Writing a Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay motivates someone to do something.  In order to persuade a person to think or act as you do, you must provide compelling reasons for him/her to do so. 

Read the prompt below and take a stand regarding Russel's behavior in Dogsong by Gary Paulsen.  Then write a persuasive essay and explain why Russel should or should not leave Oogruk alone to die. 

As you write your paper, remember to:

• State your position on whether or not Russel should leave Oogruk alone to die.
• Explain why you think Russel should or should not leave Oogruk alone to die.
• Check to be sure that you are writing good paragraphs.
• Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

*Teachers and Students:  Click here to see scoring guides compiled by the NC Department of Public Instruction.

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