 1. Swap your paragraph with a partner at your table. You should NOT have your own paragraph.  2. WITHOUT talking, read each other’s papers.  3. As you read your partner’s paper, HIGHLIGHT words or phrases (NOT ENTIRE SENTENCES) that could be elaborated upon.  4. When you have both finished highlighting, return the papers to their owners.  5. Then you should each take about 5 minutes to elaborate on your best/worst/emb. Day using the 4 strategies that we went over yesterday.  REMEMBER: NO TALKING- the point is to elaborate in your WRITING- not your words.

Remember: In persuasive writing, a writer takes a FIRM POSITION FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something.

 Concession/Rebuttal is when you acknowledge or recognize the opposing viewpoint.  Concession example: Many school administrators think an open campus would be a temptation for students to cut classes and act irresponsibly.  Rebuttal example: However, students who earn the privilege of open campus would be unlikely to jeopardize that privilege; besides, rules could be created to rescind the privilege after one class cut.

 It shows that you understand your reader’s viewpoint, which makes it more likely that they will listen to yours.  It acknowledges counterarguments  It appeals to pathos, ethos, and logos!  It helps to keep your argument focused.  And it makes your argument pretty darn solid because it proves that the OTHER point of view is FLAWED!!!!

 Many school administrators think an open campus would be a temptation for students to cut classes and act irresponsibly. However, students who earn the privilege of open campus would be unlikely to jeopardize that privilege; besides, rules could be created to rescind the privilege after one class cut. According to Principal Joseph Atkins, “97% of students at Scotch Plains High School in New Jersey maintained their honor roll status after three years of open campus” (Smith). Students would never risk lowering their grade point by cutting a class.

 It is true that…however…therefore…  Certainly…but…in short…  Admittedly…on the other hand…so…  Of course…nevertheless…as a result…  Obviously…on the contrary…finally…  Sure…however…in addition…

ACTIVITY TO PRACTICE:  You have been asked to be on a committee to review your high school’s rules. Choose one rule that needs to be revised, added, or eliminated.  Write down that rule and explain why it SHOULD NOT be enforced.  Trade your paper with a partner.  Acting as principal, respond to your partner’s paper with your own arguments.  When you get your own paper back, counter the principal’s argument.  Repeat, following the same procedure.  Repeat procedure once more.  Your paper, when complete, will be argument and counter-argument.