Dr. Oguine
Fall 2003
ENGL 2101-ZFE, ZGE & ZCD
Persuasive Essay Topic
Write a persuasive essay of 3-4 pages on the topic below, using references from the
following essays studied in this unit: Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” (348),
Andrew Sullivan’s “What Are Homosexuals For?’ (350), Meridel Lesueur’s
“Women and Work” (687), and Adrienne Rich’s “What Does a Woman Need to
Know?” (65). Provide in-text citations and a Works Cited page in MLA format.
Adrienne Rich says that the term power is “highly charged for women,” and she
uses it in different senses in her essay, “What Does a Women Need to Know?”
Look carefully at these different meanings of power. Explore the causes and
effects of women not having these powers. From your own experience and Debra
Dickerson’s experiences in An American Story, present strong convincing
arguments on whether women should or should not have such powers.
Developmental Strategy: Cause and Effect
Goal: You will write a paper, taking a position on an issue, with the focus on
developing a persuasive argument. You must use two or three of the text essays to
support your position. The purpose of this assignment is to develop your ability to
construct a convincing argument and use both textual material and your own
experience to support that argument.
Pre-writing Strategies and Drafting Schedule:
Monday, November 3: Class presentation of double-entry journal.
Homework: BB Discussion Boards posting of title, thesis and introduction;
Arrange for the peer-review and make sure your partner will do it.
Wednesday, November 5: Library Lecture
Homework: Continue writing your first draft and responding to BB posting.
Monday, November 10: Peer-review of first draft with class checklist and Handbook
Homework: Revise the first draft into a mid-process draft.
Wednesday, November 12: Review of mid-process draft, checking logical fallacies.
Homework: Revise mid-process draft into a final copy.
Monday, November 17: Final Copy of Persuasive Essay due in class
Turn in final copy, mid-process draft, first draft, BB peer-review and
double-entry journal. Discuss research topic. Progress Report.
Homework: Read essay texts for research essay.
