This piece shows you can respond to a piece of persuasive writing.
Response to Persuasive Text Rubric
Write an interesting opening that identifies the source, form of persuasion intended audience, and the claim the text is making.
__ Simplistic opening that lists some of the following: source, form of persuasion, intended audience or claim.
__ Simplistic opening that lists the source, form of persuasion, intended audience, and claim.
__ Interesting opening that identifies the source, form of persuasion intended audience, and the claim the text is making.
Provide examples of why you believe the claim is or is not justified based on your ability to locate information.
__ Generalized statements
__ Justifies the claim and provides some examples.
__ Provides several examples of why you believe the claim is or is not justified based on your ability to locate information.
Analyze the writer's reasoning and identify how the information constructs support and/or is misleading.
__ Identifies the points where constructing support was used or was misleading OR might only list reasoning device(s).
__ Analyzes some of the examples of how the author constructed support and/or was misleading and may identify the reasoning device(s) used.
__ Analyzes the writer's reasoning and identify how the information constructs support and/or is misleading.
Write a conclusion that evaluates the effectiveness of the persuasive piece.
__ Simple close that uses generalizations.
__ Simple close which makes one or two points to evaluate the effectiveness of the persuasion.
__ Concludes the piece by evaluating the overall effectiveness of the persuasion.
Follows the customs of Standard English Conventions.
__ Errors interfere with meaning OR uses only simple sentences.
__ Some errors evident but do not interfere with meaning; attempts to use variety of language and sentence structure.
__ Very few errors for length and complexity of piece; demonstrates command of language and mechanics.
__ Controls a variety of sentence structures, grammar and usage, and mechanics. Length and complexity of essay provide opportunity to demonstrate control.
Response to Persuasive Text Plan Sheet
Response to Persuasive Text Example
“Energy Can Be Saved Without Trading in Health.”
During a cold Maine winter, many people are encouraged to add insulation to their homes. In recent years, the building industry has been focused on super-insulated homes. What a great idea! They're bound to save energy, but according to Kurt T. Johnson, if not properly ventilated, super-insulation can lead to health issues. Johnson made this claim in an essay printed in the Bangor Daily News on Jan. 25, 2012. The title of the essay is “Energy Can Be Saved Without Trading in Health.”
Johnson supports his claim with examples of how toxins can build up in a tightly insulated home. Without proper ventilation mold and moisture can build up and lead to allergies. Formaldehyde is used in many areas of construction such as wall board, cabinets, subflooring and carpeting. It is also used in baby furniture. This chemical has been declared a carcinogen by the CDC. According to studies, 98% of energy efficient homes had toxic levels of formaldehyde. Other toxic chemicals are released by new computers, appliances, heaters and cleaning compounds. In tight, unventilated homes we keep rebreathing these chemicals.
There author provides a variety of information and statistics in this essay. Johnson uses specific information to make a reasoned case for ventilation. He speaks of products typically found in the home such as carpeting, wallboard, cleaning agents and furniture. He builds the case for ventilation as he shows how the fumes and chemicals from these products build up when there is a lack of ventilation. The author uses statistics involving the presence of radon and the rates of asthma and lung cancer to further build his case. In addition, Johnson organized his information with bullets making it easier to consider. Though at times it seems he is using scare tactics, Johnson does not mislead his audience. He does not appear to be biased.
Overall I thought this essay was very effective. I was unaware of some of the dangers lurking in a tight house. I was particularly concerned about the formaldehyde levels found in baby furniture. It encouraged me to make sure my future grandchild's room is well ventilated. As we consider options for saving energy in our home, I will be sure to take into account proper ventilation. This author made me think more deeply about the possible problems of super-insulated homes.