Persuasive Essay

Persuasive Essay• An essay in which the writer argues

on a topic he/she has strong feelings about.

• The writer introduces an argument, presents supporting reasons, draws conclusions, and convinces the reader to accept the writer’s viewpoint.

• A persuasive essay should be 5 paragraphs in length.

Persuasive Essay• Clear statement of the writer’s

position• Three reasons that support argument• Details for reasons that include facts

and examples• Convincing and persuasive language

that is positive and compelling• Argument and reasons are

summarized at the end of the essay

Introductory ParagraphTopic sentence: topic and opinionClearly state your argument/viewpoint3-5 sentences in length

Body Paragraphs• Body paragraphs (3)

– Reason that supports argument– 3 detail sentences that support reasons

with facts and evidence– Concluding sentence that reiterates the

statement in first sentence– 5 sentences in length

Concluding Paragraph

– Restates the argument/topic sentence using different word choices

– Summarizes the supporting reasons for argument

– 3-5 sentences in length

Persuasive Essay• Too Much Homework. Some of the

parents at your school have started a campaign to limit the homework that teachers can assign to students. Teachers at your school have argued that the homework is necessary. What is your position? Write a persuasive essay stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons.

Persuasive Essay• Which side of the argument are you

on? Are you in favor or opposed to the idea?

• Why? List at least 3 reasons for your opinion

Persuasive Essay• Are any of your reasons weak?

• Order your reasons by importance.– 1.– 2.– 3.

Persuasive Essay

Introductions– An effective introduction states your

opinion and grabs the reader’s attention.

• A good introduction may:– Create a mental image that appeals to

reader’s emotions;– Ask a question– Tell an anecdote

Introductions• Create a mental image:

– Imagine a world with dull, overweight children. That’s what we will have if teachers keep assigning too much homework. A society chock full of listless and lazy children.

Introductions• Ask a question

– Would you like a world without homework?

– Do you want to have a good job and earn tons of money?

Introductions• Tell an anecdote

– My sister’s 5th grade teacher used to give her loads of homework every night. As a result, she dropped out of school and died penniless and alone. Is the idea of homework worth a sad story like this?

Introductions• Now it is your turn.

– Write an introduction that begins with a question.

– Write another that creates a mental image

– Write one more that uses an anecdote

Persuasive Essay• Too Much Homework. Some of the

parents at your school have started a campaign to limit the homework that teachers can assign to students. Teachers at your school have argued that the homework is necessary. What is your position? Write a persuasive essay stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons.

Conclusions• An effective conclusion summarizes

the reasons for an argument and restates your opinion in a memorable way. Good conclusions may:– Use a figure of speech– Use a stirring call to action– End with a warning

Conclusions• Figure of speech

– Similes: compare two things using the words like or as.• Homework is like a breath of fresh air. It

refreshes the mind and stimulates learning. The success of the world depends on hard working educated people.

Conclusions--Metaphors: compare two things by

saying one thing is another thing.

• Daily homework was a needle in my brain. It ruined my personal and social life. I will be forever tainted by the evil specter of homework.

Conclusions• Call to action:

– The practice of homework in schools has gone on long enough. If you agree with me, end homework now and save the children of the world. Our quality of life depends on it.

Conclusions• End with a warning:

– Homework has simply become overwhelming. Please stop too much homework now before the next generation is burned out. Society can’t withstand the loss of our best and brightest minds.

Conclusions• Now it’s your turn

– Write a conclusion using a figure of speech

– Write another using a call to action– Write one that ends with a warning

Persuasive Essay

Introductions & Conclusions• Which do you like best? Does it grab

the reader’s attention? Does it clearly state the subject and your opinion? Does the conclusion effectively summarize the essay?

• Choose the best intro and conclusion and include them as part of your essay. Rewrite as necessary.

Persuasive Essay• Introductory Paragraph

• Three Body Paragraphs

• Concluding Paragraph

Persuasive Essay• Revise and edit your essay.• Read it to yourself out loud.• Write a final draft.• Turn in the following:

– Prewriting (word webs or what, why, how chart)

– Three introductory paragraphs & three concluding paragraphs

– Final draft

Persuasive Essay

• Use persuasive, positive language (obviously, clearly, definitely, etc.) and write in a forceful way. Avoid negative language and name calling.

• What negative language have you used?

Persuasive Essay

• Think of 2 objections to your opinion that an opponent might raise– 1

– 2

Persuasive Essay• What answers do you have to these

objections?– 1

– 2