1. In your journal, respond to the following
question: What makes writing persuasive?
Do Now:
13 April 2012

2. Bua! (Mende, Sierra Leone)
Today we will begin a new unit
on research and persuasive
writing. By the end of the unit you
will have learned the steps in the
research process and have
created a 5­paragraph essay. In
our class today you will get an
overview of the research process
and essay assignment.
Daily News
13 April 2012

3. How much is technology a part of your daily life?

4. technology

5. Journal:
Do you believe that the current use of technology
and communication devices help or hurt society?

6. Voicing Your Opinion
Unit Overview: Writing a Research­Based Persuasive Essay
So far this year we have been examining voice in literature and
drama. How authors create their unique voice through writing or
create contrasting voices to enhance conflict. In this unit, you will
use your own voice to express an opinion in a persuasive position
paper. In a position paper, you evaluate an issue, and take a
position on it. This type of writing requires that you make a judgment
or form an opinion about something. You will try to persuade others
to agree with your facts, share your values, accept your arguments
and conclusions, and adopt your way of thinking. Through research,
you will gather facts and arguments to make your evaluation
stronger.

8. Writing Situation:
Everywhere we look, people are talking and texting—on cell
phones, sidekicks, you name it. Is all this communication
improving people’s lives or not? Using research and your own
experience, write a research­based position paper that states
a clear position on this topic with specific details and data to
support.
Thesis Statement:
The increased use of personal communication technology in
today’s culture is/is not improving people’s lives.
The following will be your thesis statement for the project and
provide your research direction….
The increased use of personal communication technology in
today’s culture is/is not improving people’s lives.

9. Yes No
Hard Evidence:
good, objective evidence that is supported by scientific
means
Like, "his fingerprints were on the murder weapon" rather than
something more subjective "meh, he looks guilty to me"

12. Homework:
1. Read article pack on technology
2. Complete 4 Gathering Evidence sheets
organizing hard evidence from each article

13. Attachments
06 ­ I Am A Rock.mp3
08 ­ Pastures of Plenty.mp3