Before writing anything, know your assignment— READ THE PROMPT ! What is it asking you to do? In persuasive writing you are trying to convince others to agree with your facts, share your opinion, and accept your assertions and conclusions, to ultimately adopt your way of thinking. Explaining your position on the given topic you provide reasons that elaborate your ideas and CONVINCINGLY support your position. For our purpose here we are going to assert that the third little pig in the story “The Three Little Pigs” is the wisest.

 A Topic Sentence (TS) is the top chocolate cookie layer. TS = first sentence of the paragraph. It shows the main idea. Usually a mildly controversial statement--something that you have to prove.

Example Topic Sentence (TS) The third little pig’s choice of building materials illustrates his inherent wisdom.

 Concrete Details (CD) are the first ingredients in your triple stuffed Oreo filling. CDs = Support for your TS. (facts, quotes, examples, etc. from text) CDs can’t be argued with—a CD is evidence that supports your point!

The third little pig builds his house out of sturdy brick. Each layer of stuffing should have one CD

 Commentary Sentences (CM) are the next ingredients CMs = YOUR analysis, interpretation, explanation, or insight into the text. Each layer of stuffing should have a minimum of two CM sentences

The sturdy brick will last longer than a straw or twig construction. This results in a large initial outlay of money but less maintenance in the long run.

 A concluding sentence (CS) is the bottom cookie layer of your Oreo A CS wraps up the paragraph and transitions to the next one.

The third little pig not only outsmarts the big bad wolf but now has a lifetime investment.

 CHUNKING A combination of CDs and CMs is called a chunk. (This is the common literary term but Oreos sound better.) Your Oreo paragraph will have three chunks – layers of stuffing. That means a well developed paragraph will have at least eleven sentences. Are you serious?

One – TS (topic sentence) Two – CD (concrete detail) Three and Four – CM (commentary) Five – CD (concrete detail) Six and Seven – CM (commentary) Eight – CD (concrete detail) Nine and Ten – CM (commentary) Eleven – Conclusion/transition

 A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect your ideas. Example transitions: For example, For instance, Consequently, Thus, As a result, Because of this, In summary, Hence, Therefore,

 Select a character from The Odyssey and begin with your topic sentence (top chocolate cookie)  In ___The Odyssey/ L.T___, __(who)_________ is very __(what)________.  This is your claim.  OK – every English teacher you have had tells you not to use “very”; for our practice it is fine but don’t get any ideas that it will be acceptable in a real paper.

 For example, ______________________________________ ______________________________________ __________________________

 Why / how does your previous sentence prove the validity of your topic sentence.

 Add a new insight or concluding thought.