Persuasive Essay – Social Studies

Choose one of the following topics for your persuasive essay.  You must complete one.  This is your test for the Civil Rights Movement Unit.  Remember that this is worth two quiz grades.  When writing your letter, remember that I want your final copy.  The final should not have any grammatical mistakes and it should be typed.  Be sure to edit and conference with me if you are not sure if you paper is ready to be handed in as a final.  This essay will be placed in your writing folder,  so do your best. 

Topic 1 -            Now that we have seen several videos, read books, and had class discussions about the Civil Rights Movement.  You are to become an advocate for either the Peaceful Non-Violent side, headed by Martin Luther King Jr. or the more Militant side, headed by Malcolm X.  As an advocate/recruiter, your mission is to recruit as many new members to your cause as you can by writing a persuasive letter to prospective members.  In this letter you need to provide at least 3 reasons as to why they should join you in your struggles.

or

Topic 2 -            After witnessing what occurred to Ruby Bridges and the Arkansas Nine at their schools, would you recommend sending your child or someone's child to an all white school, if given a choice, after the Brown v. Board of Education ruling?  Write a persuasive essay or letter trying to convince your classmates/teacher that your position is the correct one.  Give at least 3 reasons why you think they should or should not attend a white school.  Use examples to support your position.

You will be graded on the following: