Grade 9 Extra Credit Essay: Racial Equality

Write an expository essay as a letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. telling him how his work changed America and what we still need to do to further his dream.

Do some basic research so you know what he did, how his work changed America, and then in the conclusion, what we still need to do to further his dream.

Your heading should include: Your name, teacher’s name, grade level, and school. All essays are due by Jan. 22nd.

Think of tone: This essay should be written at the standard or conferential level, not sub-standard (with slang and over use of idioms), nor non-standard. Be precise. Be descriptive. If one follows this outline, the essay should be a good one.

Types of leads

1. quote

2. bold statement

3. question

4. feeling

5. riddle

I. Introduction:

1. lead statement:________________________________________________

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2. explain the lead:_______________________________________________

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3. overview of the essay ( Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life):_________________

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4. thesis statement(how his work changed America):____________________

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II. First reason supporting how King changed America

1. state the reason:____________________________________________

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2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

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3. elaboration/ tell a specific story that illustrates your point how King changed America: ____________________________________________________________________

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4. commentary/ how do you react to this point/how this effects you: ____________________________________________________________________

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III. Second reason supporting how King changed America

1. state the reason:____________________________________________

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2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

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3. elaboration/ tell a specific story that illustrates your point how King changed America: ____________________________________________________________________

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4. commentary/ how do you react to this point/how this effects you: ____________________________________________________________________

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IV. Third reason supporting how King changed America

1. state the reason:____________________________________________

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2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

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3. elaboration/ tell a specific story that illustrates your point how King changed America: ____________________________________________________________________

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4. commentary/ how do you react to this point/how this effects you: ____________________________________________________________________

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V. Conclusion

1. restate the thesis in different words:______________________________
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2. briefly restate examples of how King changed America:______________

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3. state what still needs to be done to further King’s dreams of racial equality: __________________________________________________________________

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4. hook back to the lead statement:________________________________

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