Persuasive Analysis Essay Assignment

Write a brief essay in which you evaluate the credibility of the arguments presented in the articles, "Rising Tides" by Bob Herbert and "An Arctic Floe of Climate Questions" by Robert Cooke. What is the author's intent in each case? What is each writer's opinion, or claim? Is each argument logical and convincing? How strong and comprehensive is the evidence and other support each writer presents in his argument? Whose view - Herbert's or Cooke's - do you find more credible and persuasive?

Use your graphic organizer to formulate your ideas and opinions. Make sure you use your vocabulary words in your essay. The final product should be 2 pages, typed, double spaced, in 12 pt Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins. Or, it should be neatly handwritten on white paper according to the class guidelines.

Due: Friday, October 12, 2007

This essay will be used to assess your mastery of the following English Language Arts standards:

California State Standards
Reading 2.5
Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through original analysis, evaluation, and elaboration.

Reading 2.8
Evaluate the credibility or an author's argument or defense of a claim by critiquing the relationship between generalizations and evidence, the comprehensiveness of evidence, and the way in which the author's intent affects the structure and tone of the text.

Writing 2.4
Write persuasive compositions

Writing 1.1
Establish a controlling impression or coherent thesis that conveys a clear and distinctive perspective on the subject and maintain a consistent tone and focus throughout the piece of writing.

Writing 1.4
Develop the main ideas within the body of the composition through supporting evidence.

Writing 1.6
Integrate quotations and citations into a written text while maintaining the flow of ideas

Language Conventions 1.4
Produce legible work that shows accurate spelling and correct use of the conventions of punctuation and capitalization.

Language Conventions 1.5
Reflect appropriate manuscript requirements, including title page presentation, pagination, spacing and margins, and integration of source and support material (e.g., in-text citation, use of direct quotations, paraphrasing) with appropriate citations.