English II: American Dream Portfolio Information
Persuasive Writing
The goal of a persuasive essay is to utilize logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another
idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument
must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and
quoting experts.
Components of an effective persuasive essay:

Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using
legitimate sources. Take notes.
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Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argument, must have two sides. It must be debatable. If you can write down a
thesis statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.
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Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by
providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.
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Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason. Cite your sources
and include at least one quotation from the source(s) as evidence. You must include the citation in your Works
Cited page at the end of your portfolio.
Article Review/ Analysis
When writing your analytical piece for the portfolio, you will…
1. Choose an article from a newspaper, magazine, or journal that interests you and pertains to the American
Dream. The article must be from a credible source.
2. Print the article, and annotate it, specifically marking main ideas and particular details that support main ideas.
3. Draft a summary and reflection of the article. In your summary, you should state all main ideas from the article,
as well as the major points of support for those ideas (min. ½ page). Then, you should write an analysis/
reflection of what you think about the ideas/support presented, fully developing your own thoughts and analysis
of the article (min. ½ page). Include a quotation in either your summary or analysis/reflection, and document the
source information in the Works Cited page at the end of the portfolio. In your writing, you should consider how
effectively the author presents the ideas, as well as how you react to those ideas.
4. You will receive peer editing in class. Bring a typed copy of your rough draft, and review the peer editing sheet in
the revision process.
5. Edit and revise your rough draft (considering peer editing suggestions), and print your final draft.
6. Include the printed article, typed rough draft, peer editing sheet, and final draft in your portfolio.
Narrative Essay
When writing a narrative essay, one might think of it as telling a story. These essays are often anecdotal, experiential,
and personal—allowing the student to express herself in a creative and, quite often, moving way.
Your narrative essay will explore the American Dream. You can create an example of a person attempting to achieve
the Dream, or an example of a person not being able to do so. You choose the theme, conflict, characters, setting,
etc., but the overall topic must be about the American Dream.
Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative essay:

The essay should include all the parts of a story. This means that you must include an introduction, plot,
characters, setting, climax, and conclusion.

The essay should have a purpose. Make a point! Think of this as the thesis of your story. If there is no point to
what you are narrating, why narrate it at all?
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The essay should be written from a clear point of view. It is quite common for narrative essays to be written from
the standpoint of the author; however, this is not the sole perspective to be considered. Creativity in narrative
essays oftentimes manifests itself in the form of authorial perspective.

Use clear and concise language throughout the essay. Much like the descriptive essay, narrative essays are
effective when the language is carefully, particularly, and artfully chosen. Use specific language to evoke specific
emotions and senses in the reader.

The use of the first person pronoun ‘I’ is welcomed. Do not abuse this guideline! Though it is welcomed it is not
necessary—nor should it be overused for lack of clearer diction.
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As always, be organized! Have a clear introduction that sets the tone for the remainder of the essay. Do not leave
the reader guessing about the purpose of your narrative. Remember, you are in control of the essay, so guide it
where you desire (just make sure your audience can follow your lead).
Information from: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/04/
Example Table of Contents
1. Persuasive Writing: The Death of the Dream
a. Rough Draft
b. Peer Edit Sheet
c. Final Draft
2. Narrative Writing: Dreaming in the Suburbs
a. Rough Draft
b. Peer Edit Sheet
c. Final Draft
3. Analytical Writing: Critique of Smith’s “Success in Times of Economic Hardship”
a. Rough Draft
b. Peer Edit Sheet
c. Final Draft
4. Works Cited
1-2
3
4-5
6-7
8
9-11
12
13
14-16
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