Next time you assign your young historians to write a persuasive essay, use this document as a starting point and support them with a rubric, tips for writing a successful persuasive piece, and a general essay outline.

Eighth graders research capital punishment and then type a six paragraph paper.

High schoolers explore the United States Constitution. In this government lesson, students write newspaper editorials that reflect their opinions about Amendments.

Students compare historical interpretations. In this research skills lesson, students use Internet and print resources to research the controversy regarding Christopher Columbus's work as an explorer. Students use their...

Students use persuasive devices to construct oral or written arguments. In this arguments lesson plan, students discuss the types of persuasive devices used in arguments and form groups to select a topic to research. Students create a...

Students consider their opinions on various topics and issues related to the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Then, focusing on one specific topic, each student supports his or her opinions in a...

Students use the internet to research a country of interest to them. Using graphics, they create a travel brochure about the country encouraging people to travel there. They present their information to the class while showing their...

In this global studies worksheet, students read the noted pages in their textbooks and then respond to 1 essay question about religious conflict.

High schoolers start by drawing Mr. Essay Man, who is supposed to illustrate the different parts of an essay. After discussing what each component should contain, writers start their essay, guided by the teacher and class discussion....

Students examine and research the idea of heroism. They watch and discuss a Powerpoint presentation, conduct research, and write a research paper about the qualities and characteristics of a hero.

Learners investigate the ways companies target the teenage demographic. In this advertising lesson, students discuss in focus groups what they like to buy. Learners also complete a related worksheet.

Students discuss conflicts that arise from problems with diversity issues, and hypothesize what is needed to bring about successful resolutions to these problems. They write a newspaper editorial about how conflicts can be successfully...

Students access and evaluate authority of electronic resources. They synthesize data from multiple sources. Students compose a Works Consulted page. They prepare and deliver an informative speech on a disease or medical condition.

Students discuss the purposes of persuasive speaking and writing with emphasis upon what makes them different from other kinds. They brainstorm and discuss ways to select "The Greatest American Who Ever Lived" and prepare a persuasive...

This instructional activity focuses on identifying thesis statements including explicit and implicit thesis statements, "How to Identify the Thesis Statement" (video), topic sentences, paragraph parts graphic, and a self-check activity.

This tutorial focuses on thesis statements; it defines thesis including purpose and location, lists 3 types: analytical, expository, and argumentative and defines and provides examples of each. It lists 4 question to ask to determine if...

Lesson plan on writing thesis statements specifically addresses writing essays on historical subjects and themes, particularly essays written in response to document-based questions (DBQs). Walks students through identifying clear thesis...

In this lesson, you will learn how to evaluate a thesis statement and identify the problems that might call for revision. It provides practice activities to learn to identify and evaluate thesis statements.

[Accessible by TX Educators. Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson, students will learn how to identify, evaluate, and revise thesis statements and how to identify the issues that might need to be revised. It also provides...

[Accessible by TX Educators. Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson, you will learn how to evaluate a thesis statement and how to identify the problems that might call for revision.

[Accessible by TX Educators. Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson, you will learn how to evaluate a thesis statement and identify the problems that might call for revision.

This slideshow lesson focuses on assessing and revising the thesis, topic sentences, and supporting details in a paper. It uses the analogy of the body: the thesis and topic sentences are the bones and the supporting details are the...

This table shows the progression from topic to purpose to thesis, as well as explaining the role of the thesis statement. Use the links on the right to get to the specific information you are interested in including forms to fit purpose...

This lesson focuses on how to write a summary including strategies for annotation, paraphrasing the thesis statement, distinguishing major ideas from minor ones, and picking appropriate quotes. It also provides videos including "How to...