Please read to the end of these instructions.
Persuasive Essay instructions:
Write a persuasive essay on any issue in which you are personally interested. (Please see “off limits” topics/issues listed below.) Make sure you identify the target audience for your persuasive text.
Follow the step by step process that begins with “Selecting a Topic” on page 211, then work your way through the steps for planning, drafting, revising, and finishing that continue through page 217.
Use research if you need to find evidence to support your persuasive claim, but you can informally cite this research. For example, you can simply write “According to Juan Gonzalez’s research” at the beginning of a sentence that would include Gonzalez’s claim. You will learn to do this more correctly and carefully in the next few weeks, but if you know how to cite sources, give it a try. You won’t lose points for attempting it and doing it incorrectly this time around.
If you want to speak with me about your paper at any time, simply email me and we will set up an online, phone, or in-person session to talk about it.
Off-limits topics/issues:
There are various reasons to avoid these highly controversial issues and others like them:
Gun rights/gun control
Death penalty
Euthanasia (assisted suicide)
Abortion (regardless of your stance)
2020 or 2024 Presidential politics
Immigration
Same-sex marriage
Prayer in school
Drug testing requirements for social assistance programs
Some topics are simply not considered academic pursuits:
Cats versus dogs
Anything similar to the overly simple example above
These topics should be avoided because I’ve read dozens and dozens on these topics, and I’m tired of reading them:
Legalization of marijuana
Homeschooling
Social media and issues related to it
Vaccinating children against communicable viruses
Bullying
School uniforms or dress codes
Riding roller coasters
In addition: you cannot submit essays that have been submitted for grading in any other class. Please do not do it.
Please note: Your essay must be at least four full pages of writing. Essays less than four full pages will not earn more than 50%.
