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.

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

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.

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

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.

Next, I’ll ask you to write a bit:

1. Write 3 questions that Of Mice and Men makes you wonder about. Questions can be anything from “What’s a bindlestiff?” to “Why did it have to end this way?”
2. How does the movie end differently (in a subtle way) from the movie?  Why?
3. Why doesn’t Steinbeck let this end happily? How would it be different if it did?
4. Go through each of the characters (George, Lennie, Curley, Curley’s wife, Candy, Crooks, Slim, etc.).  What do they want out of life and what prevents them from being happy?
5. Why do you think this story gets taught so often in public schools? What is the appeal?

Next, I’ll give back your Moral Decision papers and ask you to correct mistakes and especially look for examples of showing that you could insert into your stories.

Finally, I hope to get started with persuasion.

HW: Please read about the debate: Is Spanking an Acceptable Form of Discipline? Read about both sides and write 200 words about what you noticed about different methods of arguing.

Image Credit: Opposing Views

Reader 1: Look for a powerful hook and a clear definition of the problem

Reader 2: Analyze the use of quoted evidence with good set-ups. Also, note how the writer emphasizes logos, ethos, and pathos.

Reader 3:  How does the writer deal with the rebuttal and the conclusion?  Does the writer give a respectful hearing to an outside argument? Does he/she then refute that argument well? How does the writer leave us with a call to action or at least food for thought.

By next Thursday, I want to be moving these essays out the door.

Then, we’ll get to work on our persuasive essays.

Here is a sample persuasive essay to take a look at about abstinence-only sex education.

Next, we’ll pretend we are researching cloning (click here for the top 10 Google searches). Which is most trustworthy?

Finally, is there research beyond Google?  See this which will help you tailor your searches to your subject.

On Thursday, I’ll give you the whole period to do your research and being the 1st draft. A+B rough due Tue next week.  C+D due Thur.

Image Credit: Business Week.