Name:_______________________________
Date:__________________________
English 7, Period ______
Mr. Koondel/Ms. Skolnik/Ms. Harwood
The Wizard of Oz and That Was Then, This Is Now: The Wisdom, Courage, and Love Persuasive Essay
Persuasive Essay:
Persuasive writing utilizes logic and reason to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view
about a topic. The essay must always use sound reasoning and specific and convincing evidence by
stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting/paraphrasing text. A persuasive
essay has a very clear thesis statement that makes your opinion or chosen “side” known upfront.
This helps your reader know exactly what your position is on the topic. The thesis should also
present the basic organization of your essay; list your points in order in the thesis and then analyze
them in exactly the same order in the body paragraphs. Structure and organization are integral
components of an effective persuasive essay. Therefore, be sure to include a compelling
introduction, well-organized body paragraphs, and an insightful conclusion.
Writing Prompt:
Wisdom, courage, and love are central themes in The Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, and That Was
Then, This Is Now, by S.E. Hinton. These themes are also a vital part of our everyday lives and
emotional/spiritual well-being. Think about these themes as they appear in the summer reading
and the characters’ lives, and connect the theme of wisdom, courage, or love with two characters
from either summer reading book.
In your answer, be sure to
 Describe how the theme of wisdom, love, or courage connects with one character
from either summer reading novel
 Describe how the theme of wisdom, love, or courage connects with a second
character from either summer reading novel
 Use details from the novel (or novels) to support your answer
Organization:
Introduction Paragraph:
a. Introduction Sentence: topic = wisdom, courage or love
b. Clarifying Sentences: add context to enhance the reader’s understanding of the
topic’s complexity
c. Thesis (one sentence): after providing the title(s) and author(s), answer the writing
prompt by indicating the two characters and theme(s) while adding a general,
overarching reason.
Body Paragraph 1:
a. Topic Sentence: state the first character and theme listed in the thesis, supported by
three, succinctly stated text examples.
b. Transition (“For example,” or “For instance,”) and description of first text example
c. Brief quotation or paraphrase that shows example
d. Detailed analysis and explanation of example
(repeat b-d for next two text examples)
e. Conclusion (one sentence): briefly connect the topic sentence and support
Body Paragraph 2:
a. Topic Sentence: state the second character and theme listed in the thesis,
supported by three, succinctly stated text examples.
b. Transition (“For example,” or “For instance,”) and description of second text
example
c. Brief quotation or paraphrase that shows example
d. Detailed analysis and explanation of example
(repeat b-d for next two text examples)
e. Conclusion (one sentence): briefly connect the topic sentence and support
Conclusion Paragraph:
a. Restate thesis while adding your verdict and the most significant pieces of evidence
presented in the body paragraphs
Good Transitions Include:
Example 1: for instance, for example
Example 2: next, also, in addition, additionally, moreover, furthermore
Example 3: finally, lastly, as a final point
Conclusion: clearly, consequently, therefore, as a result
After Quoted/Paraphrased Text Examples: This example proved… (showed, demonstrated, revealed,
symbolized, represented, implied)
Assignment Directions:
1. All essays must be typed
2. Check your writing for correct spelling, grammar (consistent verb tense), and punctuation.
3. Include a correct heading and title.
4. Double space everything, including the heading (and don't skip extra lines between the heading and
title or the title and introduction sentence).
5. Use standard one-inch margins.
6. Use a 12 point Arial, Courier, or Times New Roman font.
7. Avoid informal language, abbreviations, and contractions (except when quoting).
8. No pictures, designs, illustrations, unusual paper, book report covers, or paper clips.