Looking Backward and Forward

The year is slowly coming to an end. There are a mere six weeks remaining. Soon you will be a sophomore!

For the last six weeks, you will be focusing on an idea you want to share with the world.

By now, you might be asking: How can I share something with the world? What will I share with the world? What? Huh? She really has gone crazy!

In order to begin this process, you will need to look back at the beginning of the year and forward toward the future. Use this form to begin the thinking process.

Finalizing Your Persuasive Letter

Prior to sending your letter, (yes, we are sending them), you will need to make sure you have the following elements completed:

1. Business Letter Format (headings, salutations, signature, etc)
2. Introduction that includes background, claim, and explanation of why the issue is important you.
3. Two body paragraphs: subclaim, example, evidence, explanation/interpretation of the evidence, more evidence, and explanation.
4. At least body paragraph that introduces the opposing opinion, your counterargument, evidence to support your conterargument, and explanation.
5. A concluding statement that restates the claim, summarizes points, and makes a worldly or personal connection.
6. MLA formatted citations and reference page.

Opposing Viewpoints

First, if you have not shared your Google doc with, make sure you do today! Then, work on your body paragraphs and begin to think about a 3rd paragraph that acknowledges the opposing point of view. This paragraph should introduce an opposing point of view, give your counterargument, evidence for your counterargument or an example, and an explanatory sentence or a sentence that connects this new information to the thesis. By the end of today you should have your introduction and 3 body paragraphs. Be sure you take some time to reference the language of persuasion document ( it would be good to make a copy of the document for your very own as you move through high school and college). Have a great weekend and I will see you Monday.

Focusing on Body Paragraphs

Yesterday you focued on writing your introduction and posting it to the blog..

A good introduction for a persuasive letter will include a few things: a brief statement about who you are (helps appeal to ethos), background knowledge on the subject, your claim (be sure to look at the lanaguage of persasion chart for this), and possibly a call to action.

 Today, after listening to speeches, you will create a new Google Document.

 Title the document: NamePLPeriod (MicheleMcConnellPL4). Share the document with me.

 Paste your introduction onto the document and begin working on your first body paragraph.

 Your body paragraph should have the following:
Subclaim
Example
Evidence (if you have used CiteLighter - this part will be easy!)
Explanation/Interpretation
Evidence
More Explanation

 Tomorrow you will write one more body paragraph and then focus on opposing viewpoints. Remember, use the Language of Persuasion document posted under the Persuasion Tab.

Writing Your Letter

Take a look at yesterday's blog post. You will notice that homework was listed. If you did not complete the homework, you have 2 major assignments to complete today.

First, choose one of the letters from yesterday's HW, read it, and then complete this form. 

Finally, after re-reading yesterday's letter and today's letter, think about how you will structure your introduction. A typical introduction (and the easiest to write) is one that includes an brief introduction of yourself to help set credibility (ethos), your claim, and a hint at the call to action. There are other possible ways to begin your letter, how do you plan to do it?

Using the language of persuasion to help you write your claim, and using the letters from yesterday to help you structure your introduction, write your introduction and post it as a comment to this blog post. Be sure your name is attached to the introduction so I can give credit to you.

Analyzing Letters

Any of your teachers could easily give you an outline and tell you one way to organize your letter, but what fun would that be? Your letter would sound and look exactly like your best friend's letter. Oh, and let's not even think about how boring all the letters would be to read.

In order to complete today's assignment, you will need to form a group of 4. Decide who is 1, 2, 3, and 4.

#1 - What is the claim? Is it stated or implied? Where is it located within the text?
#2 - What are the subclaims?
#3 - What evidence is used? Where does the evidence come from?
#4 - Does the author appeal to ethos, pathos, or logos?
All together - How is the text organized?

Here is a link to the letter you will read: Trash Letter

For HOMEWORK:
Preview one of the following letters and be ready to discuss the following when you enter class on Wednesday:
1. What is the claim? Is it stated or implied? Where is it located within the text?
2. What are the subclaims?
3. What evidence is used and where does it come from?
4. Does the author appeal to ethos, pathos, or logos?
5. What can you learn from this letter in order to write your own?

Letter #1
Letter #2
Letter #3

To Whom Will You send Your Letter?

In researching a topic, you were supposed to choose a current, relevant, and local community issue. Now you need to figure out who should receive your letter.

You will need to make note of the following information in your notebook and on an exit slip:
1. Name of the person
2. Name of the business
3. Address of the business
4. Email contact of the person
5. Phone contact of the person/business

Practicing Citing

Now that you know why and how (kind of) to cite sources, its time to practice some more! Read the following article and with a partner or on your own, complete the citation circle form and write a paragraph.

Grading Persuasive Speeches

Welcome back!

Today we begin to grade our peers' speeches. Use this link to grade the speeches you watch today, and for the next two weeks.