The document provides guidance on writing a persuasive essay, including defining its key elements and structure. It recommends that a persuasive essay should (1) take a clear stance on an issue and attempt to change the reader's view, (2) present evidence to support the thesis while also acknowledging opposing arguments and refuting them, and (3) conclude by restating the main point to convince the reader. The essay should follow a basic 5-paragraph structure with an introduction, 3 body paragraphs developing the argument, and a conclusion.

1. The Persuasive Essay

2. In persuasive writing, a writer takes a
stand FOR or AGAINST an issue and
writes to convince the reader to believe
this point of view.

3. Ideas and Content
In a persuasive essay, you are asked to
argue a position in an attempt to change
the reader’s beliefs.
! You also must state the opposing
argument and explain why the reader
should not agree with it. This is known
as a rebuttal.

4. Persuasive writing
follows the usual 5-paragraph format.
It has an introduction, a body where
the argument is developed, and a
conclusion.

5. Thesis
A thesis in a persuasive essay takes a
stand on a particular topic and works
to convince the reader that your view
on the topic is correct.
Example:
1.) Those who are old enough to fight in a war should
also be allowed to legally enjoy a beer.

6. Writing Your Introduction
The introduction has a “hook” to catch
the reader’s attention. Some “hooks”
include opening with:
– an unusual detail
– a strong statement
– a quotation
– a question
– an exaggeration or outrageous statement
– a shocking statistic

7. Introduction -- Thesis
The introduction should also include your
thesis.
There are two objectives of a thesis
statement:
1. It tells the reader the specific topic of
your essay and your position on it.
2. It imposes manageable limits on that
topic.

8. The Body
The writer then provides evidence to
support the opinion offered in the
thesis statement in the introduction.
The body should consist of at least three
paragraphs.
Each paragraph is based on solid
reasoning to back your thesis
statement.

9. The Body
Since almost all issues have sound
arguments on both sides of the
question, a good persuasive writer
tries to anticipate opposing viewpoints
and provide counter-arguments along
with the main points in the essay.

10. Where do I put the opposing
argument in my essay?
There are a couple of different ways to
present and refute the opposing
argument.
1. The best essays weave the opposing
argument into the writer’s position.
2. Another way is devote a paragraph to
state the opposing argument and then
refute it.

11. The Conclusion
Persuasive essays end by
summarizing the most important
details of the argument and stating
once again what the reader is to
believe or do.

12. General guidelines when writing
a persuasive essay:
1. Have a firm opinion that you want your
reader to accept.
2. Begin with a hook to get the reader’s
attention.
3. Offer valid evidence to support your
opinion, show the opposing argument,
and refute it.
4. Conclude with a restatement of what you
want the reader to do or believe.

13. Be sure to
• read,
• revise,
• and edit
• before publishing the final product.

15. Ideas and Content
You need to have a clear and developed
position that is supported by evidence.
arguable position is clearly asserted
appeals to either the reader’s
authority, reason, or emotion
uses pertinent evidence
alternative positions are identified
and addressed

16. Organization
The structure of your paper is logical and allows
the reader to make transitions from point to
point.
Introduction engages reader
Main ideas and evidence are presented
logically and sequentially
Transitions connect ideas between and
within paragraphs
The conclusion reinforces the position

17. Voice
Your energy and passion for the position
drive the writing, making the text
lively, expressive, and engaging.
Tone is appropriate for the
topic/purpose
Vocabulary and figurative language
convey the writer’s personality
The text is designed to hold the
reader’s attention by anticipating
the reader’s interests and needs.

18. Word Choice
Words convey the position in an
interesting, precise, and natural way.
Words are specific and accurate
Imagery is strong
Powerful verbs give the writing
energy.
Striking words and phrases catch the
reader’s interest.

19. FORBIDDEN WORDS
and PHRASES
good bad get, got
Nice fun cool
used to put stupid
Very really things
okay a lot cute
Stuff all right alright
I think I believe I feel
Contractions slang terms

20. Sentence Fluency
The text flows easily with a variety of
sentence structures and lengths
Sentence structure help show how
ideas relate
Sentence beginnings guide the reader
from one sentence to another
Variation in sentence structure and
length add interest to the text

21. Conventions
You demonstrate control of standard writing
rules and use them effectively to enhance
readability. There are very few errors that do not
interrupt the reader.
Paragraph division
Grammar and usage are correct
Punctuation is smooth and guides reader
through text
Spelling is generally correct
Writing is long enough to show skill in using
conventions.
Only light editing is needed.

22. One Last Reminder
BEWARE…… of YOU!!!
avoid writing in second person!
Stick with the word “I” or “they”
But NOT both of them!!!