Student Prompt

Write a multi-paragraph persuasive essay for a high school newspaper that describes which of the two video selections best conveys the intended message. Defend your choice by discussing the use of imagery, language, stylistic devices, tone, development of theme, and media elements. 

Before you write your essay, create a pre-write graphic organizer to organize your ideas. Then, use the ideas from the organizer to write a first draft paper. Be sure to use a dictionary and the checklist (below) to proofread your first draft. Make any changes you feel are needed to make your essay clear to readers; then, write the final draft of your essay.

Checklist: Be sure your essay

____ Contains a clear thesis statement.                               ____ Has an effective beginning, middle, and end.

____ Uses paragraphing effectively.                                   ____ Presents complex ideas in a sustained and compelling manner.

____ Progresses in a logical order.                                     ____ Shows an awareness of audience and purpose.

____ Uses effective cohesive devices.                                ____ Clearly addresses the topic and provides convincing/detailed elaboration as support.

____ Uses precise and vivid language.                                ____ Contains sentences that are clear and varied in structure.

____ Contains few errors in mechanics.                              ____ Uses writing techniques (i.e. imagery, humor, point of view, rhetoric).

____ Shows originality and individual perspective.            ____ Use relevant evidence to defend a position.

____ Is based on an accurate comparison (analysis) of two selections. 

____ Presents an accurate evaluation of two selections related to imagery, language, stylistic devices, tone, the development of theme, and media

         elements.