This writing piece is due May 30, 2014
The seventh grade persuasive writing standard will involve writing a persuasive letter or essay. You will be required to follow the steps of the writing process to complete your letter. Your grade for this piece will come from process of writing, standard English conventions and persuasive writing.
A persuasive letter or essay is written to express an opinion about a particular subject. It is written to convince the audience to think a particular way and/or take action. The persuasive letter is similar to an editorial or a letter to the editor however, it is addressed to a more specific audience. A persuasive essay is also addressed to a particular audience.
Characteristics of persuasive writing:
addresses an appropriate audience, one who has the authority to take the action the writer desires
engages the reader in the first paragraph (has a good lead)
expresses the situation clearly
shows thorough knowledge of the situation and evidence of deliberation (weighing the facts)
acknowledges and addresses the reader's anticipated point of view
provides specific details to support the writer's opinion
develops ideas through a logical sequencing of information
states clearly the outcome the writer desires with suggestions for implementation
leaves the reader with a vision of why the action desired would be beneficial
follows business or friendly letter format, depending on the audience
(taken from <www.verity.ashland.k12.ky.us>)
Your job is to build an argument for your thesis. A thesis is what you are trying to prove or have someone believe through your writing. It is the purpose of your letter or essay.
Steps to completing the persuasive letter or essay.
1. Choose one of the following topics.
For a letter:
*You have an idea for a new product or a modification of an already existing product. Write to the head of a company convincing them to produce your product. OR Have you ever bought something that didn't work right or didn't fit or didn't last? Write to the store or manufacturer convincing them to take it back. You can use a real or imaginary product.
*You haven't seen some members of your family in a few years. They have never been to Maine to visit you. Write a letter to convince them to come to Maine for a visit.
*Your parents have said there will be no family vacation this year due to time or money issues. OR Your parents are planning a trip to the same place you have gone for a few years. You have a great vacation idea. Write to your parents to get them to consider your idea for a vacation.
For an essay: Choose one side or part of a topic for your essay.
Here are some example topics.
*The best area of Maine to live is ____________________.
*Video games teach important skills OR they are a mindless pastime.
More example topics will be presented in class.
2. Read about your subject. Gather some information, remember you need to show knowledge of the situation or subject. Keep a list of your sources.
3. Complete a graphic organizer for your letter. Here is the graphic organizer for an essay. This will act as an outline.
4. Draft your letter or essay. You may choose to write on paper or type.
Be sure to write in good sentences and paragraphs.
Make sure you clearly explain the reasons you are using to persuade your audience.
Make sure your reasons are listed in a logical order.
Make sure you used polite and clear persuasive language.
5. Read your writing to yourself quietly, but out loud. Make sure your writing makes sense and has good detail.
6. Have a conference with a peer. You may do this by handing them your paper or via google.docs. Your responder should provide you with conference notes.
7. Revise your letter. Ask Ms. D if you need help.
8. Self-edit your work.
9. Share your self-edited draft two with Ms. D by 5/24/13. Be sure to include a list of the resources you used to complete your letter or essay.
10. When you get your conference notes from Ms. D, make final revisions to your piece, print it, and pass it in.
Due Date is 5/30/2014.