A Modest Proposal Social Satire Essay
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Brainstorm about social problems—global or local. Consult the newspaper for inspiration.
Study your resource and find out all you can about the problem.
Answer the following about the problem:
 When did the problem begin?
 What is the nature/cause of the problem?
 Who does the problem affect?
 What has been done about the problem to date? And by whom?
 What are some of the proposed solutions?
Now consider your own “solution.” Like that proposed by Swift, your solution should be preposterous enough to demonstrate
its absurdity and point out the serious nature of the problem.
Explain your solution briefly on your own paper.
Consider how to best organize your ideas. Create an outline to organize the details of your chosen problem and solution.
Remember these elements of persuasive writing:
 Introduction
 Position statement
 Logical appeal
 Emotional appeal
 Ethical appeal
 Opposition viewpoint
 Refute the opposition
 Call to action
Write a polished essay. 250-300 words
Due: _________________________________________________________
Scoring Criteria
Ideas
Elements of Persuasion
Support
Voice
Conventions and
Organization
Total
Exemplary
Proficient
Presents a significant and
compelling position statement;
argument is compelling and
consistent throughout;
thoroughly addresses prompt.
Presents a clear position
statement; argument is plausible;
attempts to address all parts of
the prompt.
Effective use of logical,
emotional, and ethical appeals
to create a strong persuasive
argument. Addresses the
opposition and
concedes/refutes in a manner
that strengthens argument.
Use of specific and well-chosen
support yields solid support for
argument; ample used.
Diction, syntax, and support
create a specific tone for a
particular audience and
purpose. Reflects an authentic,
confident, authoritative voice.
Few mistakes in standard
writing conventions. Easy to
follow organization; transitions
make writing flow smoothly.
Emerging
Takes a position that is difficult to
distinguished; argument is
attempted but not plausible or uses
persuasive appeals ineffectively;
does not address all parts of the
prompt.
Uses logical, emotional, and
ethical appeals to create a
persuasive argument. Addresses
the opposition and concedes/
refutes.
Uses at least two types of persuasive
appeals. Appeals may be weak or
ineffective. Attempts to address the
opposition, but concession/
refutation is weak.
Use of appropriate support for
argument; some used
Support for argument is lacking;
unclear support or not enough
used.
Diction, syntax, and support
create a clear tone for a
particular audience and purpose.
Reflects a convincing and
appropriate voice.
Occasional mistakes in standard
writing conventions with some
deviation. Somewhat organized;
transitions used in an attempt to
make writing flow.
Diction, syntax, and support convey
an ambiguous tone inconsistent for
a particular audience and purpose.
Does not reflect a convincing voice.
Frequent mistakes in standard
writing conventions make the essay
difficult to read. Difficult to follow;
jumps to rapidly between ideas;
lacks transitions.