Persuasive writing What is persuasive writing?

Persuasive writing is… An essay, letter, or speech which tries to convince the reader to believe what the writer believes about a certain topic.

Some DOS and DON’Ts Do: Organize ideas into paragraphs Have a thesis statement, worded as a compound or complex sentence in your introduction Come up with 2-3 main points to support your argument or position on the topic—these will be the body paragraphs Write a conclusion that contains a clincher statement Don’t: begin with “hello my name is___ begin with “I’m going to write about____” Stay in 3 rd person. Instead of “I think we shouldn’t wear uniforms” write: “Uniforms should not be required” be wishy-washy. Pick a side and stay focused on your opinion. Do not flip-flop. forget to support your opinions with facts, statistics, and examples.

Stages of Writing Prewriting (brainstorming) Planning (selecting/organizing ideas) Rough draft (pencil) Proofreading, editing, revising Final draft (pen)

Elements of a fabulous persuasive essay A thought provoking, clearly written thesis statement (your opinion on the topic written as the last sentence in the introduction). An engaging introduction with a hook At least 3 body paragraphs, each with strong main idea statements and effective supporting details (examples, statistics, personal reflection) Appropriate transition words between paragraphs A killer conclusion with a clincher statement

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is one sentence that explains your opinion on the topic. It should be a compound or complex sentence. The thesis statement should make your position clear to the reader. The thesis statement is usually the LAST sentence in your introduction.

Sample Persuasive Thesis Statements Along with the academics, there should be organized athletics in middle school. For various reasons, parents should not be their children’s friends on Facebook. In this writer’s opinion, middle school students should not be required to wear uniforms.

What is a Hook? A HOOK is an opening line that gets the reader’s attention. Some ways to start your essay and hook your audience: –Anecdote (a short story or personal reflection) –Fragment technique (words, phrases) –Quotations –Shocking statement or fact –Question ????

ANECDOTE A very short story within an introduction that helps to make the writer’s point/thesis clear to the reader. Example: I got out of bed, and looked at the alarm clock. I was running late! I would have to hurry to catch the bus. This was one of those days I was glad my school had a uniform policy; I wouldn’t have to waste much time picking out an outfit. (Thesis statement here)

Questions/Riddles Get your reader’s attention with a challenging thought or question. Example: What’s plain, and boring? What makes all students in a school building look the same and lose their individuality? If you guessed UNIFORMS, you’re correct! (Thesis statement here)

Fragment technique Uses 3 short fragments to create an image. Example: Plaid, pleated skirts, navy blue or beige Dockers, knee socks, and ties. Everyone neatly dressed and looking alike. Nobody outshining anyone else. (Thesis statement here)

Quotations Conversational: “All shirts must be tucked in. Can’t wear these J’s. Is my skirt the right length?” Every day, I am constantly reminded that, “Birds of a feather, flock together” - Unknown (Thesis statement here)

Shocking or surprising statements Provides statistics or facts that startles or surprises readers to pull them into your story. Example: Nearly 100% of students polled at Awtrey school claim to be against being required to wear uniforms to school, but the same number of students favor a strict dress code for both males and females.

2-3 Banging body paragraphs You should come up with two - three points to support your opinion Each of the points is a paragraph in your body Try to think of ideas that no one else would think of

Persuasive Writing Topic Your school has a uniform policy. Some people argue that uniforms in schools are beneficial because they cause less distractions, and some argue that they are not a good idea because they take away a student’s individuality. Do you agree or disagree with a uniform policy for your middle school? Make sure to support your position.

3 Reasons to support an Opinion Thesis: Uniform policies are good in schools, and should be implemented at middle schools Reason 1: Allows for less bullying based on wardrobe. Reason 2: Students will concentrate more on school and less on attire. Reason 3: It cuts down on cost of school clothes and time spent getting ready in the morning.

Tremendous transition words Transition words move from one thought to the next Usually at the beginning of 3 body paragraphs Avoid the same weak transition words (first, next, last)

A killer conclusion with a clincher statement Clincher statement is the last lline of your paper. It should almost shock your reader Conclusion leaves a lasting impression…

A killer conclusion with a clincher statement In conclusion, over 95% of parents polled are in agreement with a school wide uniform policy. Uniforms allow students to be who they are, not what they wear. After all, shouldn’t school be about academics rather than apparel? It’s time our nation got back to reading, writing, and arithmetic….not Baby Phat, Apple Bottom, and FUBU.

A review… What are some dos? What are some don’ts? What are these things… –A terrific title –A thought provoking thesis statement –An interesting introduction with a hook Anecdote Riddles Fragment technique Quotations Shocking statement –3 banging body paragraphs with innovative ideas –Tremendous transition words between paragraphs –A killer conclusion with a clincher statement

How will I be graded? Style Organization Ideas Conventions

Persuasive Writing… Sample Writing Topic

Writing Situation The Department of Education is considering a ban on the use of cell phones in public schools. Students would not be able to bring phones into school buildings for any reason. Many teachers and school administrators approve of the plan because they believe that cell phones are a distraction and disrupt class. Students and parents, on the other hand, feel that schools are limiting the ability of parents and children to keep in touch in case of emergencies. Writing Directions Write a letter to your principal either supporting or opposing the cell-phone ban. Provide convincing reasons and specific examples to support your position.