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Persuasive Essay Assignment

Directions
During the next three lessons, you will write a 23 page persuasive essay
in which you will identify a problem and propose a solution or take a
stance on a controversial issue. In this paper, you must first convince
your reader that the issue is truly a matter of concern. If you are
proposing a solution to a problem, you must sell your solution as the best.
If you are simply taking a stand on an issue, you must provide clear
reasons and examples to support your position. You are not required to
do formal research or include secondary sources for this assignment. If
you do choose to include a quotation, however, watch the video on using
quotations.
Due: You will work on this paper in phases. The final draft will be 23
pages in length. When you format your essay in word processing
software, it should be double-spaced, Times New Roman font, size 12
font, with one-inch margins. The final draft is not due until the end of
Lesson 9.
The explanatory outline (see below) of your paper is due by
Wednesday of this lesson.
Lesson 7 assignment: Explanatory Outline
Step 1: Read the rubric which describes how your final draft will be
graded. Notice that the rubric focuses on the quality of your thesis, the
supporting details, your introduction and conclusion, the focus and
organization of your essay, and the grammar and formatting of your final
draft.
Step 2: Read the three student examples of the final draft listed below
to help you understand the expectations of the final writing assignment.
Persuasive Essay Example 1
Persuasive Essay Example 2
Persuasive Essay Example 3
Step 3: Read through the assignment description for this
lessons writing assignment below. You will use this page to submit your
outline (see below for further details). The outline is worth 10 points and
is due Wednesday.
Write your thesis statement and an explanatory outline of your paper.
There are many different types of outlines, but for this assignment you
will write an outline that actually explains what you will do with each
paragraph or section of the paper. This exercise is helpful because
regular outlines sometimes contain several points and ideas without
having a concept of how they support the thesis or relate to one another.
This explanatory outline will help you think through the paper as a holistic
plan rather than as a series of separate points. (See the example
below.) Since you may be undecided and are discussing more than one
topic on the discussion board, feel free to outline more than one topic to
help you decide which will work best.
Note: Remember that an outline is a changeable plan. Papers often
evolve and become more interesting as they are actually written. If your
final paper ends up going in a different direction, that is fine. Do not feel
bound to this plan if you have better ideas along the way.
Tip: Rather than choose a topic randomly from a list of global or societal
problems, strive to find a topic to which you have some personal
connection, perhaps even personal experience.
Tip: It is recommended that you use an online writing tutor in your
brainstorming and outlining process.
Step 4: Read the example of an explanatory outline to better understand
what is expected forthis lessons writing assignment.
Example of an Explanatory Outline for THIS assignment:
Thesis: Using torture techniques such as water boarding to interrogate
suspected terrorists is ineffective and immoral. The United States
government should never use torture in the war against terrorism.
Explanatory Outline:
A. In the introduction, I will describe a hypothetical scenario in which an
innocent individual who is mistakenly tortured gives incorrect information
to make it stop. Then Ill transition into my thesis.
B. I will first focus on the ineffective claim in my thesis, using the next
paragraph to describe instances where authorities had the wrong person.
C. Another paragraph in the ineffective section will show that, even if
they do have the right person, the intelligence gained from torture is
rarely good enough to be actionable. (quote from former CIA official)
D. I will then transition to discuss the immoral claim. First, Ill discuss
how international law prohibits torture, and that the US should be an
example in obeying international law.
E. Another paragraph will argue for basic human rights. Stooping to the
terrorists level of inhumanity takes away our moral high ground in the
war against terror, especially in the eyes of other nations. The US ought
to be an example to other countriesto lead, not just react.
F. In the last section, I will refute the most common argument the
opposition makes: the ticking bomb scenario. I will argue that the
ticking bomb scenarios where some say torture would supposedly save
thousands of lives is so unlikely that it is not a good standard in making
national security policy.
G. In the conclusion, I might refer to the hypothetical scenario in the
introduction and say that what is truly threatened in this scenario is not a
ticking bomb in some city, but the values that have made America a light
on the hill to other nations.
Step 5: Compose your explanatory outline in word processing software.
Proofread and edit your work. Be sure to correct any spelling errors.
Submit your outline by clicking the Start button below and copy and
paste your work into the comment box.
Step 6: Remember to bring three copies of your outline to the
Gathering to discuss it with your classmates.

Note: For your first drafts and rough drafts, you will not receive feedback
and critique from the instructor. You will receive feedback during the peer
review activity at each Gathering. If you have a specific conce