Persuasive Essay Writing The art of persuading someone to think like you!

Your Purpose Convince your reader to think like you do! Convince your reader to change his mind or his opinion on an issue. Convince your reader to take action of some kind.

Essay Layout Paragraph 1—Introduction—Make your CLAIM. This is your position/opinion on your issue. Be clear! Paragraph 2—First reason/argument ( I suggest starting with your medium-strength reason.) Paragraph 3-Second reason/argument (I tell students to sneak in the weakest reason here.) Paragraph 4-Third reason/argument (End with your strongest argument/reason.) Paragraph 5-Counterargument and rebuttal. Anticipate the other side’s argument (s) and argue back (your rebuttal). Doing this well makes you a stronger persuader! Paragraph 6-Conclusion. Restate your claim. Summarize your arguments/reasons and leave your reader with a strong final thought!

Introduction Your introduction should end with a clear, strong, and specific thesis statement! It should state your claim and preview your arguments. The reader should be able to read this and KNOW exactly what you’ll be writing about!

Introduction Your introduction should open with a hook to draw in your reader. -give an overview of your issue -share an anecdote that leads into the topic -start with a startling statement, fact, or statistic -quote an expert on your topic -set a scene related to your topic -start with a related rhetorical question -start with an unusual detail

Body Paragraphs o EACH body paragraph should begin with a well-written topic sentence that CLEARLY (and interestingly) states your argument/reason. o After your topic sentence, you should then include 2-3 supporting examples/details that back up your argument. Be clear and specific. Supporting details are very important in persuasion! This is your evidence! o I suggest that you start with your medium-strength argument, then go to your weakest, and end with your strongest. o BETWEEN body paragraphs, be sure to use TRANSITIONS that connect your ideas together!

Types of Support Personal experience…tell about a personal experience that supports your argument. Expert opinions…research what the experts are saying. Can they back you up? Examples…cite specific examples of what point you’re making. Analogy…compare your situation to another similar situation that supports your argument. Facts and statistics…research sources that might provide supporting data. Reasons…cite specific reasons (logic) for support. Emotional appeal…just be careful not to go overboard on this strategy! Be very careful not to make empty, unsupported claims!!

Counterargument & Rebuttal This may be located before or after your body paragraphs. We’ll place ours after. When writing a persuasive essay, it is important that you present the counterargument. You should acknowledge what the other side is thinking and arguing. You should then offer a rebuttal. This means argue back against their biggest argument(s). Don’t ever just say the other side is dumb, don’t know what they’re talking about, are wrong, etc.

Counterargument & Rebuttal Phrases you might start with… Some people believe that… Others might argue… While it is true that… Of course… I will concede… Although many might claim…

Conclusion o Restate the claim presented in your thesis statement. o Summarize your arguments (points). o End with final thoughts or a call for action. o You might pose a final question. o You could end with an appropriate quotation. o You could even make a prediction.