Persuasive Essays

Just a real quick post for you about Thanksgiving...

The day before Thanksgiving Break, I had my students do a persuasive writing activity in conjunction with the fourth and fifth grade classes (I teach junior high).  Students had to choose a writing prompt and write a one(ish) page essay responding to that prompt.  Here are some excerpts from a few of my favorites.  I LOVE my job.  That's really all there is to say about that.

Prompt:  Write from the point of view of a turkey and convince people to not eat you.

Response: 

          I am a nice little innocent turkey, and why do you want to eat me?  What did I ever do to you?  First reason why you shouldn't eat me: I could be sick with anthrax and you might not notice it.  Then you'll be angry for eating me.  Turkey is very expensive, and then you'll be broke sitting under an overpass with no bed or house to live in.  You will be sitting under a bridge and you won't get a wink of sleep.  Then you'll think back and say, "I'm so stupid that I got that expensive turkey."  Your cook may be dumb and blind and might not cook me thoroughly.  He might not have killed me thoroughly, and when you go to eat it my nerves might react and my wings or legs might flop over the table and your wife might faint because of the awful sight.  I could be very lardy and fat, and your thanksgiving day turkey will be made of big chunks of fat.  Next time you think of getting a turkey, just remember the wise turkey who told you the reasons why you shouldn't get a turkey for thanksgiving.

Prompt:  Write from the point of view of the pilgrims to convince the Native Americans that you are a friendly people.

Response: 

Dear Savages,

 

I know that previous explorers have killed your people, spread disease, and made you slaves.  That is not why we've come.  We strive for peace.  If you agree to not storm our forts and wreak havoc on our peaceful civilization, we will not retaliate and burn your teepees to the ground.  I would like to extend the olive branch.  We pilgrims are having a dinner party.  It would be very appreciated if you would bring a dish to pass, or rather, various dishes as it has been a sparse summer.  Business casual.

 

Long live our King,

The Pilgrims