1. Persuasive Writing
By Bree Rolfe

2. Step One: Draw the Robot Man
Persuasive Writing Structure

3. Persuasive Essay
An essay that states your stance on a particular issue. Basically, it’s an essay arguing a position using evidence to support your argument.

4. The HEAD of our Essay For example:
Almost every day on the morning announcements, Ms. Smith reminds the students to
clean up after themselves during
the lunch. However,
not all students are helping
keep the school clean and safe.

5. The NECK of our Essay For example:
What is your opinion???
For example:
Students need to take pride in their school and treat it with respect because trash in the hallways is unfair to the custodians, it can cause a safety hazard and a messy school reflects badly on its students and faculty.

6. The BODY of our Essay
Give three reasons why you are taking your stand.
First of all, the custodians clean all day long and are some of the hardest working
people in the school.
2. Also, as Ms. Smith has stated many times, trash on the ground is a safety hazard.
3. Finally, a school that
is not clean reflects badly on its students and faculty.

7. Also, in the body… Or on the “arms” if you want
Support your arguments with evidence and examples. Your English teachers call this elaboration.
Finally, a school that is not clean reflects badly on its students and faculty. There are often visitors touring our school, such
as representatives from prestigious universities, like the University of Texas, that come for college fairs, and we do not want to make a bad impression.

8. The leg of your essay…
Opposing viewpoints are rebutted. You “shut down” the opposition.
Some people think that it’s the custodians job to pick up trash. However, a custodian’s job involves much more than cleaning. They have to maintain the building. If they are swamped with having to clean up student’s trash, they can’t do other things like change light bulbs in classrooms, move furniture and paint.

9. The other LEG of our essay
Students need to take a more active role in helping to maintain the schools appearance. Students should encourage one another to be both responsible and respectful by cleaning up after themselves.

10. What went wrong? You didn’t take a stand.
The argument was too general. Be specific.
No evidence or examples to support your stance
You over-used the first person or used “I think that…”
You used stereotypes or made personal attacks.
You got off topic.
You just complained without logical reasons. Don’t say, “it’s not fair!”

11. Remember the key to a successful persuasive essay…
Think. You need original thought.
You need a clear position/ stance.
Provide strong evidence to support your stance

12. Remember the key to a successful persuasive essay …
Use active voice, no “being” verbs.
Be mature, fair and reasonable
Write in third person most of the time (some 1st person plural)