C and D period 5/14, hw due 5/18

Romeo and Juliet essay

Purpose:  Write a short argumentative essay that could stand as an opening defense statement for Friar Laurence.

The Charge:  Friar Laurence is on trial for conspiring to help two underage youth defy their parents, an act which led to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

Suggested Outline:

1st paragraph:  1 sentence thesis statement clearly defending Friar Laurence, his character, and his actions.

2nd paragraph:    5-6 sentence defense of Friar Laurence

    1.  topic sentence

    2.  evidence with quote and citation

    3.  explanation

    4.  more evidence with quote and citation

    5.  explanation

    6.  clincher sentence

3rd paragraph:  5-6 sentence concession and refutation

    1.  concede that some accusations MAY be true

    2.  explain why those accusations don’t detract from his innocence

    3-6.  explore other accusations against Friar Laurence, including the biggest one--that he left Juliet alone in the tomb

4th paragraph:  1 sentence conclusion

Reminders:  no “I” statements

HW)  draft for use in Monday's class