Name _________________________________
Ecology Adaptation Persuasive Essay
Directions: Using your ecology facts and lab results use your imagination to reason what the next human
adaptation will be. Then write a persuasive essay convincing me that your adaptation will truly happen next.
Use the below checklist to ensure you have every required element of the essay. This assignment will be due on
Monday, November 29, 2010. You do not have to type your essay but I can’t grade what I can’t read.
Your Checklist
Mrs. Dale’s Checklist
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Avoid the use of texting abbreviations, slang, and jargon
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First sentence in introduction paragraph catches the reader's attention; is a
hook (can be an interesting fact or a question)
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Introduction paragraph explains what the next human adaptation will be; the
adaptation can be physical or behavioral
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Introduction paragraph provides a quick explanation for why humans will
need this adaptation
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Introduction paragraph provides a quick explanation for how humans will
acquire this adaptation
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Introduction paragraph has a concluding sentence that summarizes the
main point of the paragraph
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Body paragraph #1 includes a topic sentence that reintroduces the reader
to the next human adaptation and why it will be needed
Body paragraph #1 supports the next adaptation by explaining in detail why
humans need this adaptation; author must include data from ecology facts
or lab results
Body paragraph #1 ends with a concluding sentence that summarizes the
main points of the paragraph
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Body paragraph #2 includes a topic sentence that reintroduces the reader
to the next human adaptation and how humans will acquire it
Body paragraph #2 supports the next adaptation by explaining how humans
will acquire the next adaptation; author must include data from ecology facts
or lab results
Body paragraph #2 ends with a concluding sentence that summarizes the
main points of the paragraph
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What You Should Do
Make your essay strongly persuasive (do not state: in my opinion, I think,
should, would, could, maybe, may, theory, might, probably, I believe)
Avoid beginning a sentence with the words ‘well’ and ‘so’; do not use the
word ‘stuff’
Conclusion paragraph does not include new information or facts
Conclusion paragraph has a topic sentence that reminds the reader what
the next adaptation will be
Conclusion paragraph summarizing why the next adaptation is necessary
and how humans will obtain the adaptation
Conclusion ends with a concluding sentence that summarizes the main
points of the essay; must evoke emotion (must have good voice)
Must have good transitions: no incomplete or run-on sentences
Essay has no spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors
STUDENT WRITING CHECKLIST
GRADE 6 - 8 PERSUASIVE ESSAY
Use this checklist to help you plan, write, revise and edit your persuasive
essay.
THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR YOUR PERSUASIVE ESSAY
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Establishes and develops a controlling idea
Supports arguments with detailed evidence
Includes persuasive techniques
Excludes irrelevant information
Attributes sources of information when appropriate (grade 7 & 8)
IDEAS AND CONTENT
 I use clear, focused and original ideas and
details to support the topic.
 My writing is appropriate for the audience
and purpose.
 I use sufficient details and examples to help
the reader understand my message.
 My writing shows my point of view.
WORD CHOICE
 I use accurate, specific and powerful words
that make the meaning clear.
 My words are original, varied, and natural.
 I use literal or figurative language when
appropriate.
ORGANIZATION
 My introduction makes a reader want to
keep on reading.
 I organize details in a way that they make
sense.
 I place details appropriately to support the
main idea.
 I use smooth transitions between sentences,
ideas and paragraphs.
 My paper ends with a sense of resolution or
closure.
SENTENCE FLUENCY
 I use simple, compound and complex
sentences.
 My paper sounds good when read aloud.
 I vary sentence beginnings, lengths and
patterns to enhance the flow of the writing.
VOICE
 My writing shows what I really think and
feel.
 I use language appropriate for the audience,
topic and purpose.
CONVENTIONS
 I use paragraph breaks appropriately.
 I use punctuation correctly.
 I use capital letters correctly.
 I spell correctly.
 I use grammar and usage rules correctly.
 I have proofread my paper.
Kyrene-Tempe Writing Checklist, Spring 2005