Persuasive Writing: Teach It With Models

When I teach students how to write an essay, I often recommend that they look at the Opinion or Editorial pages of their local newspaper for samples of well-constructed persuasive arguments. I especially recommend that they look for two articles on the same topic that present opposing viewpoints.

I came across two such articles in the Sunday edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and since the topic is interesting and timely, I’d like to suggest that you take a look at them. The question that each article addresses is “Degree or Not Degree?”.

The first article, by scholar Charles Murray, author of Real Education: Four Simple Truths for Bringing America’s Schools Back to Reality, and co-author of the controversial The Bell Curve, suggests that “For Most People, College Wastes Time and Money.” He outlines a reasoned argument for his thesis, and suggests “a better way.”

The second article, by Daniel J. La Vista, executive director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, suggests that “America Faces a Shortage of College Graduates.” He refers to Murray’s new book, and posits an opposing viewpoint, citing the need to stay parallel with “other nations in the global economy.”

You’ll notice that in each of these articles the writers’ thesis is clearly stated in the headline. There’s absolutely no question as to which side of the debate each article supports. Although the tone of the headline could be seen as dogmatic or controversial, the tone of both essays is moderate and reasoned, designed to persuade.

I suggest that you print out both articles, and study them with your teen students, or even on your own. Note how each author introduces the topic, organizes the flow of information, and supports his thesis. Mark up the print-outs, noting skillful transitions, vivid examples, and interesting word choices. You may even want to copy a few paragraphs to internalize the flow of text.

Benjamin Franklin learned to write by studying, copying, and re-writing in his own words, articles from The Spectator. His autobiography bears witness to the level of expertise he gained, the method has lost none of its ability to produce excellence. I think you’ll enjoy it!

As for the subject of the articles, “Degree, or Not Degree,” do you find your opinion changed in any way by reading these essays? The topic is far more than a clever wordplay– it’s a choice that many of us have made, or will make at some time. I’d love to hear your opinions, and your reactions to the article! You may leave them in the comment section at the end of the post.

I may as well confess that my reaction was to make a trip to Amazon.com for a copy of Real Education. Murray’s arguments seem very compatible with homeschooling, and I’d like to read more. I’m less convinced that keeping up with the Jones’s (or the Taiwanese) is a good reason for getting a degree, so Mr. LaVista has a bit farther to go before I’m persuaded.

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An interesting link: I came across Digital History, an interesting history site from the University of Houston. It offers many interesting resources, including an interactive timeline, primary source documents, and multimedia exhibits. It may be just the thing you need to capture the interest of a student who thinks that history is boring (can you imagine?).

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Announcements

Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshop: This much-anticipated workshop will take place Saturday, September 6, from 10-2:30 at First Mennonite Church at 601 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA. It’s sponsored by the Richmond Regional Home Educators, and you will find complete information at the rrhe.org forum (for members), or at my website, www.EssayWorkshop.com (the date needs to be updated on the site, but the rest of the information is all there). Contact the coordinator by e-mail at Kathleen Lansing at gmail dot com. (remove the spaces and use appropriate symbols, of course!) to ask questions or register.

SAT*-Prep Workshop: If you’d like to catch the “Conquer the Test! Tips, Techniques, and Strategies for Getting the SAT Score You Need” workshop in person, I’ll be doing one in Chester, Virginia on Friday, September 12. You may contact coordinator Darleen Rudnick at 748-0984 or via e-mail at darleen2 at yahoo dot com. If you can’t make the workshop, or you’d just like to have it handy to listen to more than once, you can purchase the recorded workshop with 60+ page worktext at www.SAT-Workshop.com (and it’s at a special introductory price until 9/15/08, or until the first printing runs out, whichever comes first– I just got the quotes for the second printing– OUCH!!).

Carnival of Homeschooling: There’s More to School Than Textbooks!


Carnival of Homeschooling Welcome to the 138th Carnival of Homeschooling! If you’re not a year-round schooler, you’re probably thinking of starting soon. Many of our bloggers are too, but a few are thinking differently. I hope you enjoy traveling through the landscape of ideas and inspiration you’ll find here!

Enjoy!

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Homeschooling is about so much more than textbooks and lesson plans. Here are a few other things you may want to think about including in your learning days: Read more

Add a Microbusiness to Your Teen’s Curriculum!

Once your students hit the teen years, chances are that they are looking forward to relevant, real-world applications for what they are learning. Many of them will have a hobby that they can, with a little guidance and a few resources, turn into a thriving microbusiness. The best thing about business for teens is that they gain practical entrepreneurial experience on a small, reasonably risk-free scale. The next best thing is that they just might end up with a career they love!

What Does a Microbusiness Look Like? Read more

Test Prep Workshops and a Few Special Links

cherry tomatoesI saw the first yellow leaves falling today; the pinks, hollyhocks, and marigolds are all setting seed; and homeschool groups are scheduling SAT and Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshops– fall must be on its way! It really seems too soon. It seems as if we’ve just settled into our evening ritual of circling the garden and sampling its delights– cherry tomatoes were the treat du jour. The figs aren’t even close to being ripe!

Because I’m still working with this pinched nerve, I’ll just let you know about the workshops that have been scheduled, and share a few announcements. Short, but I think you’ll find something of interest here. And please- enjoy the last remaining days of summer!

Announcements Read more