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Steps to Writing a Persuasive Essay

Lit Center Mini LessonFALL 2013

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COMMON CORE STANDARD: PERSUASIVE-OPINION WRITING

GRADE 2 • Write opinion pieces in which they

introduce they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section.

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COMMON CORE STANDARD: PERSUASIVE-OPINION WRITING

GRADE 7• Write arguments to support claims

with clear reasons and relevant evidence. – Introduce claims, acknowledge and

address alternate or or opposing claims (counterarguments), and organize the reasons and evidence logically, using accurate, credible sources, and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text…

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COMMON CORE STANDARD: PERSUASIVE-OPINION WRITING

Grades 11-12• Write arguments to support claims in an

analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence…

• Use specific rhetorical devices to support assertions (e.g., appeal to logic through reasoning; appeal to emotion or ethical belief; relate a personal anecdote, case study, or analogy…

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Read the prompt and highlight key words.

Sample Prompt:

The local school board will meet to vote on increasinggraduation requirements to include one additional history-social science course and one additional course of English composition, both of which must be passed with a minimum grade of C. Advance placement students will be exempt from this requirement.

Topics: Think RIGOR-RELEVANCE

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You may want to teach students using the following

suggestions and guidelines as you guide them towards

independent writing (and writing-on-demand) for the

opinion pieces and persuasive writing required in the

Common Core Standards K-12.

Writing is expected to become more complex as students move up the grades,

so be sure all students understand the basic elements needed for their arguments

and opinion pieces at each grade level.

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Make an advantages (pro) and

disadvantages (con) list.

Note: Being aware of both sides of anissue allows the writer to be betterprepared to address opposing arguments.

Actually make a written list or T Chart

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T Chart Example

I Positives

Negatives GPA CAHSEE✚ Missing

units✚ Happy parents✚ Graduate with class

Free timeTime for

sportsTime for jobHomeworkTime in

classroomPissed off

parents

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Commit to a position. Highlight it

Choose the best ideas from the list

Prioritize/number them in order.

Save the strongest argument for last.

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Commit to a position/prioritize

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Positives Negatives GPA 5

CAHSEE 2 ✚ Missing 3

units✚ Happy 6 parents✚ Graduate 1With class

Free timeTime for

sports Time for jobHomeworkTime in

classroomPissed off

parents

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Write an occasion/position

statement (topic sentence)……

what you are writing about reason (occasion) what you are going to prove (position)

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Example occasion/position statement:

I would like to address the SchoolBoard with my belief that the

additional requirements for graduation

would onlybenefit all students in achieving

higheracademic proficiency.

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Occasion/Position Statement Counter Argument

TransitionReason Detail Fact

Example, Evidence, ExplainEEE

TransitionReason Detail Fact

EEEEEE

TransitionReason Detail Fact

EEEEEE

Conclusion:Restate topic/Summary of Reasons Emotional or Logical Appeal

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Revise—is the strongest argumentor idea used last for impact? Adjust transitions.

Reword to avoid redundancy. Consider the word choice of the conclusion.

Write a rough draft using theGYR format as a guide.

Edit for conventions

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Revise the content:

Refer back to prompt. Refer back to original list of reasons.

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Prepare the final presentation

Notes:

Upper grades add a powerful statementas part of the introductory statement which includes a counter-argument that shows awareness opposing points of view.

Each TYGR makes a paragraph—indent!