Persuasion & Research
This major assignment is an opportunity to develop a piece of persuasion that asks your classmates to act, feel, think, or remember something. In order to form and defend your position you will compile your position and support in the form of a research essay and a persuasive speech.
Topic: Because your classmates are your primary audience, your focus must in some way be related to the lives of those living in America. If your focus affects or impacts American people in some way, chances are your topic will be approved.
The topic you choose to research must in some way be related to the people, culture, or history of the United States.
You need a claim or position to support. Your essay and speech will present a call to action for your opinion or position.
Scoring
Presentation: the speech will receive a separate grade and utilize its own rubric.
Research Essay Requirements:
Format: A typed copy of your research essay must be submitted in MLA format. Your paragraphs should follow thesis order, utilize formal voice, and produce a strong clear read. Your essay should contain proper headings, introduced, cited, and explained quotations, and a works cited page.
_____100 points: CC: W.1d I can maintain a formal style when writing persuasively.
Introduction: the introduction must include the following elements.
1. A hook or lead: engage your audience and elicit attention. Consider using a well-selected question, bold claim, analogy, fact, quote… or one of the many other ways to peek your audience’s interest and curiosity.
2. A broad to specific format introducing readers to the topic before making a claim.
3. A thesis or position: make a claim regarding your position. Deliver a clear reason and purpose for speaking. Your thesis must engage your audience by listing the need and value behind your specific position. Before moving on explain what you desire from those listening or reading.
_____100 points: CC:W.4 I can recognize the audience and purpose of my writing.
Body: The body of your speech must establish and support your argument. The body should include:
A. A synopsis or background section that introduces readers to the general concept or focus. The over view should prepare the reader for the specifics delivered throughout the body of the essay. (1 paragraph/ 1 quote minimum)
B. An explanation supporting the necessity or need for your position. Explain why your claim is valid and worthwhile. (2 reason/2 paragraph/2 quote minimum)
C. An explanation of the satisfaction or benefit your claim produces for others. Explain how your claim is valuable, beneficial or helpful for others. (2 reason/2 paragraph/2 quote minimum)
D. Through a counterargument, explain your position when compared to the opposition’s position. ( You must explore and respond to one piece of evidence from your opposition) ( 1 reason/1 paragraph/1 quote minimum)
E. Evidence: Support and quotations from a minimum of approved 4 sources must be utilized to provide evidence for your claims. Quotations should be introduced and explained.
_____200 points: CC: W.1a I can organize supporting evidence when writing persuasively. CC: W.1c I can use credible sources of information in order to write persuasively.
CTA/ Closing: Close your argument by reviewing you position and including a specific call to action. What do you want from your listeners? Should they think, feel, or do something in particular?
______100 points: CC: W.1e I can write a conclusion that summarizes ideas when writing persuasively.
(Thanks Mr. Z!)
