7Th Grade Essay Format (Persuasive)

Egypt and Mesopotamia Research Paper

Criteria:  Write a 6-8 paragraph research paper comparing and contrasting a specific aspect of Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilization. i.e.: compare and contrast Egyptian and Mesopotamian beliefs on the after life, architecture, art, religion, government, technology, role of women in society, etc. Make sure to highlight and analyze key similarities and differences.  Essay must follow all guidelines (see second page) of persuasive/historical writing: you need to persuade your reader that your analysis of the similarities and differences you see between ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilization is accurate.  You must include a works cited page at the end and name your sources within your essay. Since this is a research paper, this is an important part of your grade. You must include a total of 8 sources if following the 6 paragraph model and 12 if your essay is eight paragraphs. Your sources must include a variety of online and print resources (books and articles).  Create a visual aid to complement your essay: PowerPoint containing images/art work that complement your essay (but no need to repeat your essay in the PowerPoint—should be more images, less words), model of an Egyptian pyramid Ziggurat, illustrations of Egyptian/Mesopotamian architecture or art, poster, etc.  Final essay and creative piece will be due on Monday, February 12.

You Must Also Follow the Essay Format Below on the Reverse side of this Page

Rubric:  Assignment is worth a 50 point assessment grade.  See separate document for rubric and grading details. Essay Format (Persuasive) Paragraph#1 Introduction = 5-7 sentences  First sentence or Hook can be one of the following: General Statement, Question, Quote, Short story, or shocking statement.  Next 2-5 sentences should give some background about the topic or summary when appropriate.  Last sentence is the thesis or the position you will be supporting, the thesis can be combined with your three main arguments (reasons) that will be the topic sentences of your body paragraphs.

Paragraph#2 First Body Paragraph = 6-8 sentences  First sentence = Topic Sentence: The topic sentence is the main idea of the paragraph and your first main argument from your introduction  Second sentence = Concrete Detail #1: The first example of fact or a quote supporting the topic sentence. (Starts with For example, For instance, To illustrate, etc.)  Third sentence = Commentary: An opinion about the first example (CD1). It should elaborate on your fact explaining what why/how. It should explain how your fact is important: commentary can be one or two sentences.  Fourth sentence = Concrete Detail #2: The second example of fact or a quote supporting the topic sentence. (Starts with Moreover, In Addition, Additionally, etc.)  Fifth sentence = Commentary: An opinion on second example of fact. Commentary can be one or two sentences  Sixth sentence = Transition: a sentence that switches from the argument of this paragraph to the next argument

Paragraph#3 Second Body Paragraph = 6-8 sentences  First sentence = Topic Sentence: The topic sentence is the main idea of the paragraph and the second of your three main arguments.  Second sentence = Concrete Detail #1: The first example of fact or a quote supporting the topic sentence. (Starts with For example, For instance, To illustrate, etc.)  Third sentence = Commentary: An opinion about the first example (CD1). It should elaborate on your fact explaining what why/how. It should explain the importance of your fact. Commentary can be one or two sentences.  Fourth sentence = Concrete Detail #2: The second example of fact or a quote supporting the topic sentence. (Starts with Moreover, In Addition, Additionally, etc.)  Fifth sentence = Commentary: An opinion on second example of fact. Commentary can be one or two sentences  Sixth sentence = Transition/conclusion sentence: your opinion concluding the paragraph or a sentence that leads into the next paragraph. (Starts with Therefore, Consequently, In brief, etc.)

Paragraph#4 Third Body Paragraph = 6-8 sentences First sentence = Topic Sentence: The topic sentence is the main idea of your paragraph and the last of your three main arguments.  Second sentence = Concrete Detail #1: The first example of fact or a quote supporting your topic sentence. (Starts with For example, For instance, To illustrate, etc.)  Third sentence = Commentary: The opinion about the first example (CD1). It should elaborate on your fact explaining what why/how. It should explain how your fact is important. Commentary can be one or two sentences.  Fourth sentence = Concrete Detail #2: The second example of fact or a quote supporting your topic sentence. (Starts with Moreover, In Addition, Additionally, etc.)  Fifth sentence = Commentary: An opinion on second example of fact. Commentary can be one or two sentences  Sixth sentence = conclusion sentence: your opinion concluding the paragraph (Starts with Therefore, Consequently, In brief, etc.)

Paragraph #5 Conclusion = 5-7 sentences Starts with Finally, Lastly, Ultimately, etc. Mention counter arguments and then explain how those arguments are weak (2-3 sentences). Next, restate thesis in different words and mention the main arguments from body paragraphs in different words. Finish strong!