English II Writing Prompt
Read the following quotation.
“Teaching in the Internet age means we must teach tomorrow’s
skills today.” – Jennifer Fleming
Think carefully about the following statement.
Some people debate whether or not government funds should be used to fund
technology use at school.
Write an essay stating your position on whether or not it’s important for students
to have access to the internet and computer at school.
Be sure to —
•
state your position clearly
•
use appropriate organization
•
provide specific support for your argument
•
choose your words carefully
•
edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling
Color- Coded Sample Persuasive Outline
I. Introduction
A. Hook/Attention Getter – grab reader’s attention (quote, question, fact, statistic, scenario, etc)
B. Introduce Issue – describe the current situation
C. Bridge/Connecting Statement – both sides of opinion presented with brief reasons
D. Thesis Statement – your own position stated clearly with two supporting reasons stated
in parallel structure.
II.
Body Paragraph
A. Topic Sentence - states first reason/claim #1 clearly
B. Evidence #1 – writes out sufficient examples, clear and specific to reason/claim
C. Concluding/Transition Sentence - closing remarks related to the examples and topic sentence
III.
Body Paragraph
A. Topic Sentence - states second reason/claim #2 clearly
B. Evidence #2 – writes out sufficient examples, clear and specific to reason/claim
C. Concluding/Transition Sentence - closing remarks related to the examples and topic sentence
IV.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Body Paragraph/Counter Argument
Topic Sentence - states opponent’s argument ex. Some people believe
Evidence – explain opposing evidence ex. They point to…
Reason opponent is wrong –provide evidence (facts and examples) that supports you are right
Concluding/Transition Sentence - closing remarks about counter argument and your position
V. Conclusion
A. Reworded Thesis Statement – reasons and counter claim summed up in an unique way
B. Counter Statement – sympathize with opponent, but defeat it
C. Connecting Statement – encourage thought about your evidence ex. Research, experts
D. Action Statement – pointed out solution or call to actions
Color- Coded Sample Persuasive Outline
During a presidential radio address in 1997, President Clinton stated, "We prepare our
children for the 21st century-with the full promise of the Information Age at their fingertips."
Clinton’s address came about after a national conversation regarding whether or not educational
institutions should be equipped with technology. Although the enormous task of wiring schools to
the internet is expensive, students will benefit from the knowledge they gain by surfing the world
from their classrooms. In order to insure a technically literate future for generations to come,
computer and internet accessibility should be provided for all schools
First, in order to achieve a technically functional future, help from the state and federal
government is a must. In a news release, Governor Keating proposed using 70 million dollars to
help schools link up to high-speed connections, especially in rural Oklahoma. Because some older
schools had to be completely rewired in order to receive the technology, government programs
were able to help them. This assistance will hopefully pay off by preparing students for a
technologically driven world.
Schools that allow students to engage in internet use for academic purposes are preparing
students for college. Many college students submit typed academic essays, as well as conduct
scholarly research for projects using the internet. If schools had computer and internet available,
students would be a step ahead of college expectations.
But, there is opposition. Some people believe that with children becoming more comfortable
with the internet, that they might have access to inappropriate material. To remedy this, the
the Internet Protection Act and the Safe Schools Internet Act were established. There are many
safeguards to prevent students from viewing improper material.
Students must have school technology access so that they can be technologically literate.
Although money and inappropriate computer use is an issue, students’ opportunity for academic
growth and ability to compete in the 21st century far outweighs the cons. Students exposed
to technology use before college are more likely to adjust to the strenuous workload. Which is
vital for the community to be active in helping out their school in becoming internet accessible.
This essay follows the 26 line requirement and it interweaves every aspect of the outline
taught in class.