Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Session 1, 10:30-11:00am
Using "Real World" Documents to Teach Persuasive Writing
Beth Hirschfelder Wilensky
Program Code: T1G
Using “real world” documents – motions and briefs that have actually been filed in lawsuits – is an engaging and effective way to teach a variety of persuasive writing skills. This presentation will provide participants with detailed, practical advice on using such materials, and will include examples of documents professors can use to teach specific writing skills (such as small-scale organization, drafting effective point headings and introductions, etc.), a discussion of potential pitfalls to avoid when using “real world” documents, and ideas for sources of materials to use in class.