to kill a mockingbird in-class persuasive...

To Kill a Mockingbird Persuasive Essay—200 points*You must satisfactorily complete this essay in order to pass English 9A

You are to write a persuasive essay in which you convince the reader of your explanation to one of the following questions:

1. Is _______________ a likable character?

2. Which character shows the most courage in the novel?

This essay will be worked on in school. YOU MUST TYPE YOUR FIRST AND FINAL DRAFTS OF YOUR ESSAY HERE AT SCHOOL- YOU MAY NOT TYPE THEM AT HOME! Again, ALL WORK must be done here in school unless your teacher tells you otherwise.

Points to remember: Be organized:

Introductory paragraph: follow a “broad to specific” format; include the title of the book and author; present a clear thesis statement

3 body paragraphs: this is where you convince the reader of your stance; use at least 1 quote to support each paragraph

Conclusion: restate thesis; tie main points to thesis

Grammar and spelling will be evaluated: You must comply with the 5 Writing Principles we reviewed in class.

Use 12 pt Times New Roman font and double space, please Write the body paragraphs in present tense Include a creative and relevant title Do not use the pronouns I, we, me, myself, us, you, yours, or your (unless these

words are used in quotes that you are taking directly from To Kill a Mockingbird).

Include a Works Cited page Your final draft and first typed draft are stapled ON TOP OF your rough draft,

which will be written in this packet.Due Dates:

Body Paragraph #1 _____________



Introductory Paragraph___________

Concluding Paragraph____________

First Typed Draft ____________

Final Draft ______________

Your completed essay should follow this format:

I. Introduction Begin with a broad topic related to your thesis. Make statements

with which your reader will agree. Move slowly and smoothly to your thesis. Lead your reader to your clear Thesis Statement. Make sure

thesis includes the title and author of the book. II. Body paragraph #1

Topic sentence Introduce evidence Quote to support this (with citations) Analysis of your example and quote (tie to your thesis) Transitional sentence to next form of evidence (next body

paragraph)

III. Body paragraph #2 Topic sentence Introduce evidence Quote to support this (with citations) Analysis of your example and quote (tie to your thesis) Transitional sentence to next form of evidence (next body

paragraph)

IV. Body paragraph #3 Topic sentence Introduce evidence Quote to support this (with citations) Analysis of your example and quote (tie to your thesis) Concluding sentence

V. Conclusion Restate thesis Connect your main points back to your thesis by suggesting

results or by tying to the broad topic in your introduction Solid concluding sentence that leaves reader thinking about what

you said

Step 1 : Write your thesis A thesis is a sentence that defines the purpose of your essay. This sentence should serve as a roadmap to your paper that outlines the points you will make.

The thesis should be included in your introduction. It is not, however, the first sentence of your paper. Your thesis belongs at the end of your introduction paragraph. This will help the reader to understand the points you will make in your essay.

Here are some tips on writing a strong thesis:

1. Make a strong statement. Do not sound wishy-washy. 2. Do not start your thesis with “I believe,” “I think,” “In my opinion,” etc.

If you wrote it, we know it’s your opinion. You don’t need to tell us that.

3. Clear wording is essential. If your thesis is awkwardly worded or unclear, the rest of the essay doesn’t even matter!

4. Stay away from phrases like “This essay will show you” or “In this essay you will learn.”

Example Thesis: Courage, responsibility, and open-mindedness are characteristics that make Calpurnia an easily likeable character.

Write your thesis here (you may refer to your outline!):

Step 2 : Write your topic sentences. This sentence serves as an introduction to your paragraph’s main idea. If it is not clear, your reader will struggle to understand your point. Your topic sentences should also include transitional words or phrases.

A great list of transitions can be found at this website, and there are some listed below as well: https://www.msu.edu/~jdowell/135/transw.html

Example Transitions:in the (first, second,)placeto begin withinitiallyto start withfirst of allat firstsecondly

similarlyin a like mannerlikewisewhat is moremoreoverfurthermorein addition (to this)additionallyfurtherby the same token

in the same wayalternativelyin contraston the other handconverselyon the other handto conclude (with)as a final pointfinally

https://www.msu.edu/~jdowell/135/transw.html

Here is an example of a strong topic sentence for body paragraph #2 (includes a transitional phrase, which is underlined):

In addition to being courageous, Calpurnia is a responsible caregiver for both Jem and Scout.

Now, write your topic sentences using a transitional word or phrase in each one (refer to your outline!). Underline your transition:

Topic Sentence #1 (Body Paragraph #1):



Step 3 : Write your body paragraphs using TIQA *Each body paragraph must contain these elements!

T opic sentence

I ntroduce example : Assume your reader is familiar with the plot and very briefly identify the reason the character either has the most courage or is likable/unlikable.

Q uote : provide the quote that supports the reason given above.

A nalyze : explain/analyze how this particular example and its supporting quote supports your thesis. This is the most important portion of the paragraph and should therefore be the most lengthy—at least 3 to five sentences!

Example Body Paragraph:

(Topic Sentence): To begin with, Calpurnia illustrates the meaning of courage

several times throughout the novel. (Introduce Example):One of the most courageous acts that Calpurnia takes is defending Scout and Jem’s presence at First Purchase Church. (Quote):When she and the children arrive, Lula, a member of the all-black congregation, inquires in a threatening manner, “ ‘I wants to know why you bringin’ white chillun to nigger church’ ” (Lee 119). Calpurnia holds her ground and confidently responds, “ ‘They’s my comp’ny’ ” (Lee 119). Lula continues to carry on, and Calpurnia sternly threatens Lula’s advance on the children when she says, “ ‘Stop right there, nigger’ ” (Lee 119). (Analyze): It is evident that Lula is a strong-willed woman who knows how to upset people and push them around. Calpurnia, however, does not let Lula’s intimidating ways get the best of her. She calmly and firmly asserts the children’s right to attend church with her, despite the possibility that Lula’s threats could have turned dangerous. Calpurnia’s courageous character is shown clearly in her ability to stand up for herself and defend two white children.

Draft Body Paragraph #1FOLLOW TIQA

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Step 4: Write your Introductory Paragraph Your introductory paragraph is the first paragraph of your essay. There are three major components in every successful introduction. The first is an attention getter. You want to grab your reader's attention with a scenario, interesting fact, statistic, or quotation. Secondly, you must present all of the necessary information for the reader to understand the paper. You want to inform your reader the purpose of your essay. You will finish the introduction paragraph with the argument for the paper--the thesis.

Follow ANT : A ttention-Getter : First sentence or first few sentences should be an attention-getter. There are multiple ways to make up an attention-getter: -relevant quote from an outside source -relevant quote from the story -a broad topic that is related to your thesis-a brief, relevant story or scenario that relates to paper topic *After your attention-getter you should seamlessly flow or transition into the next section (connect the two pieces of information):

N ecessary information: This is information that will help to bring the reader up to speed on any details that are necessary to understand the essay. -Author's full name -Title of the novel-Brief plot summary

T hesis: The last sentence of your introduction should be your thesis.

Example Introductory Paragraph:

(Attention Getter):People read fiction for a variety of reasons. Some enjoy the quiet, simple pleasure of turning pages and getting lost in an intricate plot. Others read for the excitement of a twist ending or a good adventure. And many people keep reading fiction because they become attached to the characters of their favorite authors. Over time, writers have churned out millions of books that include characters people have come to love and admire for their honorable personalities. (Necessary Information):Like many books written over the centuries, Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, contains a cast of admirable characters who demonstrate a variety of likable qualities. Calpurnia, the African-American caregiver of Scout and Jem, illustrates many honorable traits that any reader would appreciate. (Thesis):Courage, responsibility, and open-mindedness are characteristics that make Calpurnia an easily likeable character.

Draft Introductory ParagraphFOLLOW ANT

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Step 5: Write your Conclusion Your conclusion should not merely be a summary. Your conclusion should show the importance of the analysis that you have been making in the paper. Your conclusion must be a full paragraph, 1 or 2 sentences is not enough to wrap up an entire essay!

A successful conclusion:-provides a warning-draws a comparison to similar situations-or provokes a vivid image

A successful conclusion does not : -introduce new arguments, evidence, or details (related to To Kill a Mockingbird)-apologize for doing a poor job of presenting the material

Formula for an effective conclusion:1. Restate

Restate your thesis using DIFFERENT words. Do not simply restate your thesis word for word. When you restate it, it can be more than one sentence.

2. ConnectConnect the analysis of your body paragraphs back to the information you mentioned in your attention grabber of your introduction OR connect your analysis to a broad or well-known topic that is similar to what you analyzed in your essay.

3. Close Provide a “clincher,” or memorable closing statement/question that leaves the reader thinking about what you wrote.

One can readily argue many reasons for Calpurnia’s likeability as a character in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Her courage, responsibility, and open-mindedness in particular teach humankind important lessons about the kinds of traits one should value and strive to live life with. Harper Lee’s novel is no doubt one of those belief-shaping pieces of literature whose admirable characters leave a lasting impression upon people living out the journey of becoming better human beings.

Draft Concluding ParagraphRESTATE, CONNECT, CLOSE

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Restatement of thesis

Connect

Closing sentence, leaves reader thinking

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Citing the Book:

Correct format for a quote that is NOT dialogue:"It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived" (Lee 100).

Correct format for a quote that IS dialogue:“ ‘It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do’ ” (Lee 112).

-If what you are quoting ends with a period in the book, you place your period after the parenthesis.

-If what you are quoting ends with punctuation other than a period (? ! …) you include this punctuation where it is seen AND you place a period after your parenthesis.

----------------------------------------------------------------------The final page of your essay will be the Works Cited page. Below is the EXACT information you will place on this page. The title of the page is simply, Works Cited, NOT “Bibliography.”

Works Cited

L e e , H a r p e r . To K i l l a M o c k i n g b i r d . N e w Yo r k C i t y : Wa r n e r B o o k s , 1 9 6 0 . 2 8 1 . P r i n t .

ACT Scoring RubricScore=6 180-200 points A or A-

Essays within this score range demonstrate exceptional skill in responding to the assignment. This essay shows a clear understanding of the assignment. Development of your ideas is specific and detailed. The essay is organized and follows a logical order. You share original ideas about the text and provide textual support (quotes) as well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and effective and the thesis is appropriately placed. Your entire essay remains committed to proving your position in the thesis. You demonstrate a strong understanding of language and word choice, grammar and spelling. There are few errors, if any at all, that would distract your audience. Score=5 160-180 points B+ to B-Essays within this score range demonstrate effective skill in responding to the assignment. This essay still shows a clear understanding of the task. Development of your ideas is somewhat specific and detailed, but the paper is mostly a general overview. The essay is organized and follows a mostly logical order, though there may

Title at the top of the page. Notice that it is centered and it is not italicized, bolded, or underlined. No quotation marks are around it, either!

Lines beyond the first line are indented. The first line is NOT indented!

be a few missteps. You share a couple original ideas but much of your writing may be predictable, although still uses textual support (quotes) appropriately. The introduction and conclusion are generally well developed and the thesis is appropriately placed. The essay mostly addresses the thesis, but there may be a few parts that go off on a tangent. You demonstrated a fairly strong command of language, word choice, grammar and spelling, but there are likely a few distracting errors. Score =4 140-160 points C+ to C-Essays within this score range demonstrate average skill in responding to the assignment. This essay shows an understanding of the task. Development of your ideas is adequate but doesn’t offer much specific details and the supports are mostly vague. The organization is mostly apparent and usually addressing the thesis, but it’s brief or scattered. The introduction and conclusion are brief and really need further development in order to be effective. Your command of language and word choice is average and a bit simplified. There are likely some errors in regards to grammar and spelling. Score =3 120-140 points D+ to D-Essays within this score range demonstrate some developing skill in responding to the task. This essay only shows a small understanding of the assignment. Development of ideas is scarce, extremely general, and possibly even unclear. The organization is somewhat logical, but there may be a lot of repetition of ideas. The thesis is mostly addressed so long as it is clearly stated at the beginning, as there is the chance in this score range that the thesis was never clearly shared. Your introduction and conclusion are vague and offer little to the structure and understanding of your ideas. Your command of language, word choice, grammar and spelling are fairly basic. There are likely several errors and they may even make your paper difficult to understand. Score=2 100-120 points

FEssays within this score range demonstrate inconsistent or weak skill in responding to the assignment. This essay shows a weak understanding of the assignment. Development of your ideas is vague, or only partially completed. The organization may be somewhat logical, but likely your paper is just a string of ideas scattered all around. The thesis may not even be clearly stated and even if it is, it likely is not clearly and specifically supported. Your introduction and conclusion are minimal or perhaps even missing. You demonstrate a weak use of language, word choice, grammar and spelling. There are so many errors it’s difficult to read your essay.

*Keep in mind that a score as low as a 1 is possible on the ACT*

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