Mastering Persuasive Writing for High Schoolers

We will be writing and refining two well-constructed persuasive pieces (1 essay, 1 speech), using different essay formats. I will be providing thorough 1-on-1 feedback and coaching in both writing and presentation. This is an advanced and writing intensive class. Think of it as college prep level.

Class 1 & 2: Introduction to persuasive techniques including ethos, logos and pathos. Modal verbs and emotive adjectives (these are advanced persuasive skills). How to structure a persuasive piece including sequencing and cohesion. 

For this first essay, we will learn and practice a 5 paragraph essay format. Students select topics for their first persuasive essay. This will be a well-researched evidence-based persuasive piece. We will cover: parts of a paragraph and constructing effective paragraphs. How to write a thesis sentence. How to write a topic sentence, and cite evidence. How to connect your evidence and examples back to your argument. Students will work on their essays 1-on-1 with me and independently. 

Class 3 & 4: Introduction to persuasive speeches and examples of famous persuasive speeches. We will first analyze famous political speeches and annotate for powerful rhetorical strategies. We select topics for our second essay (speech). This will be also be well-researched evidence-based persuasive piece but now we work in rhetoric and refrain. 

Topics covered: use of sentence variety, advanced punctuation (semi-colons, hyphens), using rhetorical questions strategically. 

Students will work on their essays/speeches 1-on-1 with me. Wrap up and writers spotlight (students present their speeches to classmates).