Persuasive Essay English 3 College Prep

Quote Based Essays The writing sections of the SAT, ACT and EAP are very similar. Each contains 3 parts: The directions, a quote and an assignment. Read all 3 before beginning the essay.

Example Prompt Think carefully about the following statement. Then read the assignment below it and plan and write your essay as directed. “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Assignment: Do you agree with this statement? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your position on this issue. Support your point of view with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

What Does it Mean to Agree, Disagree, or Qualify? Once you understand what the passage is saying, you have to ask yourself: 1) Do I think about this subject in the same way as the writer/speaker? (Agree) 2) Do I think the writer/speaker is totally wrong? (Disagree) 3) Do I think some of what is said is correct and some incorrect? (Qualify)

Essential Strategies The scoring rubric rewards essays that are: Well organized (logical) Well supported (interesting examples) Well written (free from errors)

Pre-Writing (on the same page as the prompt) Read the prompt carefully. Think about aspects of your own life experience or topics you have studied that connect to the prompt. Try free-writing (or discussing) to find the big idea. Zero in on your focus and write a thesis. Gather evidence to support each key point.

The Thesis Generate a thesis that is an occasion position statement.

The Thesis (Part 1 – Occasion) Occasion – This is a subordinating conjunction clause. It explains the occasion (time and place) in which your thesis will be relevant. (See HD sentence handout for SC sentence starters.)

Example Occasion Clauses Example Occasion Clauses: Because some people can be overly critical when they are under pressure,.. Although many people may feel tempted to hide the truth,..

The Thesis (Part 2 – Positions) Write your position Position - Identify the subject. - Verb it. - Finish the thought. Remember – you can use words directly from the prompt.

The Thesis (Part 2 – Positions) Example position statements Identify the Subject Verb itFinish the thought Wemust be carefulnot to judge others too harshly. Peopleshould always behonest.

Complete Thesis Statements Because people can be overly critical when they are under pressure, we must be careful to not judge others too harshly. Although many people are tempted, on occasion, to lie, people must always be honest.

The Introduction Please include the author or speaker’s name, the quote itself, background information, and your thesis.

Body Paragraphs All body paragraphs start with topic sentences. Types of Sophisticated Topic Sentences: 1) Occasion / Position Statements 2) Number Statements 3) However Statements 4) Parallel Structure Statements 5) Rhetorical Questions (Implied Topic Sentences)

TS- Occasion Position Occasion –time and place Position – Identify the subject, verb it, and finish the thought. When a friend is struggling emotionally, I feel obligated to offer my support.

TS- Number Statements A number statement is a simple declarative sentence that uses a number word for focus and accuracy. a few, only, seldom, rarely, several, plenty of, numerous, often, various, most, a number of, frequently Although many children lie to avoid punishment, few children realize that these lies can damage their relationships with their parents.

TS – However Statements A However Statement will often be useful when beginning your counter-argument, however, on the other hand, although, even though All people have faults of their own; however, some people, such as teachers, judges, and social workers, have the responsibility to criticize the unacceptable behavior of others.

TS – Parallel Structure Statements Sometimes using two short simple sentences with the same grammatical pattern can help your topic sentence stand out. Sometimes we must help a friend; other times, we must mind our own business.

TS- Rhetorical Questions Rhetorical Questions (Implied Topic Sentences) A rhetorical questions is harder to write then you might think. But it is a powerful tool because it leads your reader to your opinion in a skilled and sophisticated way. When is it ok to lie? How often must a friend prove his loyalty?

The Body Paragraphs Each body paragraph should give a well developed example that supports your thesis. Be sure to describe the example using precise and vivid details. I learned the importance of honesty when I realized that people who loved me were also lying to me about…This realization led to feelings of …

The Conclusion Restate your thesis and explain why your message is so important. Show passion and enthusiasm with strong language. Living an honest life benefits not just ourselves, but the whole community. Truthfulness is incredibly important to our community because…

Tips Use a variety of sentences with active verbs. (simple, compound and complex) Don't be afraid to cross out mistakes. (It may look messy to you, but to an English teacher it will show you are proofreading. ) Be personal. (The guidebooks tend to favor academic examples when making essay points. But personal experience is also likely to be on the list of suggested sources. Often times, personal stories can show your maturity and integrity.)

The Franklin Essay – The Heading First Name Last Name Mrs. Chavez English 3CP P5 October 10, 2012

Information for the Grader Title (Center): Persuasive Essay: Franklin Line 2 (Left): please write your chosen prompt Line 3 (Left): please write “Agree, Disagree, or Qualify”

Example Ida Genius Mrs. Chavez English 3CP P5 October 10, 2012 Persuasive Essay: Franklin Prompt 3: “A friend in need is a friend indeed” Disagree

Rubric (6 Point) (A / 100%) Score of 6: Superior A 6 essay is superior writing, but may have minor flaws. a. addresses the topic clearly and responds effectively to all aspects of the task b. demonstrates a thorough critical understanding of the passage in developing an insightful response c. explores the issues thoughtfully and in depth d. is coherently organized, with ideas supported by apt reasons and well-chosen examples e. has an effective, fluent style marked by syntactic variety and a clear command of language f. is generally free from errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics

Rubric (6 Point) (A- /B+ 90%) Score of 5: Strong A 5 essay demonstrates clear competence in writing. It may have some errors, but they are not serious enough to distract or confuse the reader. a. addresses the topic clearly, but may respond to some aspects of the task more effectively than others b. demonstrates a sound critical understanding of the passage in developing a well-reasoned response c. shows some depth and complexity of thought d. is well-organized and developed with ideas supported by appropriate reasons and examples e. displays some syntactic variety and facility in the use of language f. may have a few errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics

Rubric (6 Point) (B-/C+ 80%) Score of 4: Adequate A 4 essay demonstrates adequate writing. It may have some errors that distract the reader, but they do not significantly obscure meaning. a. addresses the topic, but may slight some aspects of the task b. demonstrates a generally accurate understanding of the passage in developing a sensible response c. may treat the topic simplistically or repetitively d. is adequately organized and developed, generally supporting ideas with reasons and examples e. demonstrates adequate use of syntax and language f. may have some errors, but generally demonstrates control of grammar, usage, and mechanics

Rubric (6 Point) C-/D+ 70%) Score of 3: Marginal A 3 essay demonstrates developing competence, but is flawed in some significant way(s). a. distorts or neglects aspects of the task b. demonstrates some understanding of the passage, but may misconstrue parts of it or make limited use of it in developing a weak response c. lacks focus, or demonstrates confused or simplistic thinking d. is poorly organized and developed, presenting generalizations without adequate and appropriate support or presenting details without generalizations e. has limited control of syntax and vocabulary f. has an accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that sometimes interfere with meaning.

Rubric (6 Point) (D 60%) Score of 2: Very Weak A 2 essay is seriously flawed. a. indicates confusion about the topic or neglects important aspects of the task b. demonstrates very poor understanding of the main points of the passage, does not use the passage appropriately in developing a response, or may not use the passage at all c. lacks focus and coherence, and often fails to communicate its ideas d. has very weak organization and development, providing simplistic generalizations without support e. has inadequate control of syntax and vocabulary f. is marred by numerous errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that frequently interfere with meaning

Rubric (6 Point) (F 50%)Score of 1: Incompetent A 1 essay demonstrates fundamental deficiencies in writing skills. It may be unfinished (less than 4 paragraphs), illogical (doesn’t make sense) or off topic (misunderstanding of the prompt or directions).

Get Started Please do the best you can. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to show critical thinking and development (at least 4 paragraphs). You have 40 minutes.