Persuasive+Writing

What Does it Mean to Stand for Something? =Clarifying Our Purposes:=

1) What is **persuasion**? What is **argumentation?** In your journal, list your understandings about how these two words might be connected.

2) Compare your ideas to a VisuWords definitions below:
 * Persuasion [|VisuWord Link]
 * Argumentation VisuWord Link
 * Now use VisuWords.com to investigate our key words in "The Art of the Argument" chart below.
 * Argument || Evidence ||
 * = Persuasion ||= Rule ||
 * = Warrant ||= Claim ||
 * = Backing ||= Logic ||
 * = Qualify ||= Reasoning ||
 * = Conclude ||=  ||

=Gathering Evidence and Establishing Warrants:=


 * Solving Mysteries with Evidence, Warrants and Claims (Template)
 * Writing an Investigative Report (LA2 Template, LA3 Template, LA7 Template, LA8 Template)
 * More Mysteries to Solve: The Lunchroom Investigation (Template)
 * Mock Trials WikiPage
 * School Mascot
 * **Powell Group Issues**- After reading the Wonderopolis blog, "What Does it Mean to Stand for Something" (above), consider issues you feel strongly about. Include your best issue/idea in the "live" Google doc/ ( LINK )

=Wonderopolis Thinking Blog Links:=
 * What does it Mean to Stand for Something?
 * Gathering Relevant Evidence (Which Bat is Best?) and (Can an Apple a Day Chase the Doctor Away?)
 * How Do You Jump on a Bandwagon?
 * What is a Letter Writing Campaign?

=Identifying Your Own Claims:= Truism Images

=Mentor Text Study:=
 * What is the first reaction to or perception of the "truism" listed below each image. Which ones do you "agree" with? Which ones do you "disagree" with? Are there any you would take a stand for?
 * Making a Claim-Stand up and Sound Off


 * ~ INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS ||~ PERSUASIVE ESSAYS ||~  ||
 * ~ SLIP OR TRIP ESSAY ||~  ||~   ||

1) Read over the Persuasive Letter Mentor Text #1 and discuss its organizational structure.

2) Here are some other mentor texts showing strong persuasive letter and essay writing.
 * Link to Persuasive Essay Tips




 * Practicing The Art of Argument: **

Choose a Ridiculous Rule and identify both sides of the issue. Be creative in trying to persuade the City Council to agree with your opinion. Use an outline format to plan and draft your letter.



Persuasive Proposal


 * Guiding Questions:**
 * What is argument? What is persuasion?
 * How can I identify relevant evidence?
 * How do I create a strong warrant?
 * How can a qualification strengthen a claim?
 * How can primary sources (such as EBSCO database) help me identify the best and most current resources for my argument?