So, we’ll see the last bit of OMM first.

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

I want to get some eyeball on your persuasive essay. 3 readers.

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.

We’ll do a quick sentence combining exercise to begin thinking about how to make stronger, more complex sentences.

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

So, I’ll talk a bit about research organization today.  Here’s my presentation.

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

So, we’re starting the research portion of your Persuasive Paper today.  Let’s talk a bit about bias.

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.