Sample Introduction with a Thesis Statement
and one Objection
Can you imagine a world without pain, warfare, poverty, hunger, or terror? Sounds
pretty good so far, right? Now, take away feelings, love, diversity, choices,
and even the ability to see colors. It doesn't sound so great anymore, does it?
Some people may consider such a place a utopia, shielding its inhabitants from
all evil; others would say it is a dystopia, in which no one has the right to
speak out, have choices, or to love one another. In the novel, The Giver,
by Lois Lowry, a twelve-year-old boy, Jonas, finds himself in a dystopia when he
realizes that there is more to life outside of his sheltered community.
Although the people of Jonas' community do not know anything different than
their way of life, the society is a dystopia, rather than a utopia
Persuade Me About The Giver Essay
Directions
You will write a persuasive essay using the following directions:
1. Select one (1) of the following subjects:
a. Is the Community in The Giver a utopian society?
b. Which is a better place to live, the Community in The Giver or Rensselaer?
c. Is Utopia possible? (Please include evidence from outside the novel also.)
d. Did Jonas and Gabriel live or die at the end of the novel?
e. Genetic engineering is the scientific alteration of the DNA molecules of
living organisms. It is normally used to increase yields in both animal and crop
production. Many ethical questions abound about this barely explored area of
science. Should humans use genetic engineering?
f. Some say that the Earth is already overpopulated and its resources taxed. This is one
reason to argue for population control. A con for population control would be that people
are important resource to keep building up.
2. Include all of the elements of a persuasive essay:
a. Thesis Statement (clear statement of opinion) in the first paragraph
b. Reasons (that formed this opinion)
c. Evidence (from the text and other sources that support your reasons)
d. Refute the Opposition (anticipate at least one objection and prove it wrong)
3. Support your opinion with evidence from The Giver.
a. Introduce the book as your main resource--include the title and author
b. Find passages from the text that support your reasons.
c. Insert the passage into your essay directly before or after your reason. Explain how the
passage supports your reason.
d. Include page numbers for all passages included in your essay--in parentheses after the insertion.
Here’s an example:
Although Jonas doesn’t like to think about his light eyes, Lily points out how that he is different.
“And he has funny eyes like yours, Jonas” (p.20).
4. Your writing should reflect your best effort.
a. Keep your writing clear and concise, quality is more important than quantity.
b. Use examples from the text to support your reasons. Also, EXPLAIN how your examples support your
reasons.
c. Include an attention-grabbing opening, making the reader WANT to read your essay.
d. Effectively conclude your essay by helping the reader see things differently or appreciate your
topic in personally relevant ways.
and one Objection
Can you imagine a world without pain, warfare, poverty, hunger, or terror? Sounds
pretty good so far, right? Now, take away feelings, love, diversity, choices,
and even the ability to see colors. It doesn't sound so great anymore, does it?
Some people may consider such a place a utopia, shielding its inhabitants from
all evil; others would say it is a dystopia, in which no one has the right to
speak out, have choices, or to love one another. In the novel, The Giver,
by Lois Lowry, a twelve-year-old boy, Jonas, finds himself in a dystopia when he
realizes that there is more to life outside of his sheltered community.
Although the people of Jonas' community do not know anything different than
their way of life, the society is a dystopia, rather than a utopia
Persuade Me About The Giver Essay
Directions
You will write a persuasive essay using the following directions:
1. Select one (1) of the following subjects:
a. Is the Community in The Giver a utopian society?
b. Which is a better place to live, the Community in The Giver or Rensselaer?
c. Is Utopia possible? (Please include evidence from outside the novel also.)
d. Did Jonas and Gabriel live or die at the end of the novel?
e. Genetic engineering is the scientific alteration of the DNA molecules of
living organisms. It is normally used to increase yields in both animal and crop
production. Many ethical questions abound about this barely explored area of
science. Should humans use genetic engineering?
f. Some say that the Earth is already overpopulated and its resources taxed. This is one
reason to argue for population control. A con for population control would be that people
are important resource to keep building up.
2. Include all of the elements of a persuasive essay:
a. Thesis Statement (clear statement of opinion) in the first paragraph
b. Reasons (that formed this opinion)
c. Evidence (from the text and other sources that support your reasons)
d. Refute the Opposition (anticipate at least one objection and prove it wrong)
3. Support your opinion with evidence from The Giver.
a. Introduce the book as your main resource--include the title and author
b. Find passages from the text that support your reasons.
c. Insert the passage into your essay directly before or after your reason. Explain how the
passage supports your reason.
d. Include page numbers for all passages included in your essay--in parentheses after the insertion.
Here’s an example:
Although Jonas doesn’t like to think about his light eyes, Lily points out how that he is different.
“And he has funny eyes like yours, Jonas” (p.20).
4. Your writing should reflect your best effort.
a. Keep your writing clear and concise, quality is more important than quantity.
b. Use examples from the text to support your reasons. Also, EXPLAIN how your examples support your
reasons.
c. Include an attention-grabbing opening, making the reader WANT to read your essay.
d. Effectively conclude your essay by helping the reader see things differently or appreciate your
topic in personally relevant ways.