1) Students have until the end of the song "You've Changed" by Sia to log into their assigned computers, log into Blackboard, turn their laptops to the side, and get out paper and pencil. 2) The document discusses the importance of using powerful words to build a strong, persuasive argument. It provides an example of using weak versus powerful words in a request to one's mother to go on a Valentine's Day date. 3) As an assignment, students will work with a shoulder partner to choose six powerful words from a list, look up their definitions, and write a five to seven sentence paragraph using all six words correctly on a discussion board post.

1. You have until the end of the song to get to
your seat and:
1.) Log in to your ASSIGNED computer
2.) Log in to Blackboard
3.) Turn the laptop to the side
4.) Get out pencil and paper
“You’ve Changed”
Sia

2. Powerful Persuasive Words!
• When you want to win, do you put
your weakest try out there? Heck no!
• It’s the same when you want to win
an argument—give it your strongest,
most powerful attempt.
• One of the best ways to build a
powerful argument is by using
POWERFUL WORDS to persuade your
listener or reader.
• POWERFUL WORDS can help you win
any discussion or argument you might
be in!
Dang, and I thought I
was powerful!

3. You will have 1 minute to discuss in your groups:
Why is it important to use
powerful vocabulary in
persuasive writing?

4. POWERFUL WORDS In Action
Weak Words
Example
Mom, I should be able to go on a
date for Valentine’s Day. That would
be great if I could. My girlfriend
wants to go to a good restaurant.
Plus I already bought her a pretty
necklace. She will love it and will
want to kiss me, which will be fun. It
is important to me and my girlfriend,
so you should let me do it.
POWERFUL WORDS
Example
Mom, truly, considering my recent
accomplishments and my ever-present glow of
kindness, I should be able to go on a date for
Valentine’s Day. If you’d give me your blessing,
that would be absolutely superb. My glorious
girlfriend wants to go to a worthwhile restaurant
(something more appealing than McDonalds or
Subway, Mom). Plus, I already bought her a
dazzling necklace. She will love it and will want
to kiss me, which will be exceptionally
breathtaking. It is quintessential to the success
of our relationship. So, dearest Mother, give me
your abundant and unquestionable blessing.

5. Your POWERFUL WORDS assignment:
1. Turn to your shoulder partner and choose SIX words TOTAL
from the list.
2. You will split your list in half and EACH PERSON will define
THREE words using the dictionary on Blackboard. Write these
definitions down on your paper.
3. After you have ALL SIX definitions, pick one of the prompts to
write a paragraph about.
4. You will compose ONE PARAGRAPH (5-7 sentences) on the
Blackboard discussion board. Your paragraph must include
ALL SIX words used correctly. Please put both of your names
in the subject line on the discussion board.