Flowers for Algernon
In Class Essay Topics
In persuasive writing, writers state a clear position, support that position with relevant evidence, follow a simple and
logical organizational pattern, address the reader’s counterarguments with rebuttals, and end with a powerful
conclusion. Your purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with your position.
Assignment Directions:
1. Choose the position for which you feel you have the most support.
2. Write a persuasive essay in support of your position. Be sure to use specific examples from the
articles you read and the story itself.
Essay Topics:
OPTION A: If scientists discovered an easy way to increase intelligence and create superhuman
geniuses in the world, should the procedure be used worldwide? Think about Charlie’s experience
with the surgery and how it impacted him and his life. If scientists could use a similar experiment on the rest of the
world, should we? Also consider moral, ethical, physical, financial, political, and/or practical implications. Use
specific examples from the story, as well as from real life, to explain and support your ideas.
OPTION B: Which matters most: Motivation or Intelligence?
Use specific examples from the story, as well as from real life, to explain and support your ideas.
Tip: Avoid “quote plunking.” You need to support each piece of evidence by providing a lead-in to introduce the
example (putting it in context), and you must provide some commentary or interpretation after your evidence to
make a connection back to your argument or thesis.
Essay Format – Must be in proper MLA format:
 Header in upper right hand corner - last name and page number.
 Heading in upper left hand corner – name, date, period, teacher, and name of assignment (all
double-spaced).
 Typed using 12-point font for everything, including the title. No bold print or underlining. Doublespace. Do not add an extra space between paragraphs.
 Title your piece. Your title should be creative and symbolic.
 The title of a novel should be in italicized (Flowers for Algernon).
 Include in text citations and a Works Cited page.
Hints for Success:
 Don’t forget transitions! Remember, transitions link ideas and also signal when you are moving
on to a new idea.
 Literature is alive! Be sure verbs are written in present tense when referring to the story.
 Do not use “I” or “you” in essay.
 Use mature, vivid language and word choice- avoid slang . Check spelling and grammar.
 Proofread your essay before you turn it in! If you catch a grammatical or spelling mistake, just
correct it – demonstrate that you edited your essay. Also check to be sure you are turning in all
parts of the essay (notes, outline, rough draft, final draft).
Assessment
You will be graded using the essay rubric discussed in class. The categories are:
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Ideas
Language
Conventions
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Organization
Works Cited
Motivation
 http://video.ted.com/talk/podcast/2009G/None/DanielPink_2009G.mp4
 http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-power-of-positive-internal-motivation/0001106
 http://ehstoday.com/safety/negativity-productivity-power-motivation
Intelligence
 http://www.ibtimes.com/chinese-scientists-may-soon-be-able-genetically-engineer-smarterchildren-1137797
 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/435816.stm
 http://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ael6tIvalIUC&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=gene
tic+engineering+intelligence&ots=sYL7fMixcG&sig=najzaD7Q6LLlao_hpN5avhw8TSg#v
=onepage&q=genetic%20engineering%20intelligence&f=false