“The Power of Literature: Why Banning Books is a Dangerous Idea”

Assignment Guidelines: 3-pages length, Times New Roman, 12 Font, double-spaced, top left
header, and an original essay title centered at the top of your first page. A Works Cited page must
be submitted with your essay.
Your essay must include at least 5 paragraphs: Introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and
a conclusion
Assignment Writing Prompt: You are to research and compose a 3-page persuasive essay
focusing on the controversial issue of the censorship or ban of literature.
In order to help you argue your point, you will need to pick one book that is commonly banned
or challenged. A great place to start is from the American Library Association’s list of banned or
challenged classic literature: http://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/classics
(You are not limited to the ALA list of banned or challenged classics.)
Should local schools or libraries be allowed to ban books from the reading list? Why was your
book challenged or banned? Do you think it is a good thing your book has been excluded from
reading lists? Why?
***You will want to use your book as an example to help make your persuasive argument.
It is not mandatory to have read the book you will use as an example, but you will want to
choose a book that you feel will help you make your point about censorship.
Intro: Get your reader’s attention, discuss why this is important to your reader, and state your
thesis or claim
Body Paragraphs 1 and 2: Each paragraph will state a different reason for supporting your
position along with evidence
Body Paragraph 3: Address potential opposing argument – you can either chose to refute the
opposing argument by showing how it is invalid or weak or you can choose to explain why your
argument is stronger
Conclusion: Restate your claim, explain why it is important or how banning literature could
affect the future, and then make a final emotional appeal or make a call for action.