Persuasive Essay Writing

This is a 15-week classical persuasive essay writing course, taught by Melissa Sweeney, MA English. We will be using The Lost Tools of Writing 1 to learn the structural (arrangement) and stylistic (elocution) elements of the persuasive essay including... 
 
Structure Elements
introduction
exordium (attention getter/hook)
thesis statement
narratio (background)
proofs (reasons)
subproofs (details)
refutation (opposing argument)
amplification (conclusion)
 
Style Elements
Strong Verbs
Sentence Variety (Parallelism & Antithesis)
Schemes (Alliteration & Assonance)
Tropes (Simile & Metaphor)
 
Grade Level
This course is recommended for 7th -9th graders, but older students (10th-12th) who are new to persuasive writing are welcome to join. Also, 1st, 2nd or 3rd year students are welcome to join. If we have different levels in the course, I will tailor the assignments to the student's level, and may even split the class for some instruction. 
 
It is strongly recommended that your student has completed a year of IEW Writing Level B before taking this course. I am offering it as a summer intensive (condensed version of the 9-unit course).
 
Meeting Schedule
We will meet weekly for our 50-60 minute live virtual classes. Days and times to be decided with the first registered family.
 
Grading
 In addition to the live virtual class meetings, your student will receive written feedback on each draft of each essay and a grade for the final draft.
 
Deposit and Discounts
A $30 non-refundable deposit holds your student's spot. You can pay the remaining balance with monthly payments or in full before the class begins. Families with multiple students will receive a 50% discount on tuition for subsequent registered siblings. Also, a referral credit of $30 will be awarded to any family who refers another registered student/family.
 
Payments
Payment plans are available! Message me at melissa@seeitexcellent.com to make payments without paying a service fee or to set up a payment arrangement.