Giving For a Course

NOTE: It is suggested that students complete the Module 4 SLP before completing the Case.

Module 4 Case is a Persuasive essay in which the writer encourages the reader to give in some way to a worthy cause.  The writer must first select a licensed not-for-profit organization with a web presence before identifying a specific audience and appeal(s). Please note that giving comes in all shapes and sizes and not just financial contributions.

A significant part of persuasive writing is appeal.  Various appeals in your essay may be used to encourage your target audience to act.  It may be helpful to imagine you're writing a persuasive speech in which you must capture your audience's attention, reel them in with specific details (and appeals), and then seal the deal with the close in which you leave them with a lasting impression.

As always, a well-organized essay has a beginning, middle, and an end.  The beginning, or introduction, should include an opening sentence to grab your reader’s attention.  Follow the opening sentence with a brief background on the organization or cause.  The last sentence of the introduction is the thesis statement.  The thesis statement would likely be the ways in which your reader can “give.”

A well-supported essay includes supporting points, details, and examples.  For this essay, you must decide the best way to organize the body of the paper.  Each body paragraph must have a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph.  Perhaps each paragraph could explain in detail the specific ways to give.

This essay must include no less than SIX citations from the organization’s website. Citations are to be a combination of direct quotations and paraphrased quotations with or without the author's name.  Additional sources may be used for this assignment, though not required.

Please note that copying information word-for-word from a website is plagiarism.  It is important that you use the information and cite accordingly.  Plagiarism is a serious offense and grounds for failure.  Please ask any questions before submitting questionable work.

The conclusion typically summarizes the main points of the essay and/or closes with a lasting impression.  This might be a great place to explain to your reader the value of giving as well as provide contact information to get involved.

The essay must also include a Reference List that includes the website used (as well as others, if applicable).

Be sure to proofread your essay and edit for proper grammar, punctuation, diction (word choice), and spelling, as errors in sentence skills will lower a final grade.  A grade will be determined based on the Module 4 Case expectations and the Trident University General Education rubric for English.

Papers must be double-spaced in Times or Times New Roman font (12 cpi) with standard one-inch margins.

While the first person "I" is not typically used in a formal essay, it may be used if you have a personal connection to the organization as credibility can be an effective tool in persuasion.

Assignment Expectations

• Write a persuasive essay (no less than three pages in length) that encourages the reader to “give.”
• Demonstrate the ability to make and support a Persuasive claim in a well-supported, organized, and cohesive essay.
• Demonstrate an understanding of audience appeals and the ability to use appeals effectively in persuading the reader.