Before the bell!
■ Check your phone into the cell hotel. And please do this. I am checking attendance
this way.
■ Grab your laptop and get logged on. Go by the cart on the board. It goes by slot
number, not computer number. (Some of the laptops are from another cart).
■ Make sure you have a sheet of paper, something to write with, the discussion day
handout and a copy of the essay prompt.
Today’s Agenda!
■ Brainstorm for the essay
■ 11 minute essay rough draft warm up. (You will
be turning in this paper for a daily grade).
■ Persuasive Essay – typed final draft
■ If you finish your essay early, please work
silently on the “Discussion Day” handout. We
will have our discussion day next class.
Participating in the discussion will be a quiz
grade.
BRAINSTORM FOR YOUR
ESSAY!
Read over the prompt and brainstorm for both sides of the essay. Make sure you
pick a side. We will be doing an 11 minute essay rough draft of your essay together.
A The11-Minute Essay Rough Draft
(from Gretchen Bernabei, www.trailofbreadcrumbs.com)
Topic: Should people interfere when they are aware of an injustice?
1. For one minute only, write what this topic means to you.
2. For three minutes only, write about this topic as it is shown in history or
current events.
3. For three minutes only, write about this topic as it has appeared in your
own life.
4. For three minutes only, write about this topic as it is shown in literature,
either something you have read in school or on your own.
5. For one minute only, write about the impact or importance of this topic
in general.
Hurray! You now have a first draft of an essay.
Reminders for Persuasive Essays!
■ Go to msrolfe.com/staar
■ Remember to use the “Robotman” structure.
– Introduction where you use a hook, present both sides and state your thesis
■
You may want to put the “think about…” part of the prompt in your own words.
■
Remember your thesis is where you state your position and list your two reasons!
– Two Body Paragraphs
■
Each body paragraph should have your reason and example (evidence) that
supports your reason.
– Conclusion where you sum up your argument and restate your stance.
■ When you’re editing your “11 Minute Essay” draft- pick the two best examples and
fully develop them. Add topic sentences that state your reasons and smooth
transitions.
■ It’s better to have two fully explained examples than three unexplained examples.
Think of your body paragraphs as APE’s.