Writing the Persuasive Essay

Following the Prompt To begin a persuasive essay, you must first have an opinion you want others to share. The writer’s purpose is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s viewpoint or to take a particular action. That’s why the essay must be centered around a clear position, which represents the writer’s viewpoint on the issue and forms the basis of the argument.

To be valid, an opinion or point of view must be supported by facts and information. Support your position with specific examples—from your own life, from your experience in and knowledge of the world and modern life, and from what you’ve read, seen, and discovered through books, movies, television, news, and history.

You can use ethos, logos, pathos, or a combination—but you have to rely on what you really know and understand. That means NO false evidence!

THESIS/CLAIM The thesis statement:  states your position on the topic  sets up the structure for the paper. (the “road map” for your essay)  introduces your two reasons The claim comes in the opening section of your paper. It states your belief and what you wish to argue.

SUPPORT THE THESIS Support your thesis with two reasons.  Write down the two main reasons that support your belief on a separate piece of paper.  These are your arguments.

Your support is the reasoning behind your argument. You provide supporting evidence for your claim (data, quotes, anecdotes, and so on). You use support to blend together logical and emotional appeals.

Concession Concession: an agreement with, to allow a reasonable claim to be expressed from an opposing point of view With a concession, you recognize the arguments made by the other side. A concession builds your credibility. It shows that you can discuss the other side with objectivity. A concession grants that the other side has some truth.

Refutation Refutation: a distinct disproval; disproof Following the concession, a refutation argues at length against the opposing viewpoint by proving your side has MORE truth.

PREPARING YOUR ARGUMENTS  Look at the two main reasons for your opinion.  What objections would others have to those reasons?

THE AUDIENCE When introducing the topic, think about the audience first.  How can you “hook” the audience’s attention?  Develop your argument to make it convincing and forceful.

INTRODUCTION PARGRAPH  The first sentence is a general statement, designed to attract the reader’s attention.  Second and perhaps third sentences narrow the idea down to your specific idea.  The last sentence in the introduction must be your thesis.

INTRODUCTION Think of the introduction as having a funnel shape: General statement (hook) Specific information Thesis

HOOK The hook grabs the reader’s attention. It often establishes a connection between reader and writer and provides background information. It can be, but is not limited to, an anecdote, an image, a definition, or a quotation.

BUILDING BODY PARAGRAPHS The first topic sentence of the first paragraph will be the first reason that supports your position. You may even wish to begin the sentence with the word first to focus the reader’s attention on its importance.

First Body Paragraph: Write a topic sentence and two details that support the reason you believe what you believe. Repeat the process until you have two body paragraphs with two different reasons and two details to support that reason.

Counter Arguments Now, address your counter argument in a paragraph explaining why your position is a better one. Build your argument so that the strongest evidence is at the end.

BUILDING PARAGRAPHS  The final sentence in each paragraph should sum up and make a transition to the main idea of the next paragraph.

Conclusion/Call to Action It draws your argument to a close, restates your claim, and makes a final appeal to values. It voices a final plea. It does not repeat information, but sums up the argument with a few final facts and appeals.

What is not effective Saying the opposing viewpoint is “stupid.” Good essays are clear, calm and factual. Prove it instead. Saying negative things about groups or individuals that have different view points. This does not support your position but makes you seem petty instead.

How many is that? 1.Intro Paragraph 2.Body Paragraph 1(with concession and refutation) 3.Body Paragraph 2 (build up to your strongest reason) 4.Conclusion Paragraph

Reflecting on Your Paper Have you shown that you understand the objections to your position? Is it clear that your position still outweighs the possible objections?