English II Writing Persuasive Prompt Read the following quotation. My education at Baron Byng High School was excellent, with dedicated masters (boys and girls were separate). ~Rudolph A. Marcus Canadian born chemist, 1992 Nobel Prize winner Years ago there were separate public schools for boys and girls, especially at the high school level. Boys went to one school and girls went to an entirely different school nearby. Write an essay convincing school officials whether or not boys and girls should go to different schools. Be sure to clearly state your thesis organize and develop your ideas effectively choose your words carefully edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling
I. Introductory paragraph A. Topic B. The debate C. Position or best choice (thesis) D. Reasons or arguments (forecast) II. Body paragraphs Planning Guide Persuasive Papers A. Reason or argument stated in a topic sentence* B. Supporting details** 1. Examples 2. Cause and effect 3. Personal experience III. Summary and conclusion paragraph A. Restatement of the position (thesis or claim) or best choice B. Restatement of the reasons or arguments (forecast) C. Conclusion (one or more of the following) 1. Call to action 2. Suggestion for a solution 3. Parting thought Types of Reasons M - money (financial) S - safety H - health E - environmental E - educational P people (social relationships) * No set number of reasons or supporting details ** Other methods of support can be equally effective.
Planning Organizer Persuasive: Pro or Con Thesis statement There are helpful effects when boys and girls attend different schools; school performance benefits the most with this type of classroom environment. Possible Reasons or Arguments For (Pro) Less distraction Display how smart they really are Get along and work better Supporting Details Both become easily distracted No worries about personal appearance Do not have to impress each other Won t hold back participation Show full potential in class Not as much peer pressure Team work and group work is easier Less insults Understanding among same gender Conclusion Both boys and girls benefit from going to a single gender school. It promotes higher learning with less stress and distractions. Strong call to action or solution
Thesis statement Boys and girls may go to separate schools for learning. I believe that boys and girls should attend the same schools. Possible Reasons or Arguments Against (Con) Benefits to students Develop better social skills Will not grow up being sexist towards one another Supporting Details Learn how to interact with each other Much to learn from both genders. Communication, work, collaboration, Builds friendships Skills needed to work with men and women in the future Example Working on group activities It is easy for girls and boys to develop sexist ideas Important time to learn about each other Boy and girls offer a unique perspective Conclusion It is easy to think that single gender schools are better than co-ed schools, but in many ways, these schools can slow down social development that are beneficial in the teen years. Strong call to action solution
Revision Checklist Persuasive Introductory Paragraph Topic Body Paragraphs 1st Reason 2nd Reason 3rd Reason Summary Paragraph Topic Choice or Position Choice or Position Reasons 1. C C C Reasons 2. P P P Solution 3. Call to Action Parting Thought Introductory Paragraph The topic or issue and the writer s choice or position on the topic should be included in the introductory paragraph. The ideas used to support the choice or position may be included in the introduction to help the reader preview them. Body Paragraphs Reasons There is no set number of reasons. The following list provides suggested reasons: Summary Paragraphs Money Safety Health Environment Education or training People relationships The topic and the writer s choice or position on the topic should be included in the summary paragraph. The writer may offer an idea for a solution, ask the audience to take action to support the idea, and use a parting thought. Elaboration Methods E Example CE Causes and effects PE Personal experience Other methods of elaboration may be equally effective when used as supporting details.