World Literature Monday, October 3, 2011 and Tuesday, October 4, 2011

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

Today’s Tasks 1.Warm-up (turned in today) 2.Meet your writing portfolio 3.Introduction to Mary Maloney persuasive essay 4.Brainstorming reasons for both sides 5.Gathering evidence for the essay 6.HOMEWORK: Complete the front side of the yellow handout

Warm-up Watch the closing arguments of Atticus Finch (as portrayed by Gregory Peck) from To Kill a Mockingbird (Director Robert Mulligan, 1962).closing arguments Answer the following: 1.What are his main arguments? 2.What makes them persuasive? Turn in warm-ups today

Writing Portfolios A place to store your writing and handouts useful for writing A place to collect your work so that you can go back later and reflect on your growth as a writer throughout the year.

Mary Maloney Essay 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

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)

Brainstorming Arguments (Fill in your yellow handout as we go.) Defense-Temporary Insanity Prosecution-Intentional Murder

Selecting Evidence Must be relevant (on topic) The more specific the better Must be accurate to the story, not guessed or made-up

Pre-write 1.Pick your side 2.Select your reasons 3.Gather your evidence 4.Write your thesis

Follow A pattern Pattern One: Topic/Issue + Opinion/Position + (because, for, since, etc.) + supporting reason 1 + supporting reason 2 + supporting reason 3. Example: School should be held year-round, because such a system will aid students in retaining information, make better use of resources, and discontinue an antiquated and unnecessary system.

Follow A pattern Pattern Two: Supporting reason 1 + supporting reason 2 + supporting reason 3 + (therefore, consequently, accordingly, hence, etc.) + Topic/Issue + Opinion/Position. Example: Eating animals is unhealthy, unkind, and unnecessary; therefore, all Americans should become vegetarians.

Follow A pattern Pattern Two: Supporting reason 1 + supporting reason 2 + supporting reason 3 + (therefore, consequently, accordingly, hence, etc.) + Topic/Issue + Opinion/Position. Example: In order to aid students in retaining information, make better use of resources, and discontinue an antiquated and unnecessary system, schools should be held year round.

Follow a pattern Pattern Three Action + (will) + supporting reason 1 + supporting reason 2 + supporting reason 3. Examples: Prohibiting backpacks in classrooms will eliminate clutter, make classrooms safer, and prevent students from bringing unnecessary materials into the classroom.

Follow a pattern Pattern Three Action + (will) + supporting reason 1 + supporting reason 2 + supporting reason 3. Examples: Holding school year round will aid students in retaining information, make better use of resources, and discontinue an antiquated and unnecessary system.

Gathering Evidence In small groups, you will be assigned a section of the text. Find evidence within that section (quotes or paraphrased evidence) that supports each side. Remember that some evidence can be used for either side. It totally depends on how your interpret/explain the facts.

Period 5-Prosecution

Period 5-Defense

Period 4-Prosecution

Period 4-Defense

Period 6-Prosecution

Period 6-Defense

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.