### Title: Crafting Persuasive Essays: Building Effective Arguments
**Synopsis:**
In today’s session, the focus was on constructing persuasive essays with an emphasis on finalizing essay outlines. The professor guided students on how to systematically structure their essays, emphasizing the difference between persuasive essays and compare and contrast essays. The goal was to ensure that students could convincibly argue their stance by the end of the lesson, underpinned by strong, well-structured outlines.
### Attendance:
– No specific mentions of absences in the transcript.
### Topics Covered:
1. **Introduction to Essay Building**
– Reiterated the importance of submissions (midterm and final constituting 60% of the grade).
– Deadlines set for final essay submission.
2. **Persuasive Essay vs. Compare and Contrast**
– Explained the key differences between persuasive essays and compare and contrast essays.
– Discussed how persuasive essays should focus on arguing the student’s opinion with supportive reasoning.
3. **Effective Outline Construction**
– Walked through creating an effective essay outline.
– Discussed how to formulate topic sentences and supporting details using the “C method” (Claim, Clarify, Concrete details).
– The importance of defining terms and using credible examples was stressed.
4. **Office Hours and Support**
– Announced available office hours for additional support and feedback.
– Encouraged use of draft reviews during office hours to refine essay quality.
5. **Interactive Workshop**
– Conducted a hands-on workshop where students created their outlines.
– Provided personalized feedback to foster better understanding and improvements.
### Actionable Items:
– **Essay Submission Reminder:**
– Ensure all students are aware of the importance of submitting both midterm and final essays to pass the class.
– **Review Office Hours Schedule:**
– Finalize and communicate additional Zoom office hours for next week.
– **Feedback on Outlines:**
– Schedule follow-up reviews during office hours for students requiring further assistance with their outlines.
### Homework:
– **Final Essay Preparation:**
– Students are to finalize their essay outlines and begin drafting their essays.
– Utilize office hours for draft reviews and feedback.
This structured approach in today’s lesson supports students in effectively developing their persuasive essays, integral to their success in the class.