Thesis statements and articles of persuasion

LEARNING TARGETS: Determine the positions and rationale in a piece of persuasive writing. Critically evaluate position and evidence provided: Data driven or anecdotal? Logically valid? Contrary views? Create your own articulate and persuasive literature. Journalistic style.

 

Thesis and Persuasive Writing Vocabulary

 

 

Questions for the article "Jurassic Conservation?" by Malcolm Tait. Find a copy of the article here .

"Is Google making us Stupid?" (pdf )by Nicholas Carr (The Atlantic magazine, July/August 2008) and Google article thesis exercise.

 

"Thoughs hidden on a blank page" By Harry Bruce

 

"Don’t Fear the Digital” by Steven Johnson. You can find a copy of the article here.

 

"To Remember a Lecture Better, take Notes by Hand" by Robinson Meyer.

 

"The Kids are Alright" by Darryl Whetter

 

"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift. Questions for "A Modest Proposal" here.

 

Chapter 1 of Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky.

 

"No, you're not entitled to your opinion" by Patrick Stokes.

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Argument organizer designed by Jim Burke at www.englishcompanion.com **Make sure to use LANDSCAPE ORIENTATION when printing!***

Same organizer, for writing by hand.

 

Thesis development worksheet (.pdf - designed by David E Sheppard)

A presentation to help you fill out your thesis sheet.

 

One period essay - a quick challenge to organise and articulate thoughts.

 

ARTICLE OF PERSUASION ASSIGNMENT

 

Thesis scoring table (.pdf)

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In-class presentations (.pdf versions of PPTs)

Persuasive writing

Active vs. passive voice

Logical fallacies

Introductions - A strong start is key.

 

VIDEOS FOR CONSIDERATION:

Dean Graziosi: "The Art of Persuasion"

Malcolm Gladwell: "The Satire Paradox"

Jon Stweart make a guest appearance on "Crossfire".

Analyzing Donald Trump: 15 Logical Fallacies in 3 Minutes.