Lab Work for March 23

Here are today's tasks for our time in the G-lab

1) Your first job is to finish typing your persuasive essay.  Remember, to get to Google Docs:

• Go to google.com
• Click on "more"
• Click on "documents"
• Sign in using your own Google account or using the log-in information I provided to you.

2) Your next job is to complete this webquest.  Start with "Introduction" and move all the way to through the webquest.  Open the worksheet and complete it on binder paper.

• Focus on task #2 on the worksheet. Work through the "process" section to find out about six authors living in six different countries.  Tell me about the author -- who is he/she? Where does he/she live?  What else can you share about this author? The key is to learn about authors from different countries.

Remember, your persuasive essay is your FIRST priority, as it is due tomorrow.

Have fun!

Addressing a Counterargument

In your sixth paragraph (or so) in your persuasive essay (Book Report 5), you will address counterarguments.

Counterarguments are those opinons that are the opposite of yours, or the opinions that go against what you are trying to prove in your essay.  You need to acknowledge that one of those opposing opinions exists and then tell us why that counterargument is WRONG.  For example, if you were against having school uniforms, you would need to address those who believe that uniforms are the right choice for schools. One way to do that might be in the following way:

              While my opponents may believe that uniforms offer the best solution for school bullying, I believe that students will always find a way to bully.  Some students may tease another because her skirt is too long. Boys might get teased because they have the wrong brand of pants.  Uniforms do not solve bullying.

 

 

Writing Persuasive Essays

We will go over these in class, but here are some important steps to rememember when creating your persuasive essays:

1)       First Consider Your Opinion

a.       Remember to create a positive and negative chart. This can help you make your decision.

2)       Identify the type of essay

a.       Letter?

                                                               i.      Remember to open (Dear Mr. Scudero,)

                                                             ii.      Remember to close (Sincerely, Joe Johnson)

                                                            iii.      Remember to include a date (March 10, 2011)

b.       Essay?

                                                               i.      Pay attention to who the essay asks you to address. Are you writing an essay to parents? To other students?

3)       Outline

a.       From your opinion, make a position statement (Although some students may prefer to keep their hats on indoors, I believe that no hats should be worn for a variety of reasons).

b.       Then create a t-chart. On the left, write the reasons that support your argument. On the right, note the two pieces of evidence that support each argument.

4)       Write Your Introduction

a.       Include your hook (restate the prompt)

b.       State your position

c.       Tell the reader your reasons

5)       Write Your Supporting Paragraphs

a.       Supporting Paragraph 1:

                                                               i.      Reason

                                                             ii.      Evidence

                                                            iii.      Evidence

                                                            iv.      Close

b.       Supporting Paragraph 2:

                                                               i.      Reason

                                                             ii.      Evidence

                                                            iii.      Evidence

                                                            iv.      Close

c.       Supporting Paragraph 3:

                                                               i.      Reason

                                                             ii.      Evidence

                                                            iii.      Evidence

                                                            iv.      Close

6)       Write Your Conclusion

a.       Restate your position

b.       Remind your audience of your reasons

c.       Call your audience to action (get them to join in your “fight”).