Our Persuasive Writing Group Classes range from 2-4 students. This class size allows the tutor to work closely with each student in the class–at approximately a third less than the price of individual tutoring sessions. Classes meet once a week for 1.5 hours.
In order to group students of similar reading levels together, Persuasive Writing classes are divided into two broad groups: Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (9-12). As enrollment increases, these groups are further refined by grade level and reading ability.
Writing skills are essential for students not only in their academic subjects but also on most standardized tests. Practicing writing throughout the summer (and getting weekly feedback) will help students to improve as writers and will lead to greater success in classes and on tests in the fall.
This group class focuses on persuasive writing specifically because many standardized exams (the Regents, SAT, and ACT) require students to write persuasive essays. In addition, persuasion is a simple concept on which more complex concepts–like rhetoric and style–are based. Through persuasive writing, students practice the following skills:
- Outlining and Organizing an Argument
- Modulating Vocabulary and Style for Specific Audiences and Situations
- Persuading through Logic and Evidence
- Persuading through Emotion
- Persuading through Descriptive, Narrative, and Expository Writing
- Detecting Assumptions and Implications
Our Persuasive Writing classes are designed to provide a weekly forum for students to read, to think, to ask questions, and to interact with other students. The primary goal is to build students’ confidence in their reading ability, critical thinking, and ability to communicate their own ideas. Each week, we focus on persuasive essays and articles dealing with many different topics.
Group courses are held at a central location that works for all students in the class. We will do our best to find a class time that fits your schedule.
The reading curriculum will vary depending on students’ prior reading. Below are some of the materials that may be used.