Patriot vs. Loyalist

Objective: Students will write a persuasive letter to a colonist or Englisman from the viewpoint of a Patriot or Loyalist.

Build Background:

1. Students need to know the difference between patriots and loyalists using readings and questions from patriots and loyalists on HandOuts page.
2. Class discussion

Lesson:

1. Persuasive Writing. There is a PowerPoint presentation that covers persuasive writing and includes directions for the letter.
2. Using The Crisis/Common Sense by Thomas Paine and the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, students will read and look for appeals to reason/logic and emotion.

• Cover reason versus emotion. Use examples from real life.
• Read first 2 paragraphs aloud from The Crisis and have students pick out examples of reason/logic and emotion. Students will partner to finish the reading.
• For homework students will complete the Declaration of Independence looking for reason/logic and emotion.

Rough Draft #1 (Focus-Ideas to Paper/Brainstorming)

Students are to write a letter (as either a Patriot or Loyalist) to someone on the other side, in order to convince them that their side is the side to be on when the Revolution starts.

• Step one: Create a list of examples/details/evidence to help support your point.
• Step two: Read through notes on Persuasive Writing.
• Step three: Write letter in format. (2 nights)

In class: Students will read their rough draft and pull out the key points using the Persuasive Letter Outline. Students are to jot down a few notes about where their weaknesses were on this draft.

Students will then turn this draft in and write a brand new rough draft. It may be very similar. It may be very different.

Rough Draft #2 (Focus-Ideas to Paper)

• Step One: Write another draft from same perspective. (1 night)(for next year--make draft two from opposite perspective).
• Step Two: Complete persuasive letter outline for draft #2.

Rough Draft #3 (Focus-Revision/Self and Peer)

• Step One: Using rough draft #1 and rough draft #2, combine best elements to create rough draft #3. (1 night)
• Step Two: Use Persuasive Letter Rubric (see HandOuts) to check rough draft #3. (1 period)
• Step Three: Use Persuasive Letter Rubric (see HandOuts) to have students peer review draft #3. Peer reads silently to self, uses rubric to revise. (1 period)
• Step Four: Write Rough Draft #4 using suggestions and changes from self and peer revisions. (1 night)

Rough Draft #4 (Focus-Editing)

• Step One: Follow Editing guidelines--Read backwards for spelling, highlight all verbs--show action, appositives and adding more info. (1 night)
• Step Two: Have peer edit paper for same items. (1/2 period)
• Step Three: Peer discussion about last minutes changes, ideas, questions.

Final Copy

*Type or handwrite (LEGIBLE) your final copy. Follow rubric (see HandOuts) guidelines to ensure best possible work.