Examples of inappropriate white elephant gifts:

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1 Name: Date: Due Date for Paper: The White Elephant Gift Exchange Persuasive Paper Standards: * Students will use written language skills (vocabulary, conventions, and styles) to communicate effectively for different purposes and for a variety of audiences. * Students will use various writing strategies for different purposes (persuasion, enjoyment, and information). Preparation for the White Elephant Gift Exchange: * Familiarize students with the concept of a white elephant gift and give examples of what is an appropriate white elephant gift and what is NOT an appropriate white elephant gift. * Distribute and discuss the steps involved in a white elephant gift exchange with students. * Introduce/review the persuasive essay writing format, vocabulary, and hyperboles. Distribute and discuss with students. * Read and discuss the sample persuasive essay. White Elephant Gift Exchange Writing Activity: * Students find an appropriate white elephant gift and bring it to school beautifully giftwrapped. * Students write a persuasive essay that convinces other members of the class to select their gift rather than any of the others. * Students choose numbers to determine the order in which they will select a gift. * Students read their essays orally to the class when a classmate selects their gift, and the gift exchange begins. White Elephant Gift Exchange Explanation and Examples: * A white elephant gift is generally defined as one of dubious or limited value. It may be a gag gift that is inexpensive, silly, humorous, or outrageous. * A white elephant gift is NOT something that is broken, used, or inappropriate for a particular audience. Examples of appropriate white elephant gifts: * Cheap, ugly statue, vase, or a decorative knick-knack * Weird art * Tacky jewelry * Silly night-light or keychain * Gaudy lawn ornament, wind chimes, or planter * Crazy socks, hat, or tie * Anything at a Dollar Store (not over two dollars) Examples of inappropriate white elephant gifts: * Broken items (crayons, toys, dishes, etc.) * Used items (lipstick, perfume, lotion, clothing, etc.) * T-shirt or poster with an inappropriate message * Food item of any kind

2 One of the literary devices that I am requiring students to use in their persuasive paper are hyperboles. Each student is required to used one hyperbole per body paragraph. Feel free to write more if one chooses. Hyperbole: A hyperbole is a figure of speech in which statements are exaggerated to create an impact or a strong emotional response; with hyperbole, an author makes a point by overstating it. They are most commonly used in prose and poetry and should be avoided in formal or business writing. Some examples of hyperboles: * His feet are so big his tennis shoes came with life vests and oars. * My dog is so ugly I put a mask over his face, and we pretend that every day is Halloween. * He snores louder than a freight train. Complete these statements with your original hyperboles: * I was so excited * It was so shiny * He was so cheap * She has so much money * Iʼm so tired

3 Vocabulary Suggestions for Persuasive Essay Adjectives and Adverbs!!!! Phrases and Expressions absolutely" " " " " " unusually high quality all-purpose" " " " " " beyond belief amazingly" " " " " " over the top awesome" " " " " " earth-shattering beneficial" " " " " " entirely too good breathtaking" " " " " " hysterically funny compelling" " " " " " needless to say completely" " " " " " off the charts countless" " " " " " search the world over elegant" " " " " " without a doubt exquisite" " " " " " knock your socks off extremely" " " " " " freak out fabulous" " " " " " staggering number of uses fantastic" " " " " " a thousand times over glorious" " " " " " just imagine the possibilities greatly" " " " " " it may seem incredible honestly" " " " " " it is curious and interesting immeasurably" " " " " gives infinite happiness imposing" " " " " " a person of exquisite taste inspired" " " " " " insatiable whirl of excitement incredible" " " " " " bubble over with joy indescribable" " " " " an astonishing item infinitely" " " " " " environmentally friendly magnificent" " " " " " almost supernatural charm matchless" " " " " " brilliant and delightful outrageous" " " " " " a rare and striking combination of overwhelming" " " " " blinded by its brightness practical" " " " " " exquisite precision and finish precisely " " " " " " to the nth degree resplendent" " " " " " a splendid acquisition sensational" " " " " " singularly attractive serviceable" " " " " " you will laugh out loud spectacular" " " " " " yours for the asking stunning" " " " " " thatʼs not all superb" " " " " " unsurpassed for its versatility totally"" " " " " " absorbing and informative tremendous" " " " " " unparalleled in its classic beauty ultimate" " " " " " suitable for all ages unbelievable"" " " " " attention-grabbing unrivaled " " " " " " amusing and entertaining

4 What Makes an Engaging Persuasive Essay? Components * Hook" " * Thesis Statement" *Transitions with Topic Sentences * Supporting Details *Valid Reasons" " * Use Ethos, Pathos, Logos, Kairos * Transitions with Closing Sentences" " * Restatement of Thesis * Authorʼs Comment Introduction: * Use a hook (question, riddle, alliteration, etc.) to grab the audienceʼs attention. * State your position (the thesis statement--this is the controlling idea of your paper) on the issue clearly. * Develop three ideas which support your thesis why your White Elephant gift is the best. Body Paragraph # 1 * Use an opening transition and state the first reason of your thesis as your topic sentence to why your White Elephant gift is the best. * Use examples, anecdotes, personal experiences, quotes, etc. to support and fully explain your first reason. * Use a closing transition and closing sentence that is a restatement of your topic sentence. Body Paragraph # 2 * Use a transition which is used to add additional information. * Use a topic sentence which states the second reason of your thesis, and make sure you state the prompt in this topic sentence. * Use examples, anecdotes, personal experiences, quotes, etc. to support and fully explain your second reason. * Use a closing transition which is different from the closing transition in body paragraph #1, and use a closing sentence that is a restatement of your topic sentence. Body Paragraph # 3 * Use a transition which is used to add additional information; however, do not use the same transition you used in body paragraph #2. * Use a topic sentence which states the third reason of your thesis, and make sure you state the prompt in this topic sentence. * Use examples, anecdotes, personal experiences, quotes, etc. to support and fully explain your third reason.

5 * Use a closing transition which is different from the closing transition in body paragraph #2, and use a closing sentence that is a restatement of your topic sentence. Conclusion: * Use the appropriate closing paragraph transition. * Restate your thesis. * Conclude with a sentence that encourages your audience to consider your position. * Use an authorʼs comment: warning, prediction, echo, question, quote, etc. Sample Persuasive Essay: White Elephant Persuasive Gift Exchange Gift: Small ceramic statue of three monkeys displaying the proverbial principle of see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. (Dollar Store-. 99 cents) REMEMBER NO WHERE IN THE PAPER DO YOU DISCLOSE THE IDENTITY OF YOUR GIFT. Thesis and topic/closing sentences are in bold and underlined. All adjectives, adverbs, and phrases used to persuade are in italics. The Unrivaled Gift! The old proverb that states good things come in small packages is unquestionably exemplified by this gift. It is a splendid acquisition that you donʼt want to miss because it is a one-of-a-kind conversation piece, a dream come true for animal lovers, and an educational but also entertaining gift. " To begin with, this gift is the one you need to pick as it will generate hours and hours of absorbing and stimulating conversation among your friends, family members, and visitors alike. You will be the talk of the town when others find out that you possess such an attention-grabbing item, and no one will be able to resist chatting about its unparalleled charm. Moreover, you will not ever have to worry about those embarrassing silences that sometimes crop up when people get together; this

6 item will provide non-stop dialogue and fill all voids. Because this is the gift that will keep people talking, do not let this gift pass you by. " In addition, If you are an animal lover, you will find this present to be irresistible. Cute, cuddly, and adorable animals are yours to enjoy 24/7. It is small enough to fit in your backpack or purse, so you can take your pets with you wherever you go. Also, if you have always wanted an animal of your own, this is your chance to own and enjoy a very low-maintenance treasure that will give you years of unconditional love. Thus, this gift will put a smile on the face of any animal lover. " Furthermore, this gift is both educational and just plain funny; I guarantee that you will laugh out loud when you see it. It teaches an important lesson in an amusing way, and all ages will benefit from its timeless message. Your family will be thrilled that you are the proud owner of such an edifying object, and they will congratulate you on your refined taste and discernment. Meanwhile, you can sit back and bask in their praise and feel like you have just won the lottery. Therefore, do not delay and get this gift which is both educational and fun. " In conclusion, this gift encourages unlimited conversation, provides enjoyment for animal lovers, and gives the process of learning a fun atmosphere. This gift has it all as it is a win-win combination. Donʼt let this unrivaled gift slip through your fingers; it can be yours for the asking.