Unit 4 – Taking a Stand
Writing Workshop: The Argumentative Essay
From the outside looking in, The Giver Community appears to be a perfect utopian society. However, upon further investigation, the reader can conclude that it is, in fact, imperfect due to its tyrannical flaws. There is much to be debated regarding the content of this novel. Below are four writing prompts. Select one to expand upon and argue in a thoroughly supported five paragraph essay.
Essay Prompts:
Choice #1:Jonas’ world is controlled by endless rules and constant direction. It seems to create a very orderly and predictable place to live. Would adopting the rules, laws, and practices of Jonas’ community be beneficial or detrimental to American society? Give evidence from the text to support your argument.
Choice #2: In The Giver, Jonas was not assigned a job; he was selected. He was selected to be the next Receiver of Memory. The characteristics for a Receiver of memory are intelligence, integrity, courage, wisdom, and the capacity to see beyond. When compared to the other job assignments, Jonas realizes that he has lost many pleasures due to his selection as Receiver of Memory. Decide whether Jonas’ assignment as the next Receiver of Memory is an honor or a punishment. Support your ideas with evidence from the text to show how the selection affects Jonas.
Choice #3: One of the more controversial topics that Lowry touches upon in The Giver is euthanasia, or the practice of ending someone’s life to ease their suffering. Jonas’ community practices euthanasia on very old citizens, criminals, and unhealthy newchildren. Jonas’ horror at this practice motivates him to take drastic measures to reform the society, and yet many people in our own society consider euthanasia to be a compassionate practice and one that should be available to all citizens. Discuss the attitude toward euthanasia as expressed in The Giver. Does the novel condemn, promote or conditionally accept the practice?
Choice #4: In Lois Lowry’s The Giver, Jonas’ community does not have choice and free will. However, Jonas as the next Receiver begins to receive memories, which allows him to learn about different changes and choices in life. Jonas believes that the community should experience these memories too. As Jonas leaves the community, he discovers many things. Decide if Jonas made the right choice in leaving the community. Did his leaving produce more positive or negative results? Support your response with evidence from the text.
Essay Choice that I’m going to write about:______
Important Dates:
Brainstorming and Evidence Based Claims sheets Due On: ______
Rough Draft Due On: ______
Revisions Taking Place On:______
Peer Editing On: ______
Final Copy Due On: ______
Step 1 - Pre-Writing
Complete the brainstorming graphic organizer and gather your evidence. Please remember that evidence must include citations. The brainstorming sheet is really a giant outline of your essay, so be sure to be as specific as possible.
Step 2 - Drafting:
Essay Format
Cover Page – Title (centered); Your Name, Period #, Teacher’s Name (bottom, right-aligned)
Essay – 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, double-spaced; 2-3 pages
Introduction:
Hook
Bridge - Introduce Titles, Authors, & Background
Brief background Information on the two supporting reasons.
Thesis Statement (also known as the Claim)
Body 1:
Transition into Topic Sentence – Connect Thesis Statement to 1st point
2 examples of Textual Evidence that support first point
(Include Parenthetical References)
- Before each Textual Evidence, you must provide a context leading into the example.
- After each Textual Evidence, you must ANALYZE the significance or importance of the quote in proving your point.
Conclusion Sentence
Body 2:
Transition into Topic Sentence – Connect Thesis Statement to 2nd point
2 examples of Textual Evidence that second point
(Include Parenthetical References)
- Before each Textual Evidence, you must provide a context leading into the example.
- After each Textual Evidence, you must ANALYZE the significance or importance of the quote in proving your point.
Conclusion Sentence
Body 3:
Transition into Topic Sentence – What is the counter argument?
2 examples of Textual Evidence that shows how the other side has a potential argument.
(Include Parenthetical References)
- Before each Textual Evidence, you must provide a context leading into the example.
- After each Textual Evidence, you must ANALYZE the how the quoted material is not enough to sway someone from your side of the argument.
Conclusion Sentence
Conclusion:
Restate Thesis Statement
Summarize point #1 – 1 sentence
Summarize point #2 – 1 sentence
Make a final statement that shows why your argument is sound and the only option
Last Page –MLA Formatted Works Cited page (alphabetical order, by author’s last name)
Author’s Last Name, Author’s First Name. Title.(State of Publication: Publisher, Year Published).
Keep in mind that you may consult outside sources for this paper. If you do, you must list any that are cited in the paper on your Works Cited Page. Be sure to only consult reputable sources (Wikipedia and the like are not valid sources for an academic paper).
Steps 3 & 4 - Editing & Revision:
“No-No” WORDSFOR FORMAL WRITING: First, read over your essay with no writing utensil in your hand. Next, re-read your essay; circle any of these words – if you find them in your paper – and make sure to change them for the final copy!
Me / This paper is about…I / Here is some information on…
You / Don’t you want to read about…
In this paragraph I will… / I hope you enjoyed my paper…
Let’s read on to find out… / I tried to tell you…
My paper is about… / And that was my paper…
My story is about…. / The End
Let me tell you about…. / We
As you can see… / Clearly…
I’m going to show you… / Today I’m writing about…
This piece of evidence shows… / This quote proves…
Commonly Transitions: First, next, most important, similarly, in contrast, therefore, on the other hand; subsequently, consequently; As a result, for that reason, because, since
You will exchange papers with someone else and edit each other’s paper. You will provide helpful feedback to your peer.
Step 5 - Publishing:
It’s time to type up a final copy. Make sure to follow all of the guidelines and turn it in on time.
Final Copy Checklist:
Cover Page – “Title”, your name, my name, class period, due date
2-3 page typed essay, double space, 12 point font, academic font (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman)
Works Cited Page – alphabetical by author