Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism

Writing Directions: You have just read a number of texts that included different mediums: photos, video(s), and written texts describing the topic of languages spoken and used in the United States.  In an informational/explanatory essay response, discuss which should be the standard in an English Language Arts classroom: Prescriptivism or Descriptivism or a combination of the two.  Make sure you use examples from at least 2 of the texts, and elaborate on those examples to fully answer the question. In your essay, Introduce the topic (American English) Develop the topic (that English changes constantly) Develop your thesis/overall claim (Prescriptivism or Descriptivism or a combination) Use examples from at least 2 of the texts that will back up why you chose Prescriptivism or Descriptivism or a combination – and explain how your evidence backs up your thesis Use eat least one example from another text that backs up the counter argument – you need to show why someone may disagree with your thesis Use transitions Use precise language Maintain a formal style and objective tone Provide a conclusion Consult the graphic organizer you filled out and use the following guidelines when writing your 5 paragraph essay:            INTRODUCTION: Start your introduction with a statement of your own based on what you have learned about American English in the past weeks. This statement should serve as a way to lead into your thesis/overall claim for the essay. Toward the end of the introduction, include your thesis statement. This should be a statement that someone may disagree with. BODY: For body paragraphs, use the following format as a guideline: Body paragraph one: Claim: Opinion statement that backs up your overall claim. Evidence: Quote from one of the articles. Explanation: Explain what is going on in the quotation. Link: Explain how the quotation backs up your thesis/overall claim.  OPTIONAL: Transition word to another quote.. Explanation:  Explain what is going on in the quotation. Link: Explain how the quotation backs up your thesis/overall claim. Concluding sentence: Sums up the point of the paragraph and/or how it proves the thesis. Body paragraph two: Claim: Opinion statement that backs up your overall claim. Evidence: Quote from one of the articles. Explanation: Explain what is going on in the quotation. Link: Explain how the quotation backs up your thesis/overall claim .  OPTIONAL: Transition word to another quote.. Explanation:  Explain what is going on in the quotation. Link: Explain how the quotation backs up your thesis/overall claim. Concluding sentence: Sums up the point of the paragraph and/or how it proves the thesis. Body paragraph three – counterclaim: Claim: Opinion statement that states why someone may DISAGREE with your thesis statement. Evidence: Quote from one of the articles. Explanation: Explain what is going on in the quotation. Link: Explain how the quotation backs up the counterclaim.  OPTIONAL: Transition word to another quote.. Explanation:  Explain what is going on in the quotation. Link: Explain how the quotation backs up your thesis/overall claim. Concluding sentence: Sums up the point of the paragraph or you can add some words showing how this is not a valid argument.  CONCLUSION: Sum up the point of the essay. Overall, what did you prove? What point were you making? You also need to mention the counterclaim and why it is not a valid point over all and that your overall claim is better. Do not use “I” in this essay, however.