The Westing Game Activity - Jury Speech Creative Novel Study Reading Response

The Westing Game Activity - Jury Speech Creative Novel Study Reading Response: Engage students in persuasive writing and close reading with this courtroom-themed activity inspired by The Westing Game. In this assignment, students take on the role of an attorney delivering a closing argument that reveals who they believe is responsible for Samuel Westing’s death. As they build their cases, students gather evidence, analyze character motives, and organize their reasoning into a compelling and well-supported speech.

This is included in our popular unit plan:
>>> The Westing Game Unit Plan

Included in The Westing Game Jury Speech Assignment:

➡️ Jury Speech Planning Organizer: Introduce the activity with clear instructions that establish the scenario. The planning organizer then supports students in gathering evidence, examining motives, and organizing their ideas into a well-reasoned, persuasive case.

➡️ Jury Speech Writing Template: Support students as they draft and polish their speeches with this structured template that emphasizes persuasive techniques and confident delivery.

How The Westing Game Jury Speech Assignment Works:

1. Introduce the assignment with clear instructions that set the scene. Discuss how persuasive techniques and evidence from the novel can be used to build a strong, convincing case.
2. Then, guide students as they complete the planning organizer by identifying relevant clues, motives, and events that support their theory.
3. Support students in drafting their speeches using the template and have them present their cases in a mock courtroom setting.

This activity works best after students have finished reading the novel and have analyzed key characters, motives, and plot twists.

© Presto Plans

➡️ Want 10 free ELA resources sent to your inbox? Click here!