Persuasive Unit

Assignment: Write a 4-5 page argumentative essay.

Important Dates:
Assignment:
Points:
Due Date:
Topic
5
Fri. Feb. 3
Quality use of class/library time:
10
In-Class Thurs. Feb. 2 and Tues. Feb. 7?
Working Bibliography with 3 sources/3
5
Tues. Feb. 7
Questions on Notecards:
Thesis/Notecards
10
Wed. Feb. 8
Write up interview/survey questions
10
Fri. Feb. 10
Outline of Essay with working bibliography 10
Fri. Feb. 10
(10 sources)
Draft of Essay
10
Mon. Feb. 13
Interviews/Surveys due (primary sources)
10
Thurs. Feb. 16
Peer Edit
10
In-Class Mon. Feb. 13
Final Copy of Essay with final bibliography 50
Fri. Feb. 17
Speech/Other
50
TBA (March)
Overall Requirements:__________/180 pts
Essay Requirements
Issue: Take a position on an issue about which reasonable people disagree. Pick an interesting issue that not
only you feel confident discussing, but also that will interest your audience. Be prepared to understand both
sides of the issue, but take a definite and strong stand on one side. Your topic must be approved by the teacher.
Possible Topics:
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~
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Support: You must use a minimum of three persuasive techniques (that we have learned in class) to argue your
issue convincingly with reasons and evidence. Any valid counterarguments must be mentioned and reasonably
explained; invalid ones should be refuted (overthrown by argument or proof).
Research:
1. Select a topic that is focused and debatable to research.
2. Find 10 sources for Working Bibliography (2 of the 10 must be print sources).
3. Use the school and/or public library to research.
4. Use note cards with research question as heading and direct quotes, paraphrase, or summary.
5. Use primary and secondary sources. Conduct interviews and/or surveys if necessary.
Persuasive Essay Guidelines (See rubric)
1. Begin with a concise statement of position on the issue (thesis).
2. The position should be supported with (at least three) logical arguments and valid evidence.
3. Reasonable appeals to emotion without being overly argumentative.
4. Anticipates an opposing point of view with counter arguments
5. Concludes in a manner that prompts the reader/ audience to change their thinking or take a specific course of
action. (Propose one or two solutions)
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!!