2. Introduction
You have just received a certain brand of candy bar. For
this assignment, you will argue that your brand of candy
bar is the very best and provides the greatest value. We
will complete this assignment together in several stages,
so make sure you keep up and follow directions.
3. Reasoning
Individually or with a partner who has the same brand,
brainstorm a list of 10 reasons why your candy bar is the
best. We will write these on the board as a class, so
make sure you have some good ideas! (5 minutes)
4. What We Came Up With
Record what we came up with on the board here (5
minutes):
Brand #1: Brand #2:
5. Top Reasons and Thesis
Circle the top three reasons we chose as a class for each
candy bar in your chart.
Now, write a thesis statement that expresses why your
brand is the best using the three reasons from above (5
minutes)
Share your thesis statements by writing them here on the
board:
6. Creating a Body
Next, write a 3-sentence paragraph that explains ONE
reason from your thesis statement. Set up your
paragraph in the following way: (15 minutes)
Topic Sentence: Clearly state reason
Detail/Example: Specific information to back up your
topic sentence
Explanation of Detail: What does it mean?
7. The Opposition
Think about the opposition. What three reasons from
above does the other brand use to claim that they are
the best? Write a one paragraph (3-sentence) concession
that explains the opposition’s viewpoint and argues why
they are wrong. (10 minutes)
8. Quick Poll
Do you feel comfortable with the information so far?
Do you think you could write an essay in this format
confidently?
Do you feel like this activity has been helpful?
9. Congratulations!
You are now an expert on Persuasive Writing!
Now, use your knowledge of Persuasive Essay writing to
begin brainstorming for your Beowulf Essay. Fill out the
table to come up with reasons for your thesis statement
and your concession (opposition) paragraph.
10. Is Beowulf a Hero?
Share some possible thesis statements that you could use
for our upcoming essay, using the reasons you came up
with in your table:
Now, using what you learned from this activity, start
working on your outline for your essay tomorrow.
