Writing a Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is used to convince your reader to agree with your opinion on a controversial topic. (controversial means that people often disagree)

The typical persuasive essay follows the 5 paragraph format

·  Introduction

·  3 Body paragraphs

·  Conclusion

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Step 1: Attack the prompt! Create a “do/what” chart where you list all the verbs of the prompt under “do”, and the objects of the verbs under “what”

Example: Write a persuasive essay in which you state your opinion on school uniforms. Use factual details to support your points with evidence.

Do / What
Write
State
Use
Support / Persuasive essay
Your opinion on school uniforms
Factual details
Your points with evidence

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Step 2: Pick a side and create a circle map! Write your opinion statement in the center circle and write your reasons/evidence in the outer circle.


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Step 3: From your circle map, pick the 3 best points to support your claim.

1.  Does not stop bullying or gang affiliations

2.  Students may feel unhappy at school, and will therefore not learn

3.  Requires that parents buy more clothes than they would normally buy

Now, pick the strongest of the three points and think of a point someone might make to disagree with you. This is called a counter point, and it is very important in shaping a persuasive essay.

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Step 4: Order your reasons/points in order from weakest to strongest. (Remember, your strongest point will also include a counter point). Now plug these into a “flee” map. (A “Flee” map is a combination of a flow map and a tree map)

School Uniforms should not be required

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Step 5: Create your thesis and hook.

Thesis Equation: Your opinion + your 3 reasons = thesis statement

Example: Students should not be required to wear school uniforms because they cost parents too much money, they make students unhappy, and it does not stop bullies or gangs.

Hook: You never get a second chance at a first impression. Entice your readers with an interesting first sentence. (Don’t use a question—it is usually done incorrectly) Make a bold statement related to your topic.

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Step 6: Brace map! Organize your essay in a brace map. Include where you will place all of your information for your readers.


Persuasive Essay: Students should not be required to wear school uniforms. /
Paragraph One: Introduction / Hook: There is absolutely no reason why a student should ever have to wear a school uniform.
Thesis: Students should not be required to wear school uniforms because they cost parents too much money, they make students unhappy, and it does not stop bullies or gangs.

Paragraph Two: Reason 1 w/ evidence / R: Uniforms require parents to buy more clothes than they would normally buy.
E: Parents usually only buy one set of clothing for their children. Uniforms require that they buy two.
E: The country is in an economic recession and the working class needs all their money.

Paragraph Three: Reason 2 w/ evidence / R: Students may feel unhappy at school, and will therefore not learn
E: If a student is self-conscience of how they look, they may spend more time worrying about that than paying attention in class.
E: An unhappy student usually has a bad attitude, and may hurt other students.

Paragraph Four: Counter Point, Reason 3 w/ evidence / CP: Many people believe that uniforms stop bullies and gangs influences.
R: Does not stop bullying or gang affiliations
E: Bullies want to put people down no matter what, so even if they can’t make fun of what they are wearing, they will find something else to make fun of.
E: Gang members will find new ways of identifying themselves

Paragraph Five: Conclusion / (Restate your main points)
There are many reasons why students should not be required to wear school uniforms. They cost money that parents don’t have, and they make students feel self-conscience. Furthermore, unlike common belief, they do not stop bullying or gang affiliations.