Persuasive essay

Updates. I will grade and return your Definition essays as soon as possible.

I have gone through my grade book and changed all grades (temporary zeroes, etc.) that needed to be changed, according to my records. If you see an error, please bring it to my attention so that I can investigate.  

Quick list. Here's a quick list of the things you need to do this week. Keep reading to find out more about each item:

• Read
  • Patterns Chapter 10 introduction
  • Will, "The Jury Room Is No Place for TV"
  • Parras, "Cameras Give an Inside Look"
• Write
  • Persuasive essay. For information about the assignment, including approved topics, see the Course packet.
• Peer review
  • After you write your paper, you will do a peer review. I have updated the Peer Review page with the partners for this assignment.
  • This time you're in groups of three - the same people you'll work with for the portfolio, but rather than email, we're going to use WebCT's groups - read on for more information.
  • To exchange files with your partners, click on "Persuasion & portfolio g" in the course menu. Next, click on "edit files" in the center column. Then click on "Upload" in the right sidebar. Browse to your file and click "Upload."
  • To read your partners' papers (you must do one, but you can arrange to do more if your group sees that it would be valuable), click on "Persuasion & portfolio g" in the course menu. Next, click on "edit files" in the center column. Then check the box to the left of the file you want to download. Click on "Download" in the right sidebar. Click "Download" to save the file to your computer. Save the file to your computer so that you can comment on it.
  • The deadline for uploading your rough draft is Sunday.
  • The deadline for downloading and responding to your partner(s) is Wednesday (28 November 2007).
  • If you are unresponsive, you'll lose 30 points on the paper!
  • Respond to the following questions about your partner's paper in a clearly labeled document that you upload to the group's area:
    • Read your partner's paper carefully. Identify the position that he or she takes.
    • Comment on the support for that position - is the position clearly supported by a number of relevant points? Is each point elaborated within its own paragraph? Is there credible evidence (observations and experiences count, as does information from professional websites and journal articles) supporting each point?
    • Provide your overall impression of the essay- is the position reasonable and rational? Does the writer treat the topic seriously and the audience, including those who may oppose his or her position, with respect? 
    • What changes or additions would you suggest to improve the paper overall

About the reading. More on this later!