World Literature Wednesday, October 5, 2011 and Thursday, October 6, 2011

Today’s Targets Developing skills in persuasive writing – Establishing an argument – Selecting reasons behind the argument – Identifying relevant evidence

Today’s Tasks 1.No warm-up today 2.Plagiarism PPT and quizPlagiarism PPT 3.Selecting your supporting reasons 4.Writing topic sentences 5.Gathering evidence for the essay 6.Developing an antithesis and rebuttal 7.HOMEWORK: a.Complete back side of the yellow handout (Due next class. Turn in today for feedback if you have it done.) b.Have plagiarism letter signed (Due Wednesday)

Mary Maloney Essay Reminder We are going under the assumption that she has been caught for the murder of her husband. A trial has been held. Witnesses called, etc. Your job is to present the closing arguments in the trial for either the prosecution or the defense. You decide.

Selecting strong reasons Must be arguable Must be supportable, meaning that you can find solid evidence from a variety of sources Must target the prompt Prosecution: Think “means, motive, and opportunity” Defense: Think justifying her actions as not showing she understands what she is doing. (And no, pregnancy does not make woman psycho killers.)

Means, Motive, Opportunity Means: Able to commit the crime, had the tools/weapon, etc. Motive: Possessed reason to commit the crime Opportunity: Was present at the time and place when the crime was committed (could not have been someplace else)

Selecting Evidence Must be relevant (on topic) The more specific the better. Consider using little quoted phrases Must be accurate to the story, not guessed or made-up It is ok to manipulate how the facts from the story became known. Example: Mary informed the police through interrogation, or a psychologist/forensic expert witness testimony.

What you should already have done on your pre-write 1.Pick your side 2.Select your reasons 3.Gather your evidence 4.Write your thesis

Antithesis/Rebuttal This is your chance to state why the other side is flawed or wrong. State an opposing argument (clearly showing that this is the opposing side and not your own- “The prosecution has stated that....”) Either use this as an opportunity add in an additional argument for your own side or knock down the evidence from the opposing side. You can do this in each body paragraph or as it’s own paragraph.

How many paragraphs? 5-6 including introduction and conclusion 2-3 supporting body paragraphs and 1 antithesis paragraph 3 body paragraphs that each start with an antithesis then offer evidence to contradict the opposing side.

Writing topic sentences Make sure they link to the main ideas expressed in your thesis. Thesis examples: – Defense: Mary Maloney cannot be convicted of intentional murder because she possessed signs of insanity before the crime, was emotionally unstable at the time of the murder, and only covered up the crime after to protect her unborn baby. Topic sentence examples: – Defense: Mary Maloney was emotionally unstable before she committed the crime. – Prosecution: Mary Maloney was motivated by rage and fear to brutally murder her husband.

Gathering Evidence Use the evidence posted from small group activity. Look back at the story. Use snippets of quotes or paraphrase.