Persuasion and Literature Essay for AP Lang  words (1000 to 1500)

Dr. Gingrich

Rough Draft Beginning of Period October 14^th

2^nd Draft 4pm Friday, October 21st

A. Persuasion

Literature often presents a philosophy or a theme (a statement about the universal human condition).Select a position taken by an author/character in one of the works that we have studied.  What does that author/character claim?  Affirm, refute, or qualify this statement using examples from the work, literature, media, your readings, and/or personal experience.  In examining the passage discuss how the argument is important to larger themes within the work. 

In this essay you are arguing whether or not you believe this statement to be universally true with respect to the human condition.  The main claim should come from The Crucible, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, your summer reading,  Gothic/Romantic stories poems.  Within your argument include at least three quotes which support that argument within that work.  Think of the work we did on the summer reading poster and the poems by Dickinson, Keats, Wordsworth, and Shelley as examples.

Grading

Knowledge of Literary Text

Cogency of Argument

Development of Examples

Organization

Style

Control of Syntax and Diction

Rubric for Persuasive Essay

“4”

Presents an outstanding argument refuting, defending, or qualifying the quote.  Extremely strong knowledge of the work and other literary works from the semester is apparent.  The level of analysis in this paper is superior, showing an exceptional understanding of the quote and its relations to society, history, politics, etc. Evidence is original, persuasive, and extremely well developed showing an extremely thorough explanation.  Writing is clear, highly sophisticated, and original. 

“3”

Presents an effective argument refuting, defending, or qualifying the quote.  A strong knowledge of the work and use of other literary works from the semester  is apparent.  The paper analyzes the quotes, showing credible evidence in support of the ideas in the essay and relating it thoughtfully to personal experience, society, history, politics, etc.  Evidence is persuasive and developed.  Writing is clear, sophisticated, with few errors impeding comprehension.

“2”

Presents an adequate argument refuting, defending, or qualifying the quote.  Some knowledge of the work is apparent although there may be some gaps.  The paper analyzes the quote and connects and supports it through examples, though some examples may not  thoroughly supported, substantiated, or explained.  Evidence is adequately persuasive, though the reader may not be completely convinced.  Writing is generally clear, though there may be some errors, though comprehension is rarely impeded.

“1”

Presents an inadequate argument.  Lacks in one or more of the following areas

Knowledge of the literary works

Development of Support

Coherence of organization

Control of written language