Assignment instructions (OUTLINE) As you begin your editorial for Unit 4, one

Assignment instructions (OUTLINE)

As you begin your editorial for Unit 4, one of the first steps is to complete an outline to organize your plans.

First, keep in mind that an editorial is a persuasive essay that responds to a particular topic.  It’s easier to write an editorial when you are responding to a particular perspective on a topic.  This is why you had to choose an editorial to respond to in last week’s discussion.  Most editorials deal with responding to an opposing point of view, but it is possible to write an editorial that agrees with an opinion and adds more information.  Chapter 4 in They Say I Say does a great job of covering ways to respond, including templates.

Here is an overview of the parts and order of a template from another teacher, Mr. Alan Weintraut:
https://www.geneseo.edu/~bennett/EdWrite.htm

This is an outline template I created to help you organize your information and begin your draft. Use this template to complete this outline assignment.

Topic

Position you are responding to

Your position (agree, disagree, or both AND why)

Introduction

Hook/Attention-getter

Explanation of the Controversy (context for background information)

Thesis (Opinion pro or con) statement:

Body Paragraph I

Reason the Opposition Supports Its Stand

Opposition’s Claim

Opposition’s Evidence:

Your Analysis

Body Paragraph 2 (start with weaker point first)

Reason 1 why your stand is best:

Claim

Evidence

Warrant(s):

Body Paragraph 3

Reason 2 why your stand is best

Claim

Evidence

Warrant(s):

Conclusion

Restatement of thesis:

Call to Action (what do readers need to do to participate in the solution)

Final Punch

Just as you analyzed rhetorical techniques in previous assignments, you are now selecting and USING those same techniques in creating your own argument.  You might be arguing using pathos, logos, and/or ethos in your body paragraphs.  This is your opportunity to not only express your opinion, but to really support it by crafting a strategic, well supported argument.