Essay 2: Final Guidelines

You are almost finished writing a persuasive essay with well-crafted PIE paragraphs. You had the option of creating paragraphs that focused on one of the following issues connected to poorly funded public schools: school resources, bad teachers and protecting the wealthy. Your Essay should be full of your opinions on one of these topics and mainly the book Savage Inequalities should support those opinions. “The goal of the persuasive essay is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or recommendation. The writer must build a case using facts and logic, as well as examples, expert opinion, and sound reasoning. The writer should present all sides of the argument, but must be able to communicate clearly and without equivocation why a certain position is correct” (timeforwriting.com). For a writer to turn their opinions into an academic discussion, the writer must use outside sources to backup or prove their point of view. It is essential in a persuasive essay for the writer to illustrate their points and comment on those illustrations to create clear arguments and prove he or she has thought deeply about the assertions posed. If the writer does not, their argument can be considered careless and is more likely to be dismissed, which is exactly what he or she does not want to happen when trying to be persuasive.

***A side note: Be wary of the use of the word “I.” If used too much, it can make your argument very small. State your opinions in ways that make them larger than you. The word “I” is best used sparingly and in illustrations, not in your points.

This time around, I will be focusing on your paragraph structure and how well it supports your P.O.V.

1)   In each paragraph, I will look for whether or not you are writing 3-4-5 sentences to convey your point at the top of your paragraphs.

2)   I will then check to see if you have included an illustration in your paragraph.

3)   I will then check if you are writing 3-4-5 sentences commenting on how your illustration supports/furthers/digs deeper into your point.

Remember do not begin or end a paragraph with an illustration.

Your essay will be a minimum of 12 pages long (BRNDJTM). You will need to use at least 6 quotes from the book Savage Inequalities.

Your essay must be typed, double-spaced, and in MLA format. Please also include a work-cited page.

Your essay is due October 17, 2013. Bring a printed copy to class. Do not email me the paper. Bring a printed copy to class. College is hard work and full of deadlines, do not be late, and turn in the paper on time. Talk to me ahead of time if there is an issue.