Ms. Boyce’s Blog

There were many absent eighth graders this week, which is why I am explaining, in detail, how we progressed in English. Eighth graders have chosen a persuasive research topic and have started writing a detailed and structured outline using the notes we took about a week and a half ago. Thesis statements were handed in, graded, and given back to students (some were perfect and others were labeled ‘redo’). Students need to make sure they have three specific main points that are listed in their thesis statements. Listed below are two important documents: a list of due dates for the upcoming persuasive research paper (using MLA style) and the structure for the outline.

DUE DATES:

February 19 – Typed outline

February 25 – Written rough draft (peer edit in class)

February 27 – Typed works cited page and bibliography

March 4 – Completed paper for five points of extra credit

March 5 – Final due date for completed MLA persuasive research paper

OUTLINE

Ò  Introduction

É  1.) Creative opening line: grab readers’ attention

É  2.) Topic sentences: generally introduce the main points of your paper

É  3.) Thesis statement: one sentence stating your viewpoint without using first person

Р Wrong way: I believe students should not have uniforms because…

Р Right way: Because of __, ___, and ___, students should not be mandated to wear uniforms to school.

Ò  First body paragraph:

É  Describe the issue in detail (this will be a short paragraph)

Ò  Second body paragraph:

É  Counter argument: summarize the counterclaims with evidence; give supporting details

Р Refute the claims (argue)

Ò  Third body paragraph:

É  Your argument – assert main point #1 with evidence and explanations

Ò  Fourth body paragraph:

É  Assert main point #2 with evidence and explanations

Ò  Fifth body paragraph:

É  Assert main point #3 with evidence and explanations

Ò  Any additional main points will add to the number of body paragraphs

Ò  Conclusion:

É  Restate your thesis in different words (in third person only)

É  Summarize main points – one or two sentences

É  Creatively end the paper

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