Name: _____________________________________
English II
Short Story Paragraph
Write a complete, well-developed paragraph (at least two claims from the stories we have read/videos
we have watched) that addresses one of the following prompts:
 Authors attempt to tell their audience something about human nature and the power of human emotion.
Select one emotion we have discussed and explain why that emotion is the most powerful emotion.

Humans have the capability to harm and/or help one another. Explain which is more common [PS2] and
why humans harm or help more often.
 Some people believe that humans have a responsibility and need to help each other. Choose one
emotion that is vital for humans to have to carry out this responsibility/need.
 Humans are not all good or all evil. Sometimes, an internal force, like the desire for power, influences
an individual. Explain how power can corrupt a person and cause him/her to do harm to others.
 Sometimes, humans need an external motivation to overcome an obstacle and/or grow. Choose one
character and explain how an emotional response to an external factor forced him/her to grow or
overcome an obstacle.
Directions: After you have selected a prompts and completed a brainstorm, please fill out the following outline.
(Note: You should use pencil. Don’t forget to complete the back of this sheet.)
Outline:
Topic sentence (topic + why/how):
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Claim 1 (reason that supports the topic sentence):
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Evidence (how is this shown - quote):
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Warrant (how/why does the evidence relate):
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Claim 2:
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Evidence:
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Warrant:
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Claim 3 (optional):
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Evidence (optional):
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Warrant (optional):
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Concluding sentence:
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Brainstorm
1. What is a topic that you would like to write about?
2. What is your opinion/argument on that topic? Make sure that you make a clear argument.
3. Why do you feel this way?
4. What stories/videos do you think would best support this argument?
5. Why would these stories/videos support the argument?
a. What specific details do you think you could use to support your main point?