Writing Task: Use the writing process to produce a 350-500 word persuasive essay.
Writing Prompt
Writing Prompt 1 - Writing for the Real World
Sometimes an issue affects you so strongly that you want to convince others to act in a certain way. Write a persuasive essay on an issue that is important to you. Write a persuasive essay on an issue that is important to you.
Issues to Consider
Writing Prompt 2 - Writing from Literature
Choose an issue from our study of writers of the American Revolution that you feel strongly about. Write a persuasive essay that explains the issue and mentions the literary work in which you found it.
Literature to Consider
Essay Rubric:
Sometimes an issue affects you so strongly that you want to convince others to act in a certain way. Write a persuasive essay on an issue that is important to you. Write a persuasive essay on an issue that is important to you.
Issues to Consider
- a local political issue, as a a curfew
- a school issue, such as start time
- issues involving the environment or social justice
- issues involving freedom of expression or social media
Writing Prompt 2 - Writing from Literature
Choose an issue from our study of writers of the American Revolution that you feel strongly about. Write a persuasive essay that explains the issue and mentions the literary work in which you found it.
Literature to Consider
- Patrick Henry's speech to the Virginia Convention - What is liberty worth?
- The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson - When is rebellion justified?
- from "The Crisis,
- Letters of Phillis Wheatley and Abigail Adams - How should we go about changing rules we don't like?
Essay Rubric:
persuasive_rubric.doc | |
File Size: | 43 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Step 2: Drafting - What Should I Do?1. Put your ideas in a sensible order.
First, introduce the issue. Next, present your thesis statement, As you plan the rest of your essay, be sure to think of opposing arguments. Make sure you think of at least one answer, or counterclaim, for every opposing argument. To be certain that you include all the points you want to make, create an outline before writing. What Does It Look Like?I. Introduction
A. Engage the reader B. Introduce the issue C. Present thesis statement II. Body A. The problem is widespread 1. Many people use cell phones 2. Driving takes concentration I know from experience. B. Cell phones users cause accidents 1. Cite statistics from university study 2. Cite statistics from Canadian study C. Opposing arguments (and counterclaims) 1. Time is valuable (lose time in an accident 2. Other distractions (phones even more distracting) 3. Hands-free phones (users brake slowly) D. Legislation passed or pending 1. in other countries 2. within the United States III. Conclusion A. Restate claim B. Summarize arguments C. Memorable closing |
2. Support your arguments with reasons and evidence
Include logical reasons for your point of view. Quote experts and share facts and statistics that make your position convincing. Explain how each piece of evidence backs up your claim. What Does it Look Like?This distraction can have serious - even fatal - consequences [Argument]
"It's absolutely clear from the research literature that talking on a cell phone while driving does elevate the risk of a crash," said Dr. Donald Reinfurt of the University of North Carolina's Highway Safety Research Center. [Support - expert opinion] 3. Use Persuasive Techniques and Rhetorical Devices
Use language to engage the minds and emotions of your readers. Incorporate at least two persuasive techniques and two rhetorical devices. Persuasive Techniques
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Step 3: Revising and Editing -What Should I Do?1. Energize your language
What Does It Look Like?It would be a [good idea] to [consider] banning the use of cell phones while driving.
Using cell phones while driving must be banned -- now. 2. Prop up any weak arguments
What Does It Look Like?Others might argue that if lawmakers ban talking on a cell phone while driving, they will also have to ban other distractions such as eating, listening to music, and talking to passengers in the car. How ridiculous can you get? However, the Insurance Information Institute reports that "there is increasing evidence that the dangers associated with cell-phones use outweigh those of other distractions."
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3. Watch for mistakes in logic
What Does It Look Like?Nearly fifty countries from Australia to Zimbabwe have
(Every) country outside of the United States has banned or restricted the use of cell phones while driving. 4. Conclude concisely
What Does It Look Like?You could be the next victim of a driver distracted by a cell-phone conversation. So before that happens remember: "Hang up -- don't bang up!" Send letters or e-mails to your local, state, and federal legislators urging them to ban the use of these devices in cars. Do it today.
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