1. PERSUASIVE WRITING What makes persuasive writing good?

2. Clear and appropriate response Single focus Supporting Details Organization and transitions Clear, well developed opening and closing Elaborations Varied sentence structure and word choice Correct grammar and spelling

3. How is this criteria scored? The New Jersey Registered Holistic Scoring Rubric Follow along on your copy as we discuss the rubric

4. Let’s look at some samples…

5. WRITING SITUATION: Americans love their junk food. Cheezy fries, cheese steaks, cream-filled doughnuts, cookies, double chocolate chip muffins, Snapple, Mesquite BBQ chips, and fruit snacks galore are available at convenience stores near you. These foods are also available in your school cafeteria. Many consumer groups are concerned that too much "junk food" is being sold in school cafeterias state wide, and these groups want to take action. The Governor seeks to ban junk food in schools. Will this change your lunch menu? What do you think about this controversial issue? DIRECTIONS FOR WRITING: Since you will be directly affected by this new state ban on junk food in school cafeterias, you have a strong opinion to share with our state legislature. Write a letter to the Governor of New Jersey with your opinion on the junk food ban in schools. Do you agree or disagree with this issue? Will you miss your cheese fries? Be specific, and include details, facts, or anecdotes to back up your opinion. Begin your letter with: Dear Governor:

6. We are going to view some scored writing samples on the overhead projector. See if you can tell why these writing samples received the score on the paper.

7. LET’S GRADE TOGETHER! I will show you some more samples. Can you figure out what grade each sample received?

8. SKEPTICAL (adj.) – doubtful; questionable Brainstorm a list of situations when it is good to be skeptical. What would happen if you trusted everything you heard?

9. YOU BE THE TEACHER Your group will receive a writing sample. Please DO NOT Write on it. Read the sample and decide on what score you think this writing received. (Sample #-Score) Discuss your opinion with your group. Be ready to share and back up your decision.

10. PEER SCORING Now you will receive a writing sample that belongs to one of your classmates. Read the sample and score it using the NJ Registered Holistic Scoring Rubric. Be prepared to have reasons and support for the score you decide on. Add any comments on a separate sheet of paper.