Persuasive Essay Practice Writing Prompt Core Level 4 Lori R…
Persuasive Essay Practice Writing Prompt Core Level 4 Lori Rottenberg For your persuasive essay topic, you will have 75 minutes to write a 5-paragraph essay to answer the question, “Some people say video games are a waste of time. Others say that video games offer benefits. Which view do you agree with and why??” Your essay should contain at least five paragraphs. Check that: There is an introductory paragraph containing: A hook Connecting background information A thesis statement that includes the major reasons you are in favor of your position. There are two body paragraphs that clearly state arguments that support your thesis. Each paragraph has a topic sentence that supports the main idea. Each paragraph has at least two supporting reasons. Each supporting reason has supporting evidence or explanation. There is a counterargument/refutation paragraph stating: A point that goes against your thesis statement Your two reasons to disprove it, including evidence. There is a conclusion paragraph that: Restates the thesis statement Summarizes main points briefly Closes with an opinion or prediction. There are good transition words and academic vocabulary. There is evidence of Core 4 grammar: Present perfect/past perfect progressive 2nd conditional Passive Relative clauses Adverb clauses Your work has been revised carefully before turning it in. Watch your grammar, spelling, and punctuation (including indentation). Your sentences should be grammatically correct. (Think about Monday mistake page-type errors that we see week after week.) You can use the infographic as a source, but the focus of the essay is NOT on describing the graphs. Rather, simply take two or more pieces of information from the graphs and use as background information in your essay’s introduction and/or as support in your essay’s body. You must cite it and NOT copy the language in it unless you use “quotes.” You must use the Answer box below to write your answer. Do NOT upload from Word. UPDATED OCT 2019 ON BASIS OF FACULTY CONFERENCE VOTES Your score Max score INTRODUCTION The introduction paragraph begins with an effective opening strategy. 1 Enough background information is provided in the introduction. The issue is sufficiently explained. 2 Thesis statement is located at the end of the introduction and expresses the controlling idea of the essay. 3 BODY The body contains three paragraphs—each starting with a topic sentence that indicates the paragraph structure: Argument #1, Argument #2, Counterargument-Refutation. 3 The argument paragraphs provide enough facts, reasons, and examples to support the arguments. 8 The counterargument-refutation paragraph includes a summary of the opposing argument(s) and an effective rebuttal. 5 CONCLUSION The conclusion paragraph starts with a summary of the writer’s viewpoint (i.e., restatement of thesis). 2 An effective conclusion strategy is used. 1 LANGUAGE Effective cohesive devices are used to link sentences and paragraphs with each other and with the thesis. 4 Level-appropriate grammar is used accurately. 9 Level-appropriate vocabulary is used accurately. 5 Formatting, spelling, and punctuation are appropriate. 4 FACTS The introduction and/or body contains two or more facts from the infographic. 3 TOTAL 50 Final Writing Score = ________ / out of 50 points