1. What type of essay do I write?
Many people believe that television violence has a negative effect on society because it promotes violence. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your response.
Explain the problems, both personal and societal, that result from obesity.
Describe your favorite place. What does it look like? Smell like? Feel like? Sound like?
Compare and contrast public schooling and homeschooling.
People often say “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Describe a time when you misjudged someone based on his or her appearance or when someone misjudged you.

2. Prompt:
Many parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance regardless of their behavior because they believe an allowance teaches children to be financially responsible. Other parents only give children an allowance as a reward for completing chores or when they have behaved properly. Explain what you think parents should do and why?
What kind of essay would you write for this prompt?

3. Dissecting a prompt…
Many parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance regardless of their behavior because they believe an allowance teaches children to be financially responsible. Other parents only give children an allowance as a reward for completing chores or when they have behaved properly. Explain what you think parents should do and why?
This explains one side of the argument: Parents should give children an allowance every week no matter what.
This explains the other side of the argument: Allowance should be earned and given as a reward.
This is the assignment.

4. Quick How-To: Persuasive
1. Pick a side.
2. Brainstorm arguments to support your opinion, and then pick the two best.
3. Decide how you will prove your arguments and write down your ideas. Use specific examples, statistics, or your experience.
4. Think of what the “other side” would say—what are their best arguments?
5. Write a brief outline to organize your thoughts:
Persuasive Essay Outline Options:
I. Introduction I. Introduction
II. Concession II. Argument 1
III. Argument 1 III. Argument 2
IV. Argument 2 IV. Concession
V. Conclusion V. Conclusion
Now you’re ready to write your own persuasive essay!

5. 1. Pick a side
Option 1: Parents should give children an allowance no matter what.
Option 2: Parents should give children an allowance only as a reward.
Option 3: Parents should NOT give children an allowance

6. 2. Brainstorm arguments Teaches children to save and budget.
Helps children learn to work for their money.
Enforces good behavior and work habits.
Children should not expect monetary rewards for good behavior.
Allowance spoils children

7. 3. Prove arguments Helps children learn to work for their money.
Adults have to work for their money, so children should, too.
Prepares children for the real world, where there are no freebies!
Enforces good behavior and work habits.
Helps children see the consequences (good and bad) of their actions.
Teaches them how to be a functioning part of society.

8. 3. Prove arguments
Children should not expect monetary rewards for good behavior.
In the real world, good behavior is not rewarded, it is expected.
Children are motivated by money instead of the desire to behave and be helpful.
Allowance spoils children
Teaches children that they are entitled to money.
Doesn’t allow for surprises.

9. 4. “Other side”
Some people think that… parents should give children an allowance no matter what.
They believe that it helps children learn how to save and budget money.
They also believe that children should have their own money to spend.
Prove it wrong: Giving children an allowance no matter what does not teach children that they have to earn rewards.

10. 5. Outline Helps children learn to work for their money.
Introduction
Thesis statement (the side you picked): Parents should give children an allowance only as a reward.
Concession
Some people think that… parents should give children an allowance no matter what.
They believe that it helps children learn how to save and budget money.
They also believe that children should have their own money to spend.
Prove it wrong: Giving children an allowance no matter what does not teach children that they have to earn rewards.
Argument #1
Helps children learn to work for their money.
Adults have to work for their money, so children should, too.
Prepares children for the real world, where there are no freebies!
Argument #2
Enforces good behavior and work habits.
Helps children see the consequences (good and bad) of their actions.
Teaches them how to be a functioning part of society.
Conclusion

11. Debate!
Prompt: Most states allow people to get a driver’s license at the age of 16. Some people feel that 16 is much too young for the responsibility that comes with driving a car and that teenagers should not be allowed to drive until the age of 18. In your opinion, at what age should people be allowed to drive, and why?
Pick your side
Brainstorm 2 arguments
Support your arguments with at least 2 facts, ideas, etc.

12. Debate #2
Many people believe that television violence has a negative effect on society because it promotes violence. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your response.

13. Debate #3
Today, there are more and more reality shows on television. Do these shows make good television? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific reasons and examples.

14. Debate #4
Today’s top professional athletes often have salaries and bonuses in the tens of millions of dollars. Do you think these athletes deserve such high compensation? Why or why not? Explain your position and use specific reasons and examples.

15. Choices:
1. Carpooling, recycling, and planting trees are all activities that are good for the environment. Write an essay convincing readers to actively participate in one of these activities.
2. Many parents do not allow their children to play with toy guns. In your opinion, is this a wise decision? Explain what you think parents should do about toy guns and why.
3. For centuries, people have wondered about the possibility of life on other planets in the universe. Do you believe extraterrestrial life exists? Write an essay persuading others to share your point of view.
4. Some states have now made it illegal to drive while talking on a hand-held cellular phone. Do you think this is a good law that should be passed in other states as well? Why or why not? Explain your answer.