Writing Persuasive Essays

We will go over these in class, but here are some important steps to rememember when creating your persuasive essays:

1)       First Consider Your Opinion

a.       Remember to create a positive and negative chart. This can help you make your decision.

2)       Identify the type of essay

a.       Letter?

                                                               i.      Remember to open (Dear Mr. Scudero,)

                                                             ii.      Remember to close (Sincerely, Joe Johnson)

                                                            iii.      Remember to include a date (March 10, 2011)

b.       Essay?

                                                               i.      Pay attention to who the essay asks you to address. Are you writing an essay to parents? To other students?

3)       Outline

a.       From your opinion, make a position statement (Although some students may prefer to keep their hats on indoors, I believe that no hats should be worn for a variety of reasons).

b.       Then create a t-chart. On the left, write the reasons that support your argument. On the right, note the two pieces of evidence that support each argument.

4)       Write Your Introduction

a.       Include your hook (restate the prompt)

b.       State your position

c.       Tell the reader your reasons

5)       Write Your Supporting Paragraphs

a.       Supporting Paragraph 1:

                                                               i.      Reason

                                                             ii.      Evidence

                                                            iii.      Evidence

                                                            iv.      Close

b.       Supporting Paragraph 2:

                                                               i.      Reason

                                                             ii.      Evidence

                                                            iii.      Evidence

                                                            iv.      Close

c.       Supporting Paragraph 3:

                                                               i.      Reason

                                                             ii.      Evidence

                                                            iii.      Evidence

                                                            iv.      Close

6)       Write Your Conclusion

a.       Restate your position

b.       Remind your audience of your reasons

c.       Call your audience to action (get them to join in your “fight”).