This document provides guidance on developing effective content for the body paragraphs in a persuasive essay. It recommends including a topic sentence stating a claim that supports the thesis, facts or examples supporting the claim, and explanations of how the facts/examples connect to the claim. Body paragraphs should utilize a variety of persuasive techniques like ethos, pathos, and logos. The document also discusses using counter-arguments to present opposing views and then refute them to strengthen one's own argument.

1. Persuasive Writing
DEVELOPING CONTENT IN THE
BODY
PARAGRAPHS

2. What goes in my
body paragraphs
 Effective body paragraphs in a persuasive essay
follow a precise structure.
 A topic sentence that makes a claim to support the thesis
 A fact or example that supports the claim of the topic sentence
 An explanation of how the fact/example supports the claim
 Another fact or example to support the topic sentence OR
further extension of the first fact/example.
 An explanation of the second fact’s connection to the claim OR
a final statement or enrichment of the first fact/example
 A transition sentence to smooth the way for the next claim

3. Sticking with our cell phone
example, let’s look at a good
paragraph.
Topic sentence that
makes a claim
Allowing a child to have a cell phone will help the child
to learn to be responsible. Today’s mobile devices are
Fact that supports
somewhat delicate and can be expensive. Children will the claim and
have to exercise responsibility to take care of their explanation of the
phone and be sure not to damage it. Additionally, most connection.
phone plans supply a limited amount of usage. Users
must responsibly monitor their time spent talking, Fact that supports
texting, and web browsing in order to avoid overage the claim and
explanation of the
charges. As children grow accustomed to the demands
connection.
of having a cell phone, this newly learned responsibility
may even bleed over into other areas of his life. Transition sentence
to smooth the way for
the next claim

4. Don’t confuse claims with facts
Claims Facts
 Present an arguable  Are TRUE
position
 Are verifiable
 Reflect a conclusion you
have made  Are not disputable
 Shouldn’t be confused
with opinions or
preferences.
 “Vanilla ice cream tastes
better than chocolate” is an
opinion. You can neither
argue nor prove it.

5. So, should I use facts or examples?
Facts Examples
 Provide a strong  Create “real world”
support that is connections for your
indisputable reader
 Offer credibility to the  Allow the reader to see
argument and author himself in your
argument
USE BOTH!

6. Suggestions for facts and examples
 General knowledge
 Cell phones can be somewhat expensive and delicate
 Personal experience
 My cell phone, like many others, was expensive and is easily
damaged.
 Historical or literary reference
 The first mobile phones were about 10 inches in
length, weighed a little over a pound, and came in a
large, foam-filled, protective bag. As the mobile phone
industry has evolved, phones have become smaller, and more
delicate.
 Statistical knowledge
 25% of Americans lose or damage their cell phones each year

7. Don’t Forget!
As you plan your body
paragraphs, don’t forget the
persuasive techniques and
rhetorical categories. You
may want to review those
techniques from the
previous unit.

8. Once you have a handle on the classic
body paragraph, you may want to turn up
the heat on the opposition with a
COUNTER-ARGUMENT
In a counter-argument, you will present an argument that opposes your thesis.
Ideally, this argument is the most powerful argument against your position.
Once you have established the opposing view point, it is your job to discredit
the argument. This technique is so powerful because it shows that you, the
writer, are an objective thinker who has obviously considered both sides of the
issue and come to a more than reasonable conclusion.
The most important aspect of the counter-argument is the destruction of it.
Make sure that you choose an argument that you can discredit effectively, or
you will weaken your own argument, and thus, your essay.

9. Counter-argument structure
• Present opposing view point
• Clarify the opposing argument
• Offer rebuttal
• Explain rebuttal
• Further explanation of rebuttal (as needed)
• Reassert your position and transition

10.  Make sure you are not negative
Avoid  Avoid attacking your opponent
Counter-  Insulting the opponent’s
argument intelligence does NOT discredit
Pitfalls his argument
 Make sure your rebuttal is solid
 Explain your rebuttal
completely
 End the paragraph with a
reassertion of your
position on the issue

11. Counter-argument example
There are those who believe young people should not have cell phones because
the children will waste their time engrossed in the device. My opponent might
say that the time spent with the cell phone detracts from family time and school
work time. This argument, however, serves to highlight a benefit of cell phone
use among young people. Parents who wish to reap the benefits of the cell
phone will find numerous teachable moments related to time management. At
first, the parent should be the responsible party, modeling the behavior the
child should exhibit and monitoring the child’s time with the phone. As the
child becomes more familiar with responsible cell phone habits, he will begin to
monitor his own usage and will limit himself to a reasonable amount of time
with the device. As with any educational tool, it is the responsibility of the adult
to make sure the tool helps the child to learn the intended lessons. The cell
phone is most definitely an invaluable educational tool when used as such.

12. Your turn: Write the body of your essay
Already have a draft? Haven’t started yet?
 Make sure you have at least three
 Review your prewriting to
body paragraphs.
 Review each paragraph to be sure
determine the order of your
you have: arguments.
 a clear topic sentence that relates a  Compose at least three body
specific claim that supports your thesis
 offered facts to support your claims
paragraphs that utilize ethos,
 explained the significance of the facts pathos, and logos arguments
 provided a transition sentence and follow effective structure.
 Review your arguments to make  Add a counter-argument if you
sure you have used a variety of feel comfortable doing so.
rhetorical techniques
(ethos, pathos, logos)
 Add a counter-argument if you
feel comfortable doing so.