2.  Persuasive—Argue your point  4-6 Paragraphs  Introduction  Main Body Paragraphs  Supporting Points  Address counterpoint(s)  Conclusion

3.  Attention Getter   Put the issue in context—WHY DOES IT MATTER?   Mention main counter argument   Thesis (Position Statement) and the main supporting points

4.  Claim/Support  Specific Details/Examples  Prove counterpointincorrect/unimportant  Prove counterpoint incorrect/unimportant  Why it is important/how does it supportyour position (clincher)  Why it is important/how does it support your position (clincher)

5. 1. Address the greater importance1. Address the greater importance   2. Predict what would happen if yourposition is correct OR what wouldhappen if the opposite position won  2. Predict what would happen if your position is correct OR what would happen if the opposite position won   3. Be specific, strong, and interesting—DO NOT REPEAT  3. Be specific, strong, and interesting— DO NOT REPEAT

6.  Grading Rubric  6 = effective  5 = competent  4 = adequate  3 = developing  2 = weak  1 = off topic, illegible, or blank (0)

7.  Realize what the question is asking   Take a position   Address the prompt

8.  Consider the complexity of the issue by examining different perspectives   Addressing the counterarguments

9.  Full—range of examples  Example:history, politics, literature, current events, etc.  All supporting your position   Specific—very detailed examples  Using proper names, dates, etc.  Explain WHY supports your argument 

10.  Every main point is relevant to yourposition  Every main point is relevant to your position  Every specific detail is relevant toyour main point  Every specific detail is relevant to your main point  Explain why they all support yourposition  Explain why they all support your position

11.  Sentences are varied   Word choice varied and precise   Spelling and grammatical errors arelimited and do not distract reader  Spelling and grammatical errors are limited and do not distract reader  Be convincing, interesting and specific (use logos, pathos, anecdotes, quotes, questions, etc.)

12.  2-5 minutes of planning (Read prompt carefully; know what it is asking)  T chart then outline (brief) your ideas  25 minutes to write (stop periodically and read what you have written)  Cross out and/or add as needed  FINISH!