Entries Tagged 'Essay Fun' ↓

We’ll talk a bit about how to cite your research in class using MLA. Here are some examples.

Some good citation sites are:

• Son of citation machine
• EasyBib
• BibMe

In class, I’ll check your research logs and see where you are in research and give you a quick grade. I also want to remind you of the 5 steps of Persuasive Writing (hook, set up the problem, explain solution, answer critics, and call to action) and I’d like to look at least steps 1-2 by Friday.

HW: Finish research. Write first 2 sections of essay.

I’ll show you the wonders of the research log and then small groups will nominate someone to be ready to come up and…

1) Show a good persuasive prompt

2) Explain thoughts on how to do each of the 5 steps of persuasion: Hook, establish problem, explain solution, answer critics, and call to action.

3) Show 3 sources and talk about aspects of reliability, bias, and authority with them.

Then, you’ll get to work.  We should have completed research logs by next Wednesday.

Here is an alternative source: CQ Researcher

Take a look at this example to give you an idea of a strong persuasive essay.

So, we’re going to talk a bit about persuasive and biased websites today.

Persuasive essays are organized like this:

1. Hook the reader
2. Set-up the problem
3. Explain your solution
4. Defend it against critics
5. End with a call to action

I’ll talk about the best way to evaluate websites. What about Wikipedia?  Is it trustworthy?

Then, we’ll talk about research.  Here is a research log that can help you get started. Also, see this post about good alternatives to Googling. Also see this.

See this persuasive map that might help you get your ideas in order.

The rest of the class is dedicated to giving you time to find out the information (start with Opposing Viewpoints) that you need.

HW: Choose a topic and have at least 3 sources with an analysis of their trustworthiness and reliability for Friday

We’re trying to get our College Essays done, but first let me mention…

Opposing Viewpoints, a KCLS and SPL database which is the first place to start for persuasive essays. (see this too).

…or you can look for something a bit more local.

HW: Have at least one potential persuasive thesis by Wednesday.

We’ll start with a famous Internet meme: Figures of Speech from students. Go here and make your own.

Then, I want to talk a bit about persuasion: Logos, Ethos, Pathos and Health Care.

Finally, get those College Essays in!

HW: Finish the College Essays by Friday or else!