Assignment 1: Using the topics you generated in Lesson1.3, write an essay in which you explain a cause-and -effect relationship. Your can refer to the model essay on page 206 as a guide. Include these elements in your essay:

a thesis statement in which you clearly identify the cause-and-effect relationship you will explore

an effective and logical method of organization

well-chosen, relevant supporting evidence and examples that suit your audience and purpose

transitions that smoothly and clearly connect your ideas

error-free grammar, including correct pronoun-antecedent agreement

Save the essay as a Word document (.doc) and submit to be graded.

Assignment 2:

Write a short story about a main character who undergoes a change or learns something. If you feel your creativity is lacking, remember writing about what you know, your own personally experiences or those of your friends and family are easy to turn into an entertaining short story. Include the following elements in your short story:

A clear setting - the time and place of the story

A plot - series of events that builds to a dramatic climax

A narrator to tell the story

Effective descriptions using sensory details

Dialogue to develop the characters

Error-free grammar, including use of consistent verb tense

Assignment 3:

Write a persuasive speech supporting your opinion about an issue or subject that matters to you, that you feel passionately about. Include these elements:

A clear description of the issue and a clear precise statement of your opinion- your position, or claim, about the issue or the subject
Reliable and varied evidence that supports your opinion, or claim

Arguments that acknowledge and refute opposing claims

Vivid persuasive language that appeals to your audience

A logical organization that shows the relationship among claims, counterclaims, and evidence