Choose one of the prompts below and write a rough draft of your persuasive essay. This will be like a structured free write, in that you should just write down your ideas on the selected topic. Post your draft and comment on another classmates' draft as well. Posts are due by 3 p.m. on Monday. Happy writing.
Since the cloning of the sheep Dolly, there has been much debate
over whether or not human beings should be cloned. Many people
feel this is a violation of the natural order of things and that all
research in the area of human cloning should be banned. Others
feel that this is a natural progression of science and human
evolution and that research in the area of human cloning should be
a priority. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons
and examples to support your position.
All-girl schools have been gaining popularity in recent years
because of the belief that girls learn better when they aren’t
competing with or intimidated by boys, who statistically get more
attention in the classroom. Do you think single-sex schools are a
good idea? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your position.
Many of us spend hours in front of our computers and
communicate more by e-mail or instant-messaging than in person.
Some people believe that this is good because it helps shy people
communicate more openly with others. Others believe that
computer communication prevents us from developing
interpersonal skills and limits our ability to have meaningful
relationships with others. How do you feel about this issue? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your position.
According to some health organizations, many foods on our
grocery store shelves are made with genetically modified
ingredients. Most of these foods, however, do not have a GMO
(genetically modified organism) label. Do you think there should
be a law requiring manufacturers to label foods containing GMOs?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why? Write an essay persuading readers to watch this film.
Today, there are more and more reality shows on television. Do
these shows make good television? Why or why not? Explain your
answer using specific reasons and examples.
Is “an eye for an eye” a good basis for determining an appropriate
punishment? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples
to explain your position.
Is there a book that you feel should be required reading for
everyone? Write an essay persuading your audience to read
this book.
Some people go right on to college after high school; others take a
year or more off to work or travel. Which do you think is the
better choice? State your position and support it with specific
reasons and examples.
For centuries, people have wondered about the possibility of life
on other planets in the universe. Do you believe extraterrestrial life
exists? Write an essay persuading others to share your point of
view.
If someone discovered a formula that would enable us to live
forever, would that be a blessing or a curse? Use specific reasons
and examples to support your answer.
Some educators argue that every child in every school should have
access to computers. Others believe that the value of computers in
the classroom is overrated and that computers may actually
interfere with the learning process. In your opinion, how
important are computers in the classroom? Use specific reasons
and examples to explain your answer.
Some people believe that students aren’t learning enough in high
school. Should school standards be higher? Explain your answer
using specific reasons and examples.
It has often been said, “Ignorance is bliss,” and “What you don’t
know won’t hurt you.” Do you agree with these statements? Why
or why not?
