English IV
Persuasive Essay with Research Component
Objective: Students will write a persuasive essay on a controversial issue of their choice (selected from a list of approved topics.) Students will research and include data to support their point of view. Students will then document that data using appropriate MLA format.
Rationale: Why do people write persuasively? Well, the answer should be obvious: people write persuasively to convince others to agree with their point of view. Those talented enough to possess the skill to persuade through writing can convince people to do a myriad of things. Persuasive writers can get you to purchase the latest workout video series, or they may try to convince you that organic food is the only truly safe food on the market today. These writers don’t simply function in the political arena. They work in marketing, sales and advertising.
You may have some persuasive talent of your own if you’ve ever tried to convince your parents to purchase somethingor to allow you to do something outside of their comfort zone.
Assignment: For the purposes of this assignment, you will choose a controversial topic. You will also need to take a position on this topic. This step is critical when you begin to formulate your thesis. Topics will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Choose your topics wisely and quickly.
MY TOPIC: ______
MY POSITION: ______
First Steps
- After choosing your topic and formulating a position, you will be searching for THREE SOURCES of information to either bolster or contradict your position.
- You will have to photocopy or print out all information gathered. Copies are 10 cents per page—so bring change for the library. These photocopied pages will be used instead of note cards, and will be turned in early on as part of your research process gradeANDmust be turned in with the final research project! Using these, I will be able to check for plagiarism of paraphrasing and quotations used within your paper. Research papers will not be accepted without copies of these sources.
- When you locate a source you will use, write down the necessary MLA source information on the actual photocopy/printout. See AIS Research handbook to cite your sources. Use easybib.com, bibme.org, or citationmachine.net to help you create your Works Cited Page. Your final project should include a corrected clean copy of your Works Cited Page, as well as your two rough drafts.
- You will need to choose 3 highlighter colors and assign one color to each of your three photocopied sourcesI will check for highlighted sourcesthat include all required works cited information for a Research Process grade.
- Then you will create a preliminary typed Works Cited page for a daily grade. I will grade these thoroughly, correcting any errors. Correctly worded Works Cited entries are vital to completing the parenthetical documentation correctly, as well as avoiding plagiarism.
Writing Your Paper:
1. Opening paragraph. You should make an emotional appeal to your audience. Start your paper with a story that pulls your reader in and emotionally engages them in your topic. The story could be either true or fictitious; however, it needs to make the reader care about your topic and make them committed to reading the arguments you will make. For example, you might want to tell a dramatic story about a paroled murderer who killed again if you are writing in favor of capital punishment.
II. Introducing your topic. Use this section of your paper to thoroughly introduce your topic. You should give any pertinent history or background. Be sure to document any sources that you use, following MLA format. At the end of this section, either stated explicitly or implied, you should affirm your position on the topic.
111. Reasons. Use this section to make specific arguments that support your position. Here is where you bring to bear any emotional, logical, or ethical appeals that would support your reasons. Any statistics or data that you can find to support your reasons should also be thoroughly discussed in this section. Again, be sure to document all of your sources, adhering to MLA format.
IV. Counterarguments. Most good arguments have counterarguments. Use this section of your paper to explore the counterarguments to your position and then refute those counterarguments. Again, be sure to document all of your sources, adhering to MLA format.
V. Conclusion. “A conclusion is like the final chord in a song. It makes the listener feel that the piece is complete and well done. The same is true for your audience. You want them to feel that you supported what you stated in your thesis. You can restate your thesis and summarize your main points of evidence for the reader” (Samuels). You can usually do this in one paragraph. Look at the following example:
“The problem of teen gang violencecan be eliminated. It will, however, take time, money, and a combined effort on the part of many people. Organized, free, after-school programs such as: sports teams and games; art, music, and drama activities; internships in local area businesses and professional organizations; andinteresting volunteer activities in the community would help engage teens in worthwhile pursuits outside of school hours. More job opportunities for teens, especially those funded by state and local programs, would offer income for teens as well as productive work for the community. Outreach to families through schools, community organizations, and places of worshipwould help promote inter-generational activities that could improve family closeness, helping teens to work on their problems at the family level, instead of taking them to the streets. If these programs can be implemented, we will surely see a decrease in teen gang activity and safer streets and neighborhoods for us all” (Samuels).
Documenting
- When you use a source’s exact words, you must use quotation marks, and documentation must be done at the end of any sentence containing a full or even partial direct quotation. If you do not document here it is plagiarism.
- Be sure that when you paraphrase, you use your own words to give the source information. If you use the source’s words – even in part – without using quotation marks, it is plagiarism. Each sentence with paraphrased information must include parenthetical documentation.
- ALL borrowedmaterial MUST be documented – both PARAPHRASED AND QUOTED information
Example Quote:
Martin Luther King left a “legacy of anticipated opportunity” (Smith 3).
Example Paraphrasing:
Martin Luther King was poised to take on a new leadership role as he led non-violent demonstrations on a bus boycott in December 1955 (“King,” Encyclopedia 234).
Editing & Revision
- You will self-edit your first draft OUTLINE by completing color-coding steps.
- You will then revise and correct the outline and complete a typed 2nd draft paper. This will not be in outline form. This will be a fully formed, well-developed paper.
- You will participate in peer evaluation of the second draft and will need to have a peer signature on the editing sheet that will be provided. This will be part of a Research Process grade.
Turning It All In
- You must turn in your paper in a folder with pockets and brads.
- ALL process must be included. The order is below:
*Front (left) Pocket – Highlighted sources (photocopies/print outs) with documentation
*Brads – Typed final copy with typed final Works Cited page
Times New Roman, Size 12 font & 1.5 or double spacing, 1” margins, appropriately headed
*Back (right) Pocket - In the following order:
1. Typed (2nd) Draft with Corrections, Revisions & Peer Editing Sheet
2. Outline (1st draft)
3. Graded Works Cited Page
Grading: Process Grades & Major Grade
1.Research Process GradeDue Dates:
- Highlighted Sources w/ MLA info½ DG
- Typed Works Cited page1 DG
- Outline With Thesis Statement½ DG
- Typed 2nd Draft and Peer Evaluation½ DG
- Participation (materials and working every day)½ DG
2.Final Research Paper and Works Cited1 MG