Presentational Writing: Argumentative/Persuasive Essay
You will write a persuasive essay to submit to a Spanish writing contest. The essay topic is based on three accompanying sources, which present different viewpoints on the topic and include both print and audio material. First, you will have 6 minutes to read the essay topic and the printed material. Afterward, you will hear the audio material twice; you should take notes while you listen. Then, you will have 40 minutes to prepare and write your essay.
In your persuasive essay, you should present the sources’ different viewpoints on the topic and also clearly indicate your own viewpoint and defend it thoroughly. Use information from all of the sources to support your essay. As you refer to the sources, identify them appropriately. Also, organize your essay into clear paragraphs.
Vas a escribir un ensayo persuasivo para un concurso de redacción en español. El tema del ensayo se basa en las tres fuentes adjuntas, que presentan diferentes puntos de vista sobre el tema e incluyen material escrito y grabado. Primero, vas a tener 6 minutos para leer el tema del ensayo y los textos. Después, vas a escuchar la grabación dos veces; debes tomar apuntes mientras escuchas. Luego vas a tener 40 minutos para preparar y escribir tu ensayo.
En un ensayo persuasivo, debes presentar los diferentes puntos de vista de las fuentes sobre el tema, expresar tu propio punto de vista y apoyarlo. Usa información de todas las fuentes para apoyar tu punto de vista. Al referirte a las fuentes, identifícalas apropiadamente. Organiza también el ensayo en distintos párrafos bien desarrollados.
In a nutshell, you are stating your opinion and supporting it with evidence.
Strategies to consider:
USE YOUR TIME WISELY! It is divided up three ways and the last 40 can get away from you quickly.
· Keep your argument organized from the very start. A quick outline is a great way to make sure you don’t meander in your essay.
· Make sure you use ALL three resources provided. Ignoring even one instantly disqualifies you from scoring a 5.
· Take notes during the audio in Spanish. It will speed up the writing process and could help the essay remain on point since translation typically slows things down.
· Most experts on the essay feel the trickiest part is integrating the information from the sources. “Integration is NOT summary.” Find ways to combine and weave the sources into your argument. Summarizing what the sources say will not pull your score into the 4-5 range.
· When you cite your sources, keep it simple. “Según” or “De acuerdo con” are fine.
· As you practice over the course of the year, choose 5-6 common transition words to help you move your arguments along. You don’t need to know 20+ ways to create transitions. Three to five will be enough.
· Scan your essay for language control. Be sure you have varied grammar forms/moods and finally try to make sure everything that should agree (M/F, conjugations, etc.) does agree.