Phase Four: Writing Proficiency Portfolio — Persuasive Essay Instructions
For the persuasive essay, you now have two options: 1) Revise a persuasive essay from a WRP3 class or 2) Draft a proctored essay in the Writing Center. In either case, your Phase Four persuasive essay should be word-processed and double-spaced at least three pages long Also, 1. Be sure your name, the date, and, in the case of the proctored essay, the prompt to which you are responding are included on the piece before you submit it. 2. Make sure that you have taken into consideration the purpose of your essay and your audience (Board of Trustees, potential students, etc.). Here is a description of an essay that passes: The introduction provides context and direction and creates interest and a sense of momentum. The argument is organized around a clearly stated thesis/position, and transitions are provided, so it flows smoothly and readers can follow your reasoning. Each paragraph is focused and unified on one point; sentences are clear, complete, concise, and varied in pattern; word choice is clear, accurate, consistent, and appropriate for assignment. The argument is developed through multiple main points that are clear, related to and sufficient for the thesis, and support material (examples, explanations, data) is accurate, reliable, specific, relevant, appropriate, and adequate. The conclusion wraps up the ideas presented in the paper and is consistent with the introduction, thesis, and development; the synthesis of the argument and findings is clear, relevant, and complete. The essay is revised and edited in a way that shows care in proofreading and eliminates most problems in usage, syntax, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Although the reader might encounter an occasional error, there should be no pattern of errors. Documentation is accurate and appropriate.
Option #1—WRP3 Revision For this option, revision is required. At least one previous draft must accompany your final essay when submitting. In working on your revision, you may consult with others, including your advisor, WRP3 instructor, Writing Center instructors, and tutors. In fact, we encourage you to do so, and to discuss that revision process in your cover letter for the portfolio. In revising, keep in mind that you are now being evaluated in terms of one specific purpose: to demonstrate your skills as a persuasive writer. Other original, course-specific requirements for the paper may need to be reworked with this single purpose in mind. The characteristics of a passing essay listed just above can serve as a useful set of guidelines for your revision process.
Option #2—Proctored Essay For this option, you will need to work on your essay in the Writing Center. As a proctored essay, this piece enables the readers to know how you write when you don’t receive feedback or suggestions from someone else (teacher, tutor, roommate). You may use reference books such as a dictionary, thesaurus, or writer’s handbook, but you must work on your own—no collaboration on this. You
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may revise this essay as many times as you like as long as you don’t consult others specifically on this piece. It must always be worked on in a proctored setting. You may continue to revise your essay in the Writing Center, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Choose one of the following prompts and write a persuasive essay, making a case for the position you take. If you would like to write to a different prompt, please consult the Writing Center Director. 1. Many of our students participate in educational programs outside of the classroom, such as study abroad, internships, community service, and student teaching. Would you recommend that each student, sometime during his/her undergraduate experience, be REQUIRED to participate in such a program? Select one such program and make a case for your position. 2. The Admissions Office would like to send information on majors to prospective students. You have been asked by your major department to write an essay that will persuade a new student to major in ___________. 3. Principia College is currently planning a change in its all-college general education requirements for graduation that would reduce the number of required courses in each academic unit (Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts and Communications, and Math and Natural Sciences) to only two required courses from each unit. Please contribute to this discussion by focusing on just one academic unit and state whether you think the new reduction in requirements will be beneficial to students or not. Please consider your audience to be the faculty as a whole, since the faculty will be the ones to vote on this issue. 4. Write a personal statement as if you were applying for admission to your major. (If you are a double major, choose one. If you are undeclared, choose a major you are considering.) Convince the faculty in your major (two of whom will be reading this essay) that this major will benefit you and that you will benefit the department and the field. Use examples from your own experience as evidence for your claims. A few important recommendations on your proctored essay: Take time to explore, plan, and organize your ideas before you draft. During this exploratory process, consider arguments or reasons that support each side of the question. That may help you reason through your own position more thoroughly. Once you have drafted, revise to make sure each of your paragraphs makes a clear point and is well supported and developed by facts, examples, and reason. Also, make sure that you have effectively used transitions to construct a cohesive piece of writing that links one point to the next. Finally, proofread a hard copy of your essay carefully several times. As no one else can help you revise and proofread, you might find it helpful to read your essay out loud to yourself.
K:\Website\Site\handouts.program\Ph4essaypromptsW09_REV.12-18-08FINAL
REVISED 12/18/08