The Cornerstones of the Shepard Academy
Task: Select a "human right" and argue in favor of it in a 500-750 word deductive essay. Incorporation and documentation of at least one source is required.
Persuasive Writing
In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to
convince the reader to believe or do something Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.
convince the reader to believe or do something Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.
Parts of the Deductive Essay
A deductive argument presents a thesis or claim and then provides arguments and evidence to support the claim. The argument also addresses opposing arguments.
Thesis/Claim
Form a thesis or claim you can argue. Your claim should identify the human right and list the reasons you support this concept as an important human right.
Arguments
Choose several arguments to support your thesis. What arguments answer "how" or "why" about your thesis? The arguments should also be something that can be argued (not a statement of taste) and supported with reasoning and evidence.
Evidence
Gather evidence from credible electronic and print sources. If you have personal experience with the topic, that can be
part, but not all, of your evidence. Organize your evidence to support each of your arguments.
Academic Voice
As with other types of formal writing, you should maintain an academic voice in your writing, which means using 3rd person pronouns (he, she, they) and avoiding 2nd person pronouns (you). First person pronouns ( I ) can be used if you are including a personal experience as evidence, but should not be included as part of phrases such as, "I think" or "I believe."
Step One - Prewriting
For you topic, select one of the Universal Human Rights from the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Locate at least one credible source of information that addresses the issue at the core of the human right. Look for a source that can provide statistics, examples, and/or facts about the issue.
Use the prewriting graphic organizer to record the main arguments in support of the right - why is it necessary? And to develop supporting evidence for each argument.
Use the prewriting graphic organizer to record the main arguments in support of the right - why is it necessary? And to develop supporting evidence for each argument.
Prewriting Graphic Organizer | |
File Size: | 44 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Structure of a Deductive Essay
Introduction
Your thesis should not only establish your position on the issue, but the arguments you will
use to support your position.
Body Paragraphs
Facts - a powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation, or personal experience. Remember
that a "fact" is something that can be proven.
Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible sources. Always cite your
sources.
Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable. Be sure to introduce your expert to
establish his or her credibility.
Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete.
Conclusion
- Hook the reader’s attention.
- Establish the context of the argument. What is the human right? Why is it important?
- Transition to the thesis/claim.
- Thesis/Claim: What side of the argument are you on? You must choose one side and stick to
Your thesis should not only establish your position on the issue, but the arguments you will
use to support your position.
Body Paragraphs
- Topic Sentence: Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence which specifies the argument the paragraph will develop. Topic sentences help to keep the reader focused on the point of your paragraph.
- Evidence/Reasoning: Develop the body point by presenting your evidence and reasoning in support of your argument.
Facts - a powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation, or personal experience. Remember
that a "fact" is something that can be proven.
Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible sources. Always cite your
sources.
Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable. Be sure to introduce your expert to
establish his or her credibility.
Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete.
- Use transitions between sentences to serve as cues for the reader (first, second, then, however, consequently, therefore, thus, still, nevertheless, notwithstanding, furthermore, in fact, in contrast, similarly, instead)
Conclusion
- A persuasive essay usually ends by summarizing the most important details of the argument and stating once again what the reader is to believe or do.
- Restate your thesis statement.
- Summarize the main points: The conclusion enables your reader to recall the main points of your position. In order to do this you can paraphrase the main points of your argument.
- Write a personal comment or call for action. You can do this:
With a Prediction: This can be used with a narrative or a cause and effect discussion. The conclusion may suggest or
- predict what the results may or may not be in the situation discussed or in similar situations.
With a Question: Closing with a question lets your readers make their own predictions, draw their own conclusions.
With Recommendations: A recommendations closing is one that stresses the actions or remedies that should be taken.
With a Quotation: Since a quotation may summarize, predict, question, or call for action, you may use a quotation within a
conclusion for nearly any kind of paper.
Step Two - Outlining
Following the structure of a deductive essay, create an outline of your essay. Remember an outline is like the essay's skeleton; it shows the basic structure without all the development.
I. Introduction
A. Attention-getter/hook
B. Establish the context of the argument - introduce the human right
C. Claim - in a single sentence state the human right and the reasons it is important.
Example: The right to an education is important because ____ , ____, and ____.
II. Body
A 1st Body Point - topic sentence that states one of the arguments/reasons from the claim.
1. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
2. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
3. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
4. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
5. concluding/transitional sentence
B. 2nd Body Point - topic sentence that states one of the arguments/reasons from the claim.
1. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
2. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
3. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
4. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
5. concluding/transitional sentence
C. 3rd Body Point - topic sentence that states one of the arguments/reasons from the claim.
1. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
2. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
3. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
4. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
5. concluding/transitional sentence
III. Conclusion
A. Restate your claim
B. Summarize your arguments and evidence
C. End with a memorable closing - prediction, question, recommendation, quotation
I. Introduction
A. Attention-getter/hook
B. Establish the context of the argument - introduce the human right
C. Claim - in a single sentence state the human right and the reasons it is important.
Example: The right to an education is important because ____ , ____, and ____.
II. Body
A 1st Body Point - topic sentence that states one of the arguments/reasons from the claim.
1. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
2. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
3. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
4. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
5. concluding/transitional sentence
B. 2nd Body Point - topic sentence that states one of the arguments/reasons from the claim.
1. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
2. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
3. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
4. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
5. concluding/transitional sentence
C. 3rd Body Point - topic sentence that states one of the arguments/reasons from the claim.
1. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
2. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
3. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
4. evidence/reasoning to support your argument
5. concluding/transitional sentence
III. Conclusion
A. Restate your claim
B. Summarize your arguments and evidence
C. End with a memorable closing - prediction, question, recommendation, quotation
Step Three - Drafting
Using your outline as a guide, draft your essay. Each section will equate to a paragraph for a total of five paragraphs. Be sure to maintain an academic voice by not using 2nd person pronouns (you) or 1st person pronouns ( I ). You may use "I" only if you are telling a personal story/example as part of your evidence or reasoning. You should not use the phrases "I think" or "I believe".
Step Four - Peer Review and 1st Revision
In the Peer Review step, you will use the Peer Review Worksheet to evaluate a classmate's draft. Your focus should be one the structure and development rather than the mechanics.
After a classmate has reviewed your essay, consider their suggestions as you revise your draft. While your focus should be on improving the structure and development of your essay, you should also begin listening to your writing and looking for errors that may distract the reader.
When you submit your 1st revision to me, include comments in the message box which identify and explain the revisions you have made to your draft.
After a classmate has reviewed your essay, consider their suggestions as you revise your draft. While your focus should be on improving the structure and development of your essay, you should also begin listening to your writing and looking for errors that may distract the reader.
When you submit your 1st revision to me, include comments in the message box which identify and explain the revisions you have made to your draft.
Peer Review Worksheet - Human Right Essay | |
File Size: | 77 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Step Four - Instructor Review and 2nd Revision
I will review your 1st revision and provide suggestions for your 2nd revision. You will have time in class to revise your essay for a second time before submitting it for evaluation with the scoring rubric. After your 2nd revision is scored, you have the option of submitting a 3rd revision for evaluation. A 3rd revision is not required.
When you submit your 2nd revision to me, include comments in the message box which identify and explain the revisions you have made to your draft. You will do the same if you choose to submit a 3rd revision.
When you submit your 2nd revision to me, include comments in the message box which identify and explain the revisions you have made to your draft. You will do the same if you choose to submit a 3rd revision.