Grade Eight

1.Introductory Paragraphs Your introductory paragraphs will consist of 2 paragraphs: Paragraph One General Attention Grabber: You discuss your topic GENERALLY DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING SPECIFIC IN PARAGRAPH ONE Example: Do you think week ends are important? Paragraph Two General Definition/Description of your topic Example: Weekends are the days we take off to ………………………………………………..etc. THESIS STATEMENT:WHICH WILL STATE THE SPECIFIC MAIN IDEA OF YOUR ESSAY. Example: But do you think having a one day week end is useful? I strongly disagree. Let’s discuss the reasons

2.Body Paragraphs Paragraph Three It should discuss FACTS 1. You shouldn’t state your OPINION OR JUST YOUR POINT OF VIEW 2. YOU MUST USE REAL FACTS 3. EXAMPLES:ANECDOTES/STATISTICS/EXPERT OPINIONS/EXAMPLES 4. Check persuasive essay handouts 5. You must use sources and write them down. 6. Example: Internet/Books/----etc. 7. You must use TRANSITIONS 8. Check transitional phrases handouts in your copybooks

2.Body Paragraphs Paragraph Four: This paragraph should appeal to feelings 1. DONOT use more FACTS 2. CHECK PERSUASIVE ESSAY HANDOUTS TO USE PROPER EXAMPLES 3. AGAIN,CHECK YOUR HANDOUTS

2.Body Paragraphs Paragraph 5 Counter arguments: In this paragraph, you have to state what people who disagree with you say. Then, you have to state stronger and more persuasive facts to be more convincing. You can start by writing: Some people might think that ……………………..,but I can only tell them that (you write your stronger facts )

3.CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH In this paragraph,you just need to restate your thesis statement Use one of the following words/phrases to start your concluding paragraph: In conclusion,I still agree/disagree that ……………………………….. To summarize,I still believe that…………. Please, do not forget to write all your sources/resources at the end

Important Notes After writing your first draft, you must do the following: 1.Highlight every single item that was written in the outline. 2.You must write under each item its type. 3.Use the following checklist to make sure that all items are used: General Attention Grabber( ) Specific Thesis Statement( ) At least 3 types of different facts: a. Anecdotes( ) b. Expert Opinion( ) c. Statistics( ) d. Examples( ) 4.A paragraph that appeals to emotions (No Facts) ( ) 5.A paragraph that gives the counter argument( ) Transitions( ) Conclusion ( ) A list of sources ( )