Center Focus

Persuasive Essay About "Millennium"

  1. When introducing this center activity briefly discuss the term "millennium" with your students. Have them define it, but don't give any corrections. Have them consider the present debate regarding the Millennium and when it actually ends (ie. 1999 or 2000).
  2. For the center activity, have your students write a persuasive essay promoting their opinion about the end of the millennium.
  3. Depending on your class, have the essay guidelines posted explaining the general structure. For more experienced writers, you may want them to include the opposition's arguments and then discuss why these arguments incorrect.
  4. Afterwards, liken the millennium to counting pennies to make a dollar. You start with $.01 and do you have a dollar at $.99 or at $1.00? Have them discuss this.