1. Essays on Censorship Class Writing Exercise
Apprentice Scholars III

2. Essays on Censorship
Essay 1)“Libraries Should Reflect Majority Values”
by Phyllis Schlafy
Essay 2) “Libraries Should Reflect Diverse Views”
by The American Library Association
What type of essay is this?
What is the author’s purpose for the essay?

3. Read Both Essays
Work with a partner to analyze the essays.
Each person will focus on one of the essays and respond using the Elements of Reasoning.
Use the Elements of Reasoning and/or the Wheel of Logic to write a 1 page response to the essay.
Was the author successful in persuading you toward their viewpoint?

4. Are there enough reasons to make a convincing argument?
Make sure that your essay is developed out of your close analysis of selected passages found in the readings
Are there enough reasons to make a convincing argument?
Is the evidence correct or right?
Are the reasons clear? Is the meaning understandable by anyone who reads this? Are they explained well, or is more evidence needed?
Are the arguments and reasons strong and important?
Is the thinking logical. Does the essay follow an understandable path or is it just a disconnected group of statements?

5. Think about how to organize your paragraphs to create an effective argument.
Is there a "scheme" you can use to organize your thoughts to help structure your paper?
How will your examples "build" upon each other? Think of logical possibilities: less important to more important, or vice versa; similar ideas versus contrasting ideas;
Is there a central concept or metaphor you can weave throughout your paper to add coherence?

6. For short papers, start fast.
Provide an immediate, specific answer to a question posed by the assignment.

7. Essays on Censorship Fact or Opinion/ Agree or Disagree
Re- read each essay. Complete a sentence by sentence fact assessment. Read and determine if the statement is a fact or an opinion.

8. Essays on Censorship Fact or Opinion/ Agree or Disagree
Do you agree or disagree with the author’s viewpoint? Why? Explain your answer.

9. CONCLUSION
Questions?
Comments?
Concerns?