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.

So, we’ll talk research:

How do you know a cite is trustworthy? We’ll note a few ways to be able to choose the best source for your information. Also, we’ll look at what the whois server and how it can help.

We’ll spend most of the rest of the day on research. Remember Inspiration, Research logs, and Noodle Tools.

Also, I want to show you Google Books, Google News, King County Databases, and Refdesk.

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

Most of you are just racing to get a reasonable rough draft into me by the end of the day. Work. Work. Work!

There are a few happy souls who are ready to move on to persuasion. I’d like you to look at two sources:

1. See Opposing Views debate on Spanking. Get a good look at both sides and comment in a blog post on some of the methods both sides use.
2. Look at the Opposing Viewpoints database at KCLS.  Browse through the various arguments until you choose one to do your persuasive essay on.  Begin your research.

HW: Finish the Definition Essay. It’s due when we get back. If you can, get an idea for your persuasive topic.

We start with a peer edit of the Persuasive Essay rough draft. 3 Editors:

Editor 1: First, check to see the writer has included several quotes from reliable sources and set each one up. For example, According to Dr. Brillianta from Cerebral University, “Later school start times can improve student achievement by more than 20%.” (Edutopia)

Editor 2: Next, check to see that the writer includes all 5 of the stages of persuasion: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, and action.  If anything is missing, tell the writer.

Editor 3: Finally, look for logos, ethos, and pathos. Is any aspect of the writing strong in one of these. Comment.  Does the writer need to pay more attention to one of these?  Explain.

If we have time, we’ll talk about logical fallacies, but I want to give you a good amount of time to make a serious dent in making a persuasive essay final on Tuesday.

Also, I’d like us to start exploring some possibilities for book circle books in February. Start here (KCLS), here (GoodReads YA), and here (New Jersey librarians).

HW:  Finish persuasive essay

We’ll start with argument…with cards. So, you get a card.
•    If you get a diamond, you’ll make a logos argument.
•    If you get a heart, you’ll make a pathos argument.
•    If you get a clubs, you’ll make an ethos argument.
•    If you get a spade, you’ll choose which type of argument to make.

Arguments:
1.    (Ace) I should be able to stay over at a friend’s house.
2.    I’d like to turn my essay in one day late.
3.    Lend me $10 for lunch.
4.    Can you watch my puppy over the weekend.
Let’s go out and see a movie even though we have homework.
5.    We should work on our bio project now.
6.    You should become a vegetarian!
7.    Slow down! You’re driving too fast.
8.    Laptops are a waste of time.
9.    You should try to get into college.
10.     School uniforms would be a great idea!
Jack        Could you give me a ride home?
Queen        Come try out for the swim/dive team!
King        I think you should take AP English.

We’ll make arguments first in small groups and then in front of the class.

Next, we’ll look at a short set of letters to the editor. I’ll read it and then we’ll decide on what parts are logos, pathos, and ethos.

Then, I’ll ask you to talk over your three thesis statements. Which one would be the most engaging and the one in which you can find the information you need?

Next, I’ll demonstrate how research works by choosing one of your thesis statements and showing how a research log is used.

Finally, I’ll give you time to do some research in class. Remember the Opposing Viewpoints database and the Opposing Views website.

HW: Completed research log with 4 sources.