Petsuasive Writing packet

8th

Grade Language Arts

Directions: Write a persuasive essay about an issue within

the school. Convince the reader to take action about your essay. Use a minimum of three sources to support your

position,

Possible Issues: school lunches, recess, homework, uniforms or the dress code, starting/ending time of the school d"y, year-round school, field trips, sports, etc. You wiII be provided with a list of topics to choose from. Try to choose something that you're passionate about to bring strong voice to your essay. Sources: You must use at least 3 sources to support your

position:
tr A school survey E At least two published articles discussing the issue

8th

Grade Persuasive Writing Preview

Directions: Read each of the paragraphs and answer the questions below.

Argument

#l:

Every Vote Counts

Americans live in a democracy. That means we have the right to vote for our leaders. When Americans tum eighteen, they are legally able to vote. There are elections for mayor, city council, congress, senator and many more positions. The right to vote is something that not all citizens take seriously. Some believe that their vote doesn't make a difference. Others think that everyone else votes, so why should they? Some people believe politicians are ineffective and that their actions won't make a difference in their lives. However, others take voting very seriously. Groups who only gained the right to vote more recently, like women, African Americans, and new citizens, often vote in higher percentages than other groups. They don't take their right to vote for granted since they were unable to vote for hundreds of years in America. Of course, everyone should vote. There have been many elections, including the presidential election in 2000, where the winner was determined bv iust a few votes. One of the most patriotic thinss vou can do is vote.

Argument #2= Cat Suffering must Cease

Millions of cats live in the United States. Many are purchased or adopted and brought into wonderful homes. Unfortunately, some people who own cats later decide they don't want their pets and abandon them. 'Other times cats get outside accidentally and become lost. Without their homes or owners to feed and protect them, they wander the streets looking for food and shelter. They can contract serious diseases. Cars hit some and larger animals kill others. It's a very sad situation. Even worse, if these homeiess cats have not been spayed or neutere<i, the femaies wiii become pregnant. The Feral Cat Coalition reports that the number of homeless cats that can result from one male and one female pair is stunning. If each pair of cats averages 2.8 surviving kittens, one pair and their offspring will produce 66,088 kittens in only six years. After 1 1 years, that number grows to 1 1, 506,077, There are not nearly enough homes for all of these cats.

l. Which argument

is more convincing? Why?

2. List some techniques used that help to convince the reader to agree with the writer (at least

2).

3. What are some synonyms for persuade?

4. What are elements of STRONG persuasive writing?

8th

Grade Language Arts Persuasive Writing Notes

PURPOSE OT PERSUASTVE WRITING:

1. To the reader's about a topic they know little about, or have not given serious thought to.

2. To
topic.

the reader's

about the

3. To

the reader's
:

PERSU.H,SIVE STRATEGIES

I.

Focus on benefits for readers o The writer must explain to readers how they will from performing the action, taking the position, or purchasing the recommended item.

2. Address readers' concerns . The writer should predict what the readers' response will be and then try to any of these negative thoughts with facts.

3. Show supportive reasoning

The writer needs to readers that the decisions or actions recommended will actually bring about benefits.

4. Present reliable evidence

The writer should research (when possible) to support their opinions with

5. Appeal to readers' emotions

with your position.

o Using words that lead readers to have strong

such as pride, patriotism or anger helps them to connect

8tl' Grade Language

Arts Persuasive Essal' Topics

1. Locker/Backpack Searches: The principal at your school has instituted random locker and backpack4'rook bag searches to check fol guns. knives, and other weapons. Anyone caught with these \ /eapons will be immediately suspended. The principal argues that the random searches will not only guard against illegal \ /eapons at school but u,ill also help students feel safer. Consider carefully the advantages and disadvantages of
random searches at school. Do you agree or disagree with this policy? Directions
reasons,

for Writing: Now, write a persuasive essay

stating your position and supporting it \ .ith convincing

2. Field Trips: ln order to save money, your principal is thinking about canceling all field trips for the remainder
of the year. Think about the advantages and disadvantages of school field trips as compared to the cost involved. Do you agree or disagree u'ith this idea?
Directions for lh'iting.' Now, write a persuasive essav about continuing or discontinuing school field trips. Give reasons to support your position.
has come under criticism for allowing patrons under the age of 18 to check out books that sorne consider unacceptable. The books are either inappropriate. describe graphic violence. or use questionable language. As parents have complained, the town council has considered removing all questionable books from the library. Consider the advantages and/or disadvantages of this action. Strat is your position on this issue?

3. Library Censorship.' Your school library

Directions.for Writing.' Write

persuasive essay stating your position and supporting it u,ith convincing reasons.

4, Online Classrooms.' The state department of education has provided funding for an expenmental online school. Ail the classes will take place on the Internet, using email, online chat. and the World Wide V/eb. The students taking classes at this new online school will never meet each other face-to-face. They will only interact oniine with each other and with their teachers. Consider the advantages and/ol disadvantages of an online school. What is your position on this issue?
Directions
reasons.

for Writing: Write a persuasive

essay stating your position and supporting

it with convincing

Later Start Times.' Curent research suggests that because teenagers have different sleep patterns, they would benefit from beginning the school day at alaler time. Suppose your Board of Education has proposed that the school day begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Do you agree or disagree that this later schedule u'ould be
5.

beneficial? Directions for Writing: Now write an essay in which you persuade the Board of Education to agree with your opinion. Support your position with reasons and examples.
Cell Phones: Due to potential problems. many school sl,stems have adopted a policl' that forces students to '-power down" and bans cell phones and electronic devices on school grounds. However, some of these electronic devices could actually be used to help students with their school work. Do you agree or disasree that cell phones and electronic devices should be banned on school grounds?

6.

Directions .for Writing.' Nou' write an essay in which you convince the reader of your opinion. Support your position rri,ith specific reasons and examples,

7, Extracurriculars: Imagine that your school district has proposed saving money by eiiminating extracurricular sports (football, basketball and baseball) from the high school program. Think about the possible effects of cutting sporls from the school program. Decide whether you are for or against this proposal,
Directions -for W'iting.' Nou'write an essay in which you persuade the reader why this is or is not a good idea. Defend your position with specific reasons supported by several detailed examples. Sewice.' Many schools require all students to perform some tlpe of community service such as working in nursing homes or hospitals. Think about how you would feel if you were required to do so.

8. Communiry

Directions for Writing.' Now write an essay in which you persuade the reader that students should or should not be required to perform community service. Defend your position with several detailed reasons. Develop those reasons with supporting examples.
Since schools have seen a rise in gang violence, stealing, and discipline problems. many school districts are considering requiring students to wear uniforms. Think about how you would feel if you were required to wear a school uniform. Are there benefits or drawbacks to requiring students to wear school uniforms?

9, School Uniforms:

Directions for Writing.' Now write an essay in which you persuade the reader that school uniforms should or should not be required. Defend your position with specific reasons supported by several detailed examples.

10. Longer School Day; The school board of your district is considering making the school day longer by adding an extra hour. The purpose for lengthening the school day is provide more time for instruction and practice in the existing school curricula. They believe that greater student achievement can be achieved by making the school day longer. They point out that there are experts in the field of education who agree with them. The school board is seeking input from all community members. Consider the advantages and disadvantages oflengthening the school day by an hour.
Directions

for Writing.' Write a persuasive essay

stating reasons for your position on this plan.

11, Homework: Your school day is seven hours long, yet many teachers require homework. Does homework help you to learn better? Think about the advantages and disadvantages of homework. Decide whether vou think homework should be required or not. Directions for Writing,' State your opinion about whether or not homework should be required. Your goal is to convince your reader that your opinion is "right." Be sure to include the effects homework has or does not have on your learning, as well as other arguments to support or prove your opinion. Look at the opposing opinion and include some answers for possible arguments from the reader.

12. Recess.' Your school does not currentlv pro'r.ide a recess for students. Consider the advantages and
disadvantages of recess.

Directions for Writing.' Write a persuasive essav in which you convince the reader of your opinion. Support your position with specific reasons and examples. 13. School Lunches: A healthy lunch is one of the most important factors for a successful education. Your school is currently considering changing the school lunch program. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of changing the school lunch program.

Directions.for Writing: Write a persuasive essay in which you convince the reader of your opinion. Support your' position with specific reasons and examples. +

Name

Period
8th

Grade Persuasive Essay Topic Brainstorming

Topic Selection: Choose a method of prewriting (free write, list, web, etc...). Consider the following questions as you pre-write:

I.
2. 3. 4. 5.

Which "Writing Situation" have you chosen for your topic? Why did you choose it? Who is affected by your topic? What do you want changed? What do you need to learn/find out about your topic?

Computer Lab Instructions 8th Grade Language Arts Persuasive Unit

Part One: Research Instructions /e will be in the computer lab two days for you to research your topic and gather at least two arlicles to use in your essay. Use this checklist to guide your time in the lab. DAY ONE:

tr

Click onto the lnternet (Safari, Fire Fox, Chrome, Internet Explorer)

El Access the search engine database EBSCOhost using these steps: 1. Type in http://search.ebscohost.com in your search toolbar

2.

When site opens, use Matthews as your user lD and mustangs as your password

tr Look for published arlicles that SUPPORT your opinion on your topic (make sure articles are from a reliable source) tr When you find an arlicle that is usable, follow these steps:

with .sable information

1. copy the web address from the bar at the top of the screen 2. open up Microsoft Word and paste the web address into a blank document 3. type a sentence or two underneath this address giving a brief summary of the article 4. save this document to your user lD as "persuasive articles" 5. find at least 5-10 usable articles to add to this document (do NOT print today)
,AY TWO:

tr Log onto the computer using your user lD tr Open up your "persuasive articles" document tr Click on each article and skim over them tr Find at least two good articles from this list that you'd be able to use in your essay tr Print the articles and save them in your binder
Part Two: Typing Ghecklist for Final Copy We will be in the lab two days for you to type your final copies. Use the following checklist to guide you.
Use 12 pt. font, Times New Roman Head your paper in the upper right corner: Name Date Class period tr Center your title under the heading (capitalize important words-do not underline, quote, bold, make larger...)

tr tr

tr
tr tr tr tr

Double-space your

essay: 1. format
2. 3.

paragraph line spacing (double) your essay as one document (intro, body, conclusion-no extra spaces!) Type Type your works cited on a separate sheet of paper (use correct format!) SPELL CHECK AND PROOFREAD! Staple in this order: essay, works cited page, rubric

Name
8th

Period Grade Persuasive Essay Sunrey

Directions: Write 3 yes/no questions related to your issue. Sunrey at

Ieast 20 students. Answer the guestions that follow.

Results
Wlrat were the results of each question in fraction form? (Example, 7 /10

replied "yes")

QI:
Q2=

Q3: Now convert each fraction to a Yo and rnrrite it here in sentence form (for example, T)yo of students agree that...).

Qr:
Q2=

93:

Reflection
Tfllhat

did you learn from this suwey?

List 3-5 pieces of information Tg* this survey that you will use in your persuasive essay that you could include to support your opinion (these could be a fraction, a percentage, a quote, etc.).
a

Writing the llnerir fentence

thesis sentence helps the reader to oroanize his thoughts so that he will understand the information he is about to receive. A thesis sentence is like a topic sentence except that it introduces an essav rather than a paragraph.

The

ryi

the thesis sentence has [.f two parts-the topic and a mention of each of the main points you plan to cover about that topic. Study the following examples to see how a thesis sentence is written.

I f sually,

)t

ExafnPle

ftl

Theiir fentence;
Main Pointr of Ersayt

We need woter f or everydoy living-for dninking ond bothing, foi' growing f cad ond foi- recreaiion ond tronsportotion.

i. II. ilI.

We need woter for drinking ond bothino We nezd wote?- for growing f ood. We nezd water f or recreation ond tronsoortotion.

ExafnPle
?r.a

|-rsl

I herfr )enTen(e:

to build your vocabulary, to leorn how other people live ond to rnoke friends with
Knowing a f oreign languoge con help you

people from other countries.

Main Poinlr of Erray;

I. II. IIII.

Knowing o

foreign longuoge con help you to build your foreign longuoge con help you to leorn
how

vocobulory.
Knowing o

other peopla live, Knowing aforeignlanguagz con help you to moke friends with people from other counfries.

Name

Practice Writinq lherir $entencer

rrite a thesis senhf tence for each of the following groups of
main ideas.

c.
Some people ride the ferry to work every morning. Many people travel to work by train. Most people drive their cars to work.

2.
Mountain rescue teams use dogs to locate survivors in the snow.
Fire fighters use dogs to detect smoke,

Police officers use dogs to detect illegal drugs.

o tlo
Weavers display their artistic abilities in the blankets they make. Automobile painters often add colorful murals to the bodies of cars. Chain saw sculotors show their work in roadside qalleries,

// t Vo

Most people watch at least one news program on TV every day. At least half of the population subscribes to a daily newspaper. Some people get their news on-line.

i,/o

f-{

Many ltalian foods are made using wheat pasta, Several Mexican foods are made using corn products. German people often use rye flour in their foods.
10

8th

Grade Thesis Sentence Builder

The thesis sentence helps the writer organize his or her essay by introducing the topic and main points that they will present to the reader. You must write one for this project.
Use the following steps to help you build your thesis sentence:

tilJ

1. Write down your topic:

Ex:

Ever,v Anterican should recycle

2. List

3-4 overall reasons or main points that

will support your topic:

(ORGANIZATION NOTE: Place one of your stronger reasons first, put your weakest in the rniddle, and finish with your strongest).

b
c.

(d.)

Ex: a. keeps space.free in the already overflowing

b. costs sisnificantly
c.

landfills

less to recycle items than to generate them from scratch protects our hectlth and environment by removing harmful substances and pollution

3. Combine steps l-2to write your thesis sentence:

Ex: Recycling is et)er? American's duty as it keeps spacefree in the already overflowing landfills, costs significantly less to recycle tlmn it does to generate them.from scratch, and protects our health and environment by removing harnful substances and pollutiott.
ll

8th Grade Persuasive Ess Directions: Complete the following organizer I position. Then, write down 2-3 specific primary and secondary supports with details.

Thesis Sentence:

Reason

#l

Reason #2

Reason #3

Primary & Secondary

Support (2-3)

Primary & Secondary

Support (2-3)

Primary & Secondary

Support (2-3)

t
a

I
a

I
o

2
a

2
a a

3
o

3
a

3
a

CaIl to .F,ction

12

Drafting Your Persuasive Writing

8th
Introduction:

Grade

l.

Attention-Getter o Does it set the purpose and engage the reader? r Is a sophisticated strategy used? or "In this paper,.." NO: "I will tell you..."

or

"Have you ever...?"

2. Provide Background

o o o

Does it give a general preview? Does it provide any necessary explanation of the topic?

3. Thesis/Position Statement

Does it clearly state the topic of the essay?

Ways to Write an Attention-getter: connect with the reader and be creative!

l. State an intriguing or startling fact. A surprising or unusual fact makes your readers curious. They can't wait to read on. Example: In a national suwey, it was found that one million teenagers between the ages of twelve and seventeen have taken pertormance-enhancing drugs. This could include the athletes among the student body at Matthews Middle SchooL.
to your topic. Example: Imagine having to rash through crowded hallways, across the school to your locker, only to have to go back tie same way, in four minutes. Thjs is what many Matthews Middle School students face everyday. on the issue, or someone who feels strongly about the issue will give yottr paper authority. Example: According to s/eep specialst Miranda Smith, "Teenagers today wake up tired and are unable to focus on school because they are not getting the proper amount of sleep." Matthews Middle Schocl shculC start school later so that students come to school awake and ready ta learn.

2. Provide a description. Describe a scenario that relates

3. Include an important quote. A quote from an expert

4. Use figrrrative language. Using similes, metaphors, hyperboie, or alliteration can be arr
effective attention-grabbing technique. Example; I walked into school with my head in the clouds because I stayed up so late finishing the many hours of homework assigned yesterday at school. Matthews Middle School sfudenfs work diligently each day during school, therefore, they should not have homework at night.

5. Incorporate
essay.

a definition into your

writing. Define an important element

discussed in your

Example: Health can be defined as one's physical and mental well-being. If students at Matthews Middle School continue to eat these unhealthy lunches, both their mental and physical wellbeing will be jeopardized. Therefore, studenfs need to be sewed healthier Lunches that surpass health requirements and meet all basic food group requirements.

6. Drarnatize the controversy. Appeal to people's emotions.

Example: A majority of Matthews Middle School studenfs have hours upon hours homework every night. DO NOT BEGrN YOUR ESSAY WITH A QUESTTON!

of

4q

Body Paragraphs

o o . o o

Include 3-5 total body paragraphs (5-8 sentences each) Follow the same order of ideas as your preview Use 3td person pronouns (NO "I", "me", "you", "\rve", etc, . .) Refer to your prewrite/outline to help you organize your essay. Use transitions:

Paragraph To begin, To start with,

l"t Body

Middle Body

Also, In addition,

Paragraph(s)

Final Body paragraph

Most significantly, Most importantly,

Body Paragraph Form:

I't Body Paragraph:

Sentence one: topic sentence
Ex. Recycling keeps space free in the already overflowing landfills.

Sentences two-seven: facts/supporting details Sentence eight: wrap up this topic

All other body paragraphs:

Sentence one: Topic sentence with a transition

Ex. Not only does recycling free up land space, from scratch.

it also cosfs slgnificantly

/ess ffian generatingjfems

Sentences two-seven: facts/supporting details Sentence eight: wrap up this topic

Obiection Body Paragraph (Note: this section is not always included in the essay.)

. .

Briefly state the main opposing argument to your topic. Explain how your reason and support outweigh the opposition.

*The conclusion is the last part of your composition. In it, you srun up your ideas and tie up any loose ends. It should include these essential components in 4-5 sentences:

Conclusions:

. o o .

Revisit your position. Sum up the main support for your position. Discuss a final call to action. Example: Support the anti-drug campaign and work to keep Matthews Middhe School free from drugs. Close with a strong final thought.

l+

Supporting Your Persuasive Main Ideas/Reasons (Body Paragraphs)

Specific support is stronger than vag'ue support!

Vague: The cafeteria food is bad,

Better: The cafeteria food is unhealthv.

More specific: The cafeteria food is dripping with glrease.
2'd Order Support: Fatty food like the food senred in the cafeteria is bad for kids' diets and can make them ovenreight.

More 2"d Order Support: The cafeteria food is dripping with grease. By the time you get to the
end of the lunchline, the grease from the pizza and fries has pooled on your tray.

withDEPTH: This type of diet can lead to heart disease, obesity and diabetes. In fact, recent studies indicate up to a quarter of all young people in the U.S. are at risk of developing diabetes. The cost of treating these diseases is much greater than the cost of senring better food to the student of Matthews Middle School
2"d Order Support

Put it all together: (TOPIC SENTENCE) The cafeteria food is unhealthy. (EXPAND ON TOPIC SENTENCE) Fatty food like the food senred in the cafeteria is bad for kids' diets and can make them overweight. The cafeteria food is dripping with grease. By the time you get to the end of the Iunchiine, the grease from the pizza and fries has pooied on your tray. (USE FACTS TO SUPPORT TOPIC SENTENCE) This type of diet can lead to heart disease, obesity and diabetes. In fact, recent studies indicate up to a quarter of ali yo''ing people in the U.S. are at risk of developing diabetes. (CONCLUDING SENTENCE)The cost of treating these diseases is much greater than
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Directions: Specific reasons can streng'then your persuasive writing. Look below. Replace each one with a more specific respcnse.
1. MMS students should have more school dances because I iike them.

at the vague reasons

2. MMS students should have recess because it's fun. 3. study hall is a waste of students' time because everyone thinks 4. The school day should begin later in the day because I said so.
5. There should be more extracurricular activities at MMS because students need them.
47

so.

Objection Paragraph 8th Grade Langnrage Arts

Gathering Objections: Answering the question "Why not?" will help you gather possible objections. If you understand the objections readers may have, you can defend against them. This will make your position even stronger. These objections will have to be defended in the essay using solid evidence.

Directions: Write down your position in the first box. Then write down three objections that
people may have against your topic.

Topic/Position:

Obiection

#l:

Next, choose your strongest objection. This is the one you will use in your essay. (Hint: Choose one you'Il be able to defend best.) Olricr:fion: - -)- ------' Now, defend this objection with reasons you disagree with stronger or more important.)

it. (Hint: Explain

how your reasons are

16

Name

Period

8th

Grade Persuasive Essay Works Gited Rough Draft

af

This is where you will list all sources you cited in the text of your paper. Title your page: Works Cited Arrange your entries alphabetically, using the first word in the entry to guide you, ln each entry, every line after the first is indented 5 spaces (tab key), Single space within each entry, but double space between them.

&.

Alphabetize the entries. Do not number your entries!

Use

the CoolTool CitationMaker, Rec

s4Success, under "Writing Tools" for help

Directions: EVERYIIME you include research in your paper, you must tell the reader where your information comes from. This information is listed on a WORKS CITED page. Using the
examples below, draft your works cited entries. BE SURE TO INCLUDE ALL MARKS OF PUNCTUATION!

MLA WORKS CITED FORMATTING GUIDE

EBSCOHOST (MAGAZ|NE)

Author. "Title of Ai'ticle." Title of Magazine Date: Page(s). Name of Database, EBSCOhost. Date of Access <http ://search.epnet.c om />.
Example: Heyman, j.D., ancijohnny Dodd. "New Arm, Same Spirit." Peopie 23 Feb. 2OQ4:58+. MasterFiLE Premier. EBSCOhost. 8 May 2004 <http://search.epnet.com/>.
EBSCOHOST (JOURNAL)

Author. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume number (Year): Page(s). Name of Database. EBSeOhost. Date of Access <http:/lsearch.epnet.coml>.
Example: Nelson, Roxanne. "Smoking Outside Still Causes Second-Hand Smoke Exposure to Children." Lancet 359 (2002):1675. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. 8 Mav 2004 <http://sea rch. epnet. c om/>.
WEBSITE

Author's name (if available). Name of Site. Date of Posting/Revision. Name of institution /organization affiliated with the site (sometimes found in copyright statements). Date you accessed the site.
Example: Benson, David. Ankle Replacement Prosthetics. L6 Nov. 2007. University of Maryland.6 Feb. 2008 <http ://www.a n kl e rep lacem ent.com>.
SURVE}

Ivlaithews Middle Schooi studenis were suryeyed by

(number) (your name, first then last)

on the date of
(date of survey)

about the topic of

(your topic)

17