9th Lit/Composition Honors
Ms. Nelson
Performance Task
Persuasive Writing
Your Task: Write a persuasive paper on a topic of the articles. In argumentative writing, you try to
convince others to agree with our facts, share our values, accept our argument and conclusions, and adopt
our way of thinking. Use both logical appeals and evidence to persuade your audience.
Content Requirements
1) Your paper should be in business letter format, block style (look at the sample provided), and it should
include the following:
* a heading (return address or the address of the sender + the date)
* an inside address (the address of the recipient)
* a salutation
* the body of the letter arranged in block form
* a closing like Yours truly, Sincerely, Respectfully yours
* the writer’s signature written in blue or black ink.
.
2) Your paper should be at least 600 words long.
3) Your paper should be well organized and follow the outline provided
4) Your paper should be fully developed with support and effective examples and/or details
Your paper is due on October 1st as the original for the portfolio
ELACC9-10.W.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using
valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
ELACC9-10.W.1.b- Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing
out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and
concerns.
ELACC9-10.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when
writing or speaking.
ELAGSE9-10L3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different
contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or
listening, and to write and to edit so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual (e.g., MLA
Handbook, APA Handbook, Turabian’s Manual for Writers) appropriate for the discipline and writing type.
Scoring Guide
_____Content (30 points)—adequate evidence and explanation provided
_____Organization (15 points, 5 points each)- appropriate length, claim is expressed in 1st paragraph,
comes to a logical conclusion
_____Format (20 points, 5 points each) = (Follows appropriate format, using proper spacing and layout),
(accurate heading), (appropriate inside address and saluation) , (is signed (space for signature)
_____Audience (15 points, 5 points each) (appropriate tone), (appropriate vocabulary), (has clear purpose)
_____Grammar (20 points, 5 points each) transitions, sentence variety and usage, clear wording, proper
punctuation/capitalization/spelling
Below is a generic sample outline for a persuasive paper:
I. Introduction (paragraph 1)
___A. Introduce the topic
___B. Provide background on the topic
___C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue) Example: Romeo and Juliet should be allowed to marry
and be together because they love each other, their marriage will bring peace to Verona, and it would make
their families wealthier.
II. Your Argument (paragraphs 2-4) You could have 2 , 3, or 4 paragraphs here.
___A. (paragraph 2) Assert point #1 of your claims
_____1. Claim
_____2. Evidence
_____3. Explain your evidence
___B. (paragraph 3) Assert point #2 of your claims
_____1. Claim
_____2. Evidence
_____3. Explain your evidence
___C. (paragraph 4) Assert point #3 of your claims
_____1. Claim
_____2. Evidence
_____3. Explain your evidence
III. Counter Argument (use your pro/con chart) (paragraph 5)
___1.Summarize the counterclaims (Others may think… or Some people say that…)
___2. Refute the counterclaims (However, that is not true because… or That does not matter because…)
___3. Give evidence for argument
___4. Explain your evidence
IV. Conclusion (paragraph 6)
___A. Restate your argument
___B. Provide a plan of action
SAMPLE BLOCK LETTER
123 Winner's Road
New Employee Town, PA 12345
March 16, 2014
Ernie English
1234 Writing Lab Lane
Write City, IN 12345
Dear Mr. English:
The first paragraph of a typical business letter is used to state the main point of the letter. Begin with a
friendly opening; then quickly transition into the purpose of your letter. Use a couple of sentences to
explain the purpose and list the arguments, but do not go in to detail until the next paragraph. THIS IS
WHERE YOU PUT YOUR CLAIM!
Beginning with the second paragraph, state the supporting details from
the articles to justify your purpose. These may take the form of
background information, statistics or first-hand accounts. A few short
paragraphs within the body of the letter should be enough to support
your reasoning. Make sure to develop each one of your arguments by
providing support and examples.
You need to include one paragraph where you will list several counterarguments and refute them.
Finally, in the closing paragraph, briefly restate your purpose and why it is important. If possible, make
sure you provide a plan of action since you are writing persuasively.
Sincerely,
Handwritten Signature
Lucy Letter