The Persuasive Essay Time4Writing Mrs. Gardner, Instructor
What to expect You have finished your first complete essay! Now that you understand the basic essay structure, you re going to try writing a couple different types of essays In this unit, you will write a persuasive essay Same general structure of expository Content within the essay is different
What is a Persuasive essay? A convincing case in favor of, or in opposition to, an argument Difference from an expository essay Bias Taking a side Carefully argued perspective
Persuasive Essay Requires the student to Appeal to the reader s sense of logic Present specific and relevant evidence Well-organized structure Use evidence to support your viewpoint Statistics Facts Quotations from experts Examples
Persuasive Essay Consider opposing views Anticipate concerns and questions Respond to these points Explain why your viewpoint is best Present a strong conclusion Evidence and explanations should build to a strong ending Summarize your view in a clear and memorable way May include a call to action
Persuasive Essay Do use a pleasant and reasonable tone Logic and fairness will keep it strong Don t use sarcasm or name-calling Weakens an argument
Choose a topic The first step is choosing a topic Brainstorm ideas Needs to have depth and support Pick a topic in which you strongly believe Easier to defend your ideas Makes your paper more convincing Consider the opposing viewpoints
More about the topic You must take a stand No room for wishy-washy declarations Write about something with which you are familiar You will know something about it and be willing to research to learn more The topic should be something upon which there is a reasonable difference of opinion The topic must be very specific
Prewriting- Brainstorming Do your research Use at least three sources Never use just one source Will strengthen your argument Will help you understand the counter-arguments Will help persuade reader by showing verifiable facts
Prewriting-Drafting Use an active voice Avoid passive language Use third person point of view You need lots of research to back up your position First person weakens your research Be clear Sounds like just an opinion Use concise, clear language Unnecessary wordiness will detract from the clarity
Drafting Arrange the essay Introduction with strong thesis statement Body paragraphs Each one will take one reason from the thesis statement and offer proof that the reason is valid Each one will include three smaller points defending the reason from the thesis statement Add citations to help drive home the message that these are facts rather than just opinions Each one will end with a transitional sentence to the next paragraph Keeps the reading smooth
Drafting Dissect the counter-arguments Can be separate paragraph Mention the counter argument to each reason Should be shot down with persuasive, rational arguments Emotions have no place in this type of essay Spell out why the counter-argument is wrong Use facts to dissuade the readers from the counterargument
Drafting Build a solid conclusion Tie together the entire essay Drive home the main argument once more Remind the reader of your strongest sources Reader should be convinced that your position is valid and supported by facts
Outline Introduction Hook (attention-grabbing opening sentence) Background information Three sentences leading up to your main idea or perspective on the topic Thesis statement Subject + argument about the subject + three reasons for your argument or viewpoint
Outline Body paragraphs Each paragraph should focus on one reason listed in the thesis statement (topic sentence) Each paragraph should include three details, in the way of evidence or examples (support/detail sentences) Each paragraph should end with a transition to the next reason or paragraph (closing sentence) One paragraph can be included to accurately explain and then refute the most significant opposing view
Conclusion Outline Creatively rephrase your thesis statement Summarize the main supporting points Leave the reader with a sense of closure Information in this presentation has been adapted from: http://www.howtodothings.com/hobbies/a4174-how-to-write-a-persuasiveessay.html http://www.wikihow.com/write-a-persuasive-essay http://www.writeexpress.com/persuasive-essay.html
An Adventure! Are you ready to get started? Click on the Persuasion Begins link and get ready to set sail! If you need help, please send me a message via the Send Mrs. Gardner a message link Be sure to review and even print out the resources in the top block of the Home Page