OBJECTIVE
Students will write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of a specific audience on specific issues. Students will use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing) to compose text.
WARM UP
CWoD - BLASPHEMY
TODAY
- Finish persuasive essay rough drafts.today! Keep in mind the final draft will be a major grade!
- We will finish rough drafts today and will edit and begin final drafts tomorrow.
Wednesday Essay Info ...
- Begin rough drafting your persuasive essay from the topic you selected on Monday. Your prewriting is available on the stool at the front of the room. The rough draft should be handwritten (on paper, DUH) ...
- Essays should be (roughly) 5-6 paragraphs with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A good source for a brief review on essay structure (from Arizona State University .. Go Sundevils) can be found here: PERSUASIVE ESSAY STRUCTURE
- In terms of length, essays should be 400 words or so. Content is more important than quantity, but remember that quality content requires providing support/proof for the statements you make ... not JUST making the statement.
- Take a CLEAR STANCE ... do not be a politician and try to have it both ways ... TAKE A STAND ... STATE IT CLEARLY IN YOUR THESIS ... and then make your points.
- Be sure to recognize and discuss dissenting arguments as well. An effective persuasive paper both supports its argument AND refutes opposing points of view.
- The grading rubric for the paper can be found here: ARGUMENT ESSAY RUBRIC
Monday Essay Prewriting ...
- Decide what stance you will take on one of the following issues and list 5 possible arguments FOR and AGAINST your position. (If you are not sure or have any difficulty thinking up arguments for your issue, consult ProCon.org .. It's a good resource for this). Be specific on where you stand and on the possible arguments for and against. This will serve as your essay prewrite AND must be turned in today before you leave class to receive credit.
- Possible issues to choose from ...
- Electronic Devices in Schools
- Dress Code/School Uniforms
- Standardized Testing
- Choose only one of these topics .. Do some quick research .. Write a thesis that clearly states your stance on the issue. And list 5 possible pro and 5 possible con arguments. Turn in to the top tray on my desk when you're finished.
If you need to make up a test or quiz, you can elect to use class time to do so, but must make sure you stay on track with the essay writing process.
