Unit 1 – Writing Format / Persuasive Writing

Unit 1 – Writing Format / Persuasive Writing English 9 ***NOTES GO IN FOLDER GIVEN TO YOU YESTERDAY – RIGHT POCKET

Five Elements • Focus – staying clear to your thesis statement / not going off on tangents • Organization – using good paragraph structure and transitions • Support and Elaboration – giving examples and explaining them • Style – word choice and sentence fluency • Conventions (grammar / spelling)

Essay Format • Introduction: • 1. Attention grabber – quote, story, statistic, fact • 2. Lead-in – explains attention grabber / connects to thesis • 3. Thesis statement – tells reader what paper is about ***When done correctly, a good introduction works like a funnel.

Essay Format • Body Paragraph: (usually THREE, third discusses opposing view and weakens it) • 1. Topic sentence – use transition, tells paragraph topic • 2. Support 1 (EXAMPLE 1) • 3. Elaboration 1 (EXPLANATION 1) • 4. Support 2 • 5. Elaboration 2 • 6. Conclusion / Transition statement

Essay Format • Conclusion: • 1. Restate main point • 2. End in an interesting / thoughtful way

Debate Activity • Mr. Rinehart will split class in half • Draw a topic from the hat • 20-25 minutes to find 3-5 sources for your side of the argument (must write down AND state where the information came from – must be RELIABLE source) • EVERYONE should be helping, planning, and taking notes • Tomorrow – Review / debate

Debate Activity • Format • Team A – 8 minutes • Team B – 8 minutes • Team A – 3 minute COUNTERCLAIM • Team B – 3 minute COUNTERCLAIM • Team A – 1 minute CLOSING ARGUMENT • Team B – 1 minute CLOSING ARGUMENT • Discuss / winner announced

Persuasive Writing • Take a stance! Do not be vague • Know your audience (whether given or not) • Give the best possible support for your argument • Use appropriate language (word choice) • Acknowledge opposing view, but explain why yours is better (third body paragraph)

Persuasive Writing - Honors • Is Cheating Always Wrong? • "I would prefer even to fail with honor than to win by cheating." - Sophocles • "'Tis my opinion every man cheats in his own way, and he is only honest who is not discovered." - Susannah Centlivre • Recently, the idea of cheating has gotten much attention in the world of sports, entertainment, and politics. Many celebrities have been accused of gaining a competitive edge through dishonest means. While cheating has mainly been publicly condemned, there are many that feel there are times when cheating can actually be a way of making things better. They believe there is nothing wrong with making yourself a better athlete, entertainer, or politician if what you have done makes the event more entertaining, or assists the greater good. Do you feel that there are times when cheating is acceptable, or is cheating never justified? • In a detailed essay, articulate your position on whether cheating is always wrong. Use facts and examples to support your position.

Persuasive Writing - Honors • As you write, remember your essay will be scored based on how well you: • Develop a multi-paragraph response to the assigned topic that clearly communicates your thesis to the audience. • Support your thesis with meaningful reasons and sufficient details. • Address the readers' concerns, opposing viewpoint, or counterarguments. • Organize your essay in a clear and logical manner, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. • Use well-structured sentences and language that are appropriate for your audience. • Edit your work to conform to the conventions of standard American English.

Persuasive Writing • Later School Opening • Current research suggests that because teenagers have different sleep patterns, they would benefit from beginning the school day at a later time. Some schools are considering holding the school day from 9am-4pm. Do you feel schools should start later in the morning and end a bit later in the day? • Write a multi-paragraph essay in which you persuade the Board of Education to agree with your position on this issue. Be sure to include specific details and examples to support your argument. • As you write, remember your essay will be scored based on how well you: • Develop a multi-paragraph response to the assigned topic that clearly communicates your thesis to the audience. • Support your thesis with meaningful reasons and sufficient details. • Address the readers' concerns, opposing viewpoints, or counterarguments. • Organize your essay in a clear and logical manner, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. • Use well-structured sentences and language that are appropriate for your audience. • Edit your work to conform to the conventions of standard American English.

Persuasive Writing • Step 1 – Organize your thoughts! • Side A:Side B: • *List what you can for either one of the above options, or list items for both. Remember, you only have 5 minutes

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/hot-topics/eight-major-obstacles-delaying-school-start-timeshttp://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/hot-topics/eight-major-obstacles-delaying-school-start-times

Sample Body Paragraph • (T.S.) First of all, one reason school uniforms should not be mandatory in all public schools is because they take away students’ individuality. • (S1)For example, in the article titled “Should Kids Wear School Uniforms?” the author discusses how uniforms actually go as far as taking students’ constitutional rights away, such as free speech and free expression. • (E1) One reason school is such a great place is because of the immense individuality that exists there; if that is taken away, so is a student’s will to be creative. • (S2) Another example has to do with the different types of clothes many students wear in order to sometimes illustrate their emotions. • (E2) Some students choose to wear specific clothing based on their mood that day; therefore, when certain students are down or depressed, their friends or teachers can step in to try and help. When uniforms are worn, this type of help is near impossible. • (Con.) Based on the evidence provided, it is obvious that school uniforms steal students’ individuality away from them

Unit 1 – Writing Format / Persuasive Writing