2. How to choose a general topic for your persuasive essay: Consult the list of topics we created. Pick an issue or subject that you REALLY care about. Do you feel passionate about this topic? Do you care about it? Pick something that is somewhat controversial. Are there two sides to the topic?Is there a reason to persuade people to think a certain way about this topic? Pick something for which there is evidence (facts). Can you find sources? (in the high school library? the public library?) Pick something that your audience will be interested in hearing. Pick something that is not overdone. Example: Year round school, gun control, death penalty, hunting, salary cap, etc.
3. How to go from a general topic to a narrowed topic: Decide whether you are for or against your issue. Why do people need to be persuaded about this topic? Put your topic in a question form and answer it. Usually this question will begin with the word "should" and can be answered with a "yes" or "no." Example: Should the school year be extended year round? YES!!!!!
4.
5. any sources that will help you determine their reliability (as well as for further reference)
6. what prejudices lie in the argument or values that may “make-up” the facts or the issue
7. what you think of the author's argumentList out facts; consider their importance:prioritize, edit, sequence, discard, etc.Ask yourself "What's missing?” “ is this what I am trying to persuade the reader to believe?” What are the "hot buttons" of the issue?List possible emotions/emotional reactions and recognize them for later use
8. How to go from a narrowed topic to a thesis: (The thesis is the main idea of your paper. It is the point you are going to prove.) Reword your question into a statement. If you want to, include your best support or an overall phrase about your ideas. Make it unique - it will make your topic more interesting and fun. Example: To ensure that students get the best education, the school calendar should be extended year round.
