Persuasive Writing Practice Prompts & T.H.E.M.E.S.

When writing a persuasive essay, use the T.H.E.M.E.S. strategy to quickly generate support for argument or position. T: time H: health E: education M: money E: environment S: safety

Now try T.H.E.M.E.S. with this persuasive prompt: Writing Prompt: The city council is considering building a parking garage or a park on an empty lot. Write an essay that takes a position on the issue and defends the position with relevant support.

What are your choices? PARK or PARKING GARAGE Position: The city council should build a park on the empty lot. Step 1: Identify your position on the topic given in the prompt.

You chose - Build a PARK Step 2: Use T.H.E.M.E.S. to list benefits for your position – in NOTE form. T: takes less time to build than garage H: use park stay healthy E: educate people about local wildlife and plants M: save money because playscapes and jogging trails are cheaper than building garage E: help environment because trees and homes of animals are not destroyed S: less cars drive near park, keeping area safer

Step 3: Choose your THREE STRONGEST reasons Select the 3 strongest reasons for building a park instead of a parking garage – in SENTENCE FORM: 1.health benefits - People could use the park to exercise and remain healthy. 2.reduced costs (money) - The city would save money because constructing playscapes and jogging trails is less expensive than clearing the land and building a garage. 3.environmental benefits - The environment would benefit because the trees and homes of animals are not destroyed.

If you don’t know which position to choose, do T.H.E.M.E.S. for BOTH positions. Then pick the position that has the BEST support – don’t worry about which position you personally like better. Use the other position’s THEMES list for your counterarguments.

Now, write out THEMES for each of the following persuasive prompts.

TV Violence Violence has become a regular part of many shows on television today. There is an active movement to censor television shows containing violence for viewers under 16 years old. Write a persuasive essay stating whether television programs that contain violence should be censored for children under 16. Provide reasons to support your position.

Censor Television Violence Prompt Type: Unlimited Choice OR Choose a Side? Position: ____________________________ T: H: E: M: E: S:

School Improvement The school improvement committee is seeking ideas to improve your school. These ideas will be discussed during meetings with students, parents, administrators, and other interested parties. Choose ONE change that might improve your school for all students. Write an essay explaining your proposed change and why your suggested change is an improvement.

School Improvement Prompt Type: Unlimited Choice OR Choose a Side? Position: ____________________________ T: H: E: M: E: S: