The Persuasive Essay

In persuasive writing, a writer takes a stand FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe this point of view.

Ideas and Content

In a persuasive essay, you are asked to argue a position in an attempt to change the reader’s beliefs.

! You also must state the opposing

argument and explain why the reader

should not agree with it. This is known

as a rebuttal.

It has an introduction, a body where

the argument is developed, and a conclusion.

Persuasive writing follows the usual 5-paragraph format.

Thesis

A thesis in a persuasive essay takes a stand on a particular topic and works to convince the reader that your view on the topic is correct.

Example:

1.) Those who are old enough to fight in a war should also be allowed to legally enjoy a beer.

Writing Your Introduction

The introduction has a “hook” to catch the reader’s attention. Some “hooks” include opening with:– an unusual detail– a strong statement– a quotation– a question– an exaggeration or outrageous statement– a shocking statistic

Introduction -- Thesis

The introduction should also include your thesis.

There are two objectives of a thesis statement:

1. It tells the reader the specific topic of your essay and your position on it.

2. It imposes manageable limits on that topic.

The Body

The writer then provides evidence to support the opinion offered in the thesis statement in the introduction.

The body should consist of at least three paragraphs.

Each paragraph is based on solid reasoning to back your thesis statement.

The Body

Since almost all issues have sound arguments on both sides of the question, a good persuasive writer tries to anticipate opposing viewpoints and provide counter-arguments along with the main points in the essay.

Where do I put the opposing argument in my essay?

There are a couple of different ways to present and refute the opposing argument.

1. The best essays weave the opposing argument into the writer’s position.

2. Another way is devote a paragraph to state the opposing argument and then refute it.

The Conclusion

Persuasive essays end by summarizing the most important details of the argument and stating once again what the reader is to believe or do.

General guidelines when writing a persuasive essay:

1. Have a firm opinion that you want your reader to accept.

2. Begin with a hook to get the reader’s attention.

3. Offer valid evidence to support your opinion, show the opposing argument, and refute it.

4. Conclude with a restatement of what you want the reader to do or believe.

Be sure to

•read, •revise, •and edit •before publishing the final product.

Ideas and Content

You need to have a clear and developed position that is supported by evidence.

arguable position is clearly assertedappeals to either the reader’s

authority, reason, or emotionuses pertinent evidencealternative positions are identified

and addressed

Organization

The structure of your paper is logical and allows the reader to make transitions from point to point.

Introduction engages readerMain ideas and evidence are presented

logically and sequentiallyTransitions connect ideas between and

within paragraphsThe conclusion reinforces the position

Voice

Your energy and passion for the position drive the writing, making the text lively, expressive, and engaging.

Tone is appropriate for the topic/purpose

Vocabulary and figurative language convey the writer’s personality

The text is designed to hold the reader’s attention by anticipating the reader’s interests and needs.

Word Choice

Words convey the position in an interesting, precise, and natural way.

Words are specific and accurateImagery is strongPowerful verbs give the writing

energy.Striking words and phrases catch

the reader’s interest.

FORBIDDEN WORDSand PHRASES

good bad get, got

Nice fun cool

used to put stupid

Very really things

okay a lot cute

Stuff all right alright I think I believe I feel

Contractions slang terms

Sentence Fluency

The text flows easily with a variety of sentence structures and lengths

Sentence structure help show how ideas relate

Sentence beginnings guide the reader from one sentence to another

Variation in sentence structure and length add interest to the text

Conventions

You demonstrate control of standard writing rules and use them effectively to enhance readability. There are very few errors that do not interrupt the reader.

Paragraph divisionGrammar and usage are correctPunctuation is smooth and guides reader

through textSpelling is generally correctWriting is long enough to show skill in

using conventions.Only light editing is needed.

One Last Reminder

BEWARE…… of YOU!!!avoid writing in second person!

Stick with the word “I” or “they”

But NOT both of them!!!