Argumentative Essay
The final essay of the semester is the argumentative essay. This essay will challenge students to persuade a reader to accept a certain way of thinking based on a rational, well-supported thesis. This essay will require students to choose from a list of relevant (non-cliche or taboo) topics and research credible sources to build an argument. Students will have to incorporate the skills of elaboration, concise writing, Aristotle's methods of persuasion, and selective word choice to draft this essay. Furthermore, we will be using the Toulmin model of argumentation and debate as well as scrutinizing our arguments for fallacies, holes in reasoning, and possible rebuttals.
Brainstorming: Writing prompts, Quick-fire journaling, advertising analysis, TARPS, Outline, current issues presentation, student example evaluation.
Drafting: Students will draft an essay that utilizes the elements of an argument working within a word count constraint that the prompt requires OR a goal of 900 words.
Revising: Self-revision will involve a focus on avoiding repetition and incorporating all elements of a Toulmin argument and using peer feedback to identify bias and holes in reasoning.
Proofreading: Focus will be on the 6 comma rules and careful attention to word choice to avoid alienating or offending the reader.
Publishing: As writing is a process, these essays are always welcome to be re-submitted AFTER the student has a conference with Ms. O.
Brainstorming: Writing prompts, Quick-fire journaling, advertising analysis, TARPS, Outline, current issues presentation, student example evaluation.
Drafting: Students will draft an essay that utilizes the elements of an argument working within a word count constraint that the prompt requires OR a goal of 900 words.
Revising: Self-revision will involve a focus on avoiding repetition and incorporating all elements of a Toulmin argument and using peer feedback to identify bias and holes in reasoning.
Proofreading: Focus will be on the 6 comma rules and careful attention to word choice to avoid alienating or offending the reader.
Publishing: As writing is a process, these essays are always welcome to be re-submitted AFTER the student has a conference with Ms. O.