1. A WRITING TO PERSUADE PROJECT Mrs. Batelka’s 7th Grade G/T English In Ray Bradbury’s “The Veldt,” Peter and Wendy’s imaginations contain gruesome and malicious desires. The technologically-advanced nursery allows Peter and Wendy to live out their deepest, darkest desires. Had the children not had access to such a powerful medium as the nursery, would the outcome of the story have changed? Just how much of an influence did the high- tech nursery have on Peter and Wendy’s actions?

2. Persuasive Essay Project Procedures: 1.Students will be assigned a supporting or opposing position for the technology and youth topic. 2. Students will begin persuasive essay pre-write organizer & individual research. 3.Students will work through the steps in the writing process to compose a 6-paragraph persuasive essay on the technology/youth issue. 4. Students will submit a final persuasive essay for an individual writing grade. Class Debate Project Procedures: 1.Students will learn the format and procedures for a formal debate. 2.The class will divide into an “Affirmative” team and an “Opposing” team according to the positions assigned for the persuasive essay. 3. Students will elect a debate team captain and assign various team roles. 4.Students will use their research and completed persuasive essays to construct opening speeches, rebuttal arguments, and closing speeches for a formal class debate. 5.Students will participate in a formal class debate and receive a team classwork grade. Grading: Each student will receive a grade for his or her persuasive essay. It will count as a Writing/Projects grade. Each debate team will receive a grade for its preparation & participation in the in-class debate. This grade will count as a classwork grade.

3. When you write to persuade, you want to do the following: 1. Decide what your position or stand is on the topic (in this case, your position will be assigned). 2. Think of your reasons for that position or stand. 3. Locate reliable, strong sources and evidence to support your reasons. 4.Organize your reasons and evidence into a logical, sensible order. 5. Remember to acknowledge and answer counter-arguments. 6. Invite your reader to understand and share your position or stand.

4. Persuasive Essay Objectives: Students will… 1.produce effective writing that establishes a clear purpose and position. 2. gather supporting information (reasons & evidence from reliable, strong sources; counter-argument). 3.use an appropriate text structure (6-paragraph essay; components of persuasive writing). 4.consider audience by tailoring reasons to appeal to the intended reader. 5. incorporate persuasive language into an argument. 6.credit and cite sources of information and/or evidence using MLA style.

5. Persuasive Essay Rubric: Your persuasive letter/essay will be graded for the following traits: IDEAS 5 4 3 2 1  Position is clear  Responds to topic & purpose IDEAS Score ___/5 x 2 = ____/10  Includes at least 3 strong reasons & evidence to support  Counter-argument is recognized & opposed ORGANIZATION 5 4 3 2 1  Captivating introduction  Effective use of transitions  Sequencing is logical & effective ORGANIZATION Score ___/5 x 2 = ____/10  Satisfying conclusion with a call to action VOICE 5 4 3 2 1  Tone is persuasive and commanding  Reflects a strong commitment to the topic VOICE Score ___/5 x 2 = ____/10  Shows the reader why s/he should care about the topic WORD CHOICE 5 4 3 2 1  Persuasive words  Strong verbs, specific nouns, & vivid adjectives WORD CHOICE Score ___/5 x 1 = ____/5  Language is natural and appropriate for the audience SENTENCE FLUENCY 5 4 3 2 1  Sentences vary in length & structure  Purposeful & varied sentence beginnings SENTENCE FLUENCY Score ___/5 x 1 = ____/5  Smooth when read aloud CONVENTIONS 5 4 3 2 1 CONVENTIONS Score ___/5 x 1 = ____/5 PRESENTATION 5 4 3 2 1 12-point professional font Typed & double-spaced PRESENTATION Score ___/5 x 1 = ____/5 Traits Score ___/50 + Title Page Score ___/5 + Portfolio Score ___/10 + Bibliography Page Score ___/10 = FINAL PROJECT SCORE = _____/75 = _____%

6. Persuasive Essay Rubric: Additional Information Title Page Format: Assignment Title Your Name Due Date Your Block Mrs.. Batelka English 7 G/T Portfolio Score: All parts of the writing process (prewrites, notes, drafts, revisions, etc.) have been turned in with the final copy Rubric has been turned in with final Portfolio reflection sheet has been completed Total Portfolio Score = _____/10 Bibliography Page Requirements: At least TWO secondary sources & ONE primary source have been cited Sources have been listed alphabetically MLA-style documentation has been used Source documentation is present WITHIN writing, if necessary (ex., direct quotations) Total Bibliography Page Score = _____/ 10 Total Title Page Score = _____/5

7. Source Type (article, interview, etc.) Primary or Secondary ? Citation Information Notes Position:______________________ Reason#1:________________________________ Media & Technology: Are They Harmful to Our Youths? A WRITING TO PERSUADE PROJECT Research & Source Log

8. Source Type (article, interview, etc.) Primary or Secondary ? Citation Information Notes Position:______________________ Reason#2:________________________________ Media & Technology: Are They Harmful to Our Youths? A WRITING TO PERSUADE PROJECT Research & Source Log

9. Source Type (article, interview, etc.) Primary or Secondary ? Citation Information Notes Position:______________________ Reason#3:________________________________ Media & Technology: Are They Harmful to Our Youths? A WRITING TO PERSUADE PROJECT Research & Source Log

10. Source Type (article, interview, etc.) Primary or Secondary ? Citation Information Notes Position:______________________ Counter-Argument:________________________ Media & Technology: Are They Harmful to Our Youths? A WRITING TO PERSUADE PROJECT Research & Source Log