Anne Frank and Holocaust Persuasive Writing Prompt

ELA READING: ANNE FRANK AND RESISTING HITLER

Reading/Writing Assignment #1 - Resisting Hitler Letter
Imagine you are Helmuth from the short story, "Resisting Hitler" and you have merely 2 months to live as you sit in jail. Remember you received a punishment for standing up to the Nazis and their hate propaganda of the Jewish people. You have the opportunity to compose a letter to your brother with the last words you wish to share. What would you say?

The assignment from the RAFTS model.
Role - You are writing from Helmuth's perspective
Audience - Your brother (and peers)
Form - Friendly letter format
Topic - Words of wisdom, final thoughts on the resistance against the Nazis
Strong Verb - Explain your reasons for making the sacrifice and doing what was right or persuade your brother to carry on your mission

Follow these steps for writing:
1) PREWRITE - Brainstorm what you will include in the letter, thinking about the reasons and facts that connect to the story and what you know about the resistance.
Do this in the form of a detailed web with many branches.

Outline - What will you include in the INTRODUCTION, MIDDLE PARAGRAPHS/BODY and CONCLUSION? Create a detailed OUTLINE.

2) DRAFT - Compose the letter. Ensuring that you paint a "sensory picture" - identifying reasons why you went against the Nazis. Use at least 8 transitions in your writing.

3) REVISING - Check over the organization, details, content, word choice. Have you included all the details in the right order to paint the picture??

4) EDITING - Proofread and ensure that your letter is free of mechanical errors (grammar, capitalization, spelling and punctuation errors) and that the sentences and paragraphs are composed well.

5) PUBLISHING AND PRESENTING - Create an "AUTHENTIC" letter that reflects the time period. How could you make it reflect a young man in a WWII jail??

Reading Assignment  #2 - Anne Frank, Hero of the 21 Century
We will be completing a persuasive writing piece that connects to our lesson on Anne Frank.

The prompt:

Anne Frank was voted by Time Magazine as one of the most role models of the 21st century. In the form of a persuasive essay, explain to young people today why this is true (with multiple reasons and factual support) and why we should be aware of and learn about the Holocaust. 

MUSE - THE RESISTANCE
This song is not exactly about Anne Frank, but it makes me think about her family doing all they can to stay together. Listen to the lyrics and think about what connections you can make. Let this song be your "muse"...  :-)