English II: Persuasive Writing

What is Persuasive Writing?  Expresses the writer’s opinion  Tries to get the audience to do what you want them to do  Tries to make the audience think what you want them to think

Your Job as the Author  Introduce the issue & state your opinion  Give reasons/references to the play to support your opinion  Wrap up your opinion in a conclusion

1 st Part of an Essay: Introduction  One paragraph  Gets the reader’s attention  Includes title and author of play  THESIS: last sentence that expresses your opinion

The Thesis Statement  Choose the statement from the prewriting sheet you agree with. That becomes your thesis statement.  Your audience must know what YOU believe.  Without a thesis, the references to the play don’t support anything – and that affects the essay’s grade.

2 nd Part of an Essay: Body  Each paragraph (3 of them) makes reference to an event from the play that supports your opinion  Each reference is elaborated – explains how that reference supports your opinion  Includes the Act & Scene where the event occurs in the play

Organizing the Body Paragraphs  Start by choosing your three BEST reasons under the statement you chose as your thesis  If you have some events/reasons that are similar, you can combine them  Put them in order from weakest to strongest

3 rd Part of an Essay: Conclusion  One paragraph  Sums up main points  Restates thesis (not in the same words, though)  Provides closure

The Finishing Touches  Format the essay correctly  Proofread for grammar, mechanics, & spelling  Run spellcheck  Print a clean copy  Staple the scoring guide on top and turn everything in