English 102: Persuasive Essay
Genre: Argument
Length: 3-5 pages
Format: MLA Textbook:
The non-profit organization for this assinment is The United Negro College Fund
Assignment Write a persuasive essay that aims to convince the reader to support a non-profit organization of your choice. Locate the non-profit organizations website and gain background knowledge on their work. The website is the only outside source required for this essay. No other outside sources should be used to compose your essay. You must include one direct quote paraphrase and summary (each with an in-text citation) from the website. You will also include a Works Cited page. Utilize the readings and outline template to gain knowledge on the structure of argument.
Once you have chosen the issue and organization visit their website. The organizations website must include enough information so that you can understand their mission importance of their work and how to support their work.
Introduction As always the introduction should include necessary background information. For this essay the background information should include the organizations name and a brief summary of their history and mission. As the introduction narrows towards the thesis remember that you are presenting only one argument: why the reader should support the non-profit organization you have chosen.
Body Paragraphs Each body paragraph for this essay should introduce explain and support (i.e. present the argument for) one main point. Since you are only incorporating one source for this essay each main point with support must come from youthis means you are utilizing your rhetorical skills to persuade your audience so incorporate plentiful detail (including examples) to develop each body paragraph.
Conclusion The concluding paragraph for this essay should: Wrap up your argument by answering any unanswered questions Reinforce the importance of supporting the non-profit organization you selected
Source Incorporating direct information from the website is important as well. You must include at least one direct quote one paraphrase and one summary. Each of these must include an in-text citation. Remember that direct quotes paraphrases and summaries should always be concise and add to your essay. They are not a way to fill space but a way to vary your method of incorporating support. Incorporating this single source add to your credibility as an author.
