1. Writing a Persuasive Essay In four steps…

2. Step One Read and dissect the prompt. Read every word very carefully. Think about what action the prompt calls for. Make sure you understand your goal.

3. Step One Read and dissect the prompt. Your school council is meeting next week to vote on whether or not the school rules should be altered to allow students to eat food in their classrooms. You must take a position and argue for or against this change of rules. Write an essay stating your position and developing arguments that will persuade the school council to vote the way you think is best.

4. Step One What action should you perform? Your school council is meeting next week to vote on whether or not the school rules should be altered to allow students to eat food in their classrooms. You must take a position and argue for or against this change of rules. Write an essay stating your position and developing arguments that will persuade the school council to vote the way you think is best.

5. Step One What action should you perform? Take a position Argue Write an essay State your position Persuade the school council

6. Step Two Research and take a position. Find resources about your topic. Use your own background knowledge or personal experiences. Choose one position and stand firm.

7. Step Two Research and take a position. In our example, you could look for similar situations by searching online, but you would probably want to use your own experience, or talk to others about their views on the subject of having food in class.

8. Step Three Plan your response. Subject: Audience: Purpose: Voice:

9. Step Four Write the essay. Use some prewriting strategies! (brainstorming, mind mapping, outlining, quickwriting, etc.) Follow the 5-paragraph format! (Introduction, Body, Conclusion. Make sure you have stuck to your point!

10. Review of the steps: Read and dissect the prompt. Understand every word What action should you take? Research and choose a position. Use resources or background knowledge Choose a position and stand firm Plan the essay. Answer four questions: Subject, Audience, Purpose, Voice Write the essay. Use prewriting strategies Follow the format Stick to your point