Honors English 9 s1

Honors English 9 Persuasive Letter Assignment Learning targets:  I can write persuasive compositions that establish and develop a controlling idea and support argument with detailed evidence.  I can use parallel structure in persuasive writing.  I can organize writing to create a coherent whole with an engaging introduction, body and conclusion.  I can follow the steps of the writing process.  I can write business letters.

Assignment: The Aurora Board of Education is discussing removing a book from the high school English curriculum. Your task is to persuade the Board of Education to keep the book in the curriculum. You may choose any banned book with which you are familiar. In your letter, you will use various persuasive techniques learned in class to create your argument. The letter must include two valid sources from which you obtain support for your argument. The letter will be six paragraphs, typed, block format, single-spaced, and follow proper business letter format.

Remember that the audience, of course, will be the Board members - - an audience opposed to what you have to say. You must speak directly to them and use convincing but respectful, formal, and appropriate language in order to convince them of your side of the issue. Finally, follow this procedure:

Rubric: The letter must include the following:

1. Call to action 1 2 3 4 5

2. Appeal to emotion 1 2 3 4 5

3. Appeal to reason/logic 1 2 3 4 5

4. Appeal to authority 1 2 3 4 5

5. At least two rhetorical questions (in bold) 1 2 3

6. At least two lines of parallelism (in italics) 1 2 3

7. Counterargument is stated & refuted 1 2 3 4 5

8. Proper spelling, grammar, etc. 1 2 3 4 5

9. Letter organization with proper useful transitions 1 2 3 4 5

10. Prompt is directly addressed and response is effectively adapted to audience and purpose.

` 1 2 3 4 5

11. Uses proper formatting for a letter 1 2 3 4 5

12. Use of formal writing (diction is advanced and appropriate for audience and purpose) 1 2 3 4 5

Total: ______/56

1: Return Address6 Type your name address and optionally, phone number. These days, it's common to also include an email address 2: Date: Type the date of your letter two to six lines below the letterhead. Three are standard 7 3: Inside Address: Type the name and address of the person and/or company to whom you're sending the letter, three to eight lines below the last component8 you typed. Four lines are standard. 4: Salutation: Type the recipient's name here. Type Mr. or Ms. [Last Name] to show respect, but don't guess spelling or gender. Some common salutations are: Ladies, Gentlemen, Dear Sir, Dear Sir or Madam, Dear [Full Name], To Whom it May Concern (Don’t forget the colon!!!) 5: Body 6: Complimentary Close: What you type here depends on the tone and degree of formality. For example: Respectfully yours (very formal); Sincerely (typical, less formal); Very truly yours (polite, neutral); Cordially yours (friendly, informal) (Don’t forget the comma!!!) 7: Signature Block: Leave four blank lines after the Complimentary Close (6) to sign your name. Sign your name exactly as you type it below your signature. 8: Typed name: Type your first and last name