whale that killed
her, Tilikum, was brought into the Killer Whale program at Seaworld.
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/The-Killer-in-the-Pool.html
SeaWorld: The Truth is in Our Parks and People
An open letter from SeaWorld's animal advocates addressing issues like the capturing of killer whales
in the wild, separation of killer whale moms and calves, money investments in the care of their killer
whales, killer whale life spans in captivity as compared to the wild, the benefits of having killer
whales in captivity, and facts about SeaWorld as a world leader in animal rescue.
http://seaworldcares.com/~/link.aspx?_id=E72EFC67FC5A4B14B31AD681C87F1C20&_z=z
The Truth about Blackfish
This article explains why Blackfish is Propoganda, not a documentary. SeaWorld's direct response
refutes many claims the Blackfish documentary relied upon to discredit SeaWorld and its practices.
http://seaworld.com/en/truth/truth%20about%20blackfish/
Blackfish
A self-titled documentary and Sundance Film Festival selection in 2013, Blackfish seeks to unravel
the complexities between killer whales as "beloved majestic, friendly giants" and as vicious killers. It
also "expands the discussion of keeping such intelligent creatures in captivity." Rated PG-13, 83
minutes. Blackfish. Dir. Gabriela Cowperthwaite. Magnolia Pictures/CNN Films, 2013. Film.
Subtle but Significant Differences between Persuasive and Argumentative Writing
The piece highlights what the purpose and outline of each type of essay is, and it gives two examples
studetns can compare.
http://www.mesd.k12.or.us/si/Pennys_PortaPortal_Docs/ArgumentvsPersuasiveWriting.pdf
Standards breakdown for Argumentative Writing
Specific language pulled directly from the Common Core State Standards is highlighted in pink. A
student-friendly/ teacher-friendly interpretation of what that standard means is above/below the
standard.
://www.smekenseducation.com/bc2930edd3_sites/www.smekenseducation.com/files/CCSS_Argumen
tative__Grades_6-8.pdf
KEYWORDS
Documentary
Propoganda
Claim
Counter claim
Warrant
Rebuttal
Orca
Anti-captivity