I want students to see that writing is messy and sometimes hard. And like anything worth pursuing, it takes time, commitment, and practice. She knew she could come back and revise, so she didn't have to worry over every word she wrote. Lists and Models Writing an essay with an attitude is about taking a position and backing it up. It's a sustained, rehearsed argument with a parent, friend or teacher, newscaster, magazine writer, advertiser, or the broader society.
Students make lists of what raises their hackles.
The lists go on and on. I discovered through many failures that the way I frame the opening lesson and examples determines the responses I get. If I start with pet peeves like dandruff and dirty fingernails, I get more of a Seinfeld whining list. Because I want students to focus on larger social issues, I begin with examples that steer their responses in that direction. I talk about how I hate advertisements that use women to sell products, like Black Velvet ads that feature a beautiful woman in a black velvet dress as if she came with the purchase.