1. Writing a Persuasive Essay
English 1 CP
Mrs. Rhyne
Writing 2.4

2. Persuasive Essay Outline
Introduction
Supporting Argument #1
Supporting Argument #2
Concession Paragraph
Conclusion

3. Introduction Hook (question, fact, quote, story) State the issue/topic
Give background info on the topic
State your position/opinion with two reasons=THESIS

4. Example Thesis Subject: Capital Punishment
Thesis: The death penalty should be abolished because it is immoral, allows the criminal an easy death without remorse, and costs tax payers a considerable amount of money
Three pieces of evidence are underlined.

5. Supporting Argument #1 Give argument (reason #1)=TOPIC SENTENCE
Support argument (examples, facts, anecdotes, quotes, etc.)
This should be the strongest argument in favor of your position
*Reasons are not the same as examples
Reasons show why your opinion is valid
Examples show how your opinion is valid

6. Example Supporting Argument
Thesis: Although many believe it is acceptable to take the life of a murderer, the death penalty should be abolished because it is immoral, allows the criminal an easy death without remorse, and costs tax payers a considerable amount of money
Using pathos: The death penalty is immoral and should be abolished. Sticking a needle filled with a slow-murdering poison into someone’s arm is awful. Strapping a human being into a chair and then blasting him with a 1,000 volts of electricity is unforgivable. Killing another person is inhumane. Murder is murder. Thus, the death penalty should be abolished.

7. Supporting Argument #2 Give argument (reason #2) =TOPIC SENTENCE
Support argument (with examples, facts, anecdotes, quotes, etc.)
*Reasons are not the same as examples
Reasons show why your opinion is valid
Examples show how your opinion is valid

8. Example Supporting Argument
Thesis: Although many believe it is acceptable to take the life of a murderer, the death penalty should be abolished because it is immoral, allows the criminal an easy death without remorse, and costs tax payers a considerable amount of money
Using logos: The death penalty allows a criminal to die without expressing remorse for his/her crime. Living each day with the knowledge that you killed someone is a far worse punishment. Death is almost instant, but regret lasts forever. According to Dr. Hall, behavioral psychologist at Whichever Prison in Madison, WI, cites research detailing the behaviors of prisoners who did not receive the death penalty but committed murder. Dr. Hall writes that these prisoners exhibit signs of severe depression and often seek therapy.

9. Concession Paragraph: AKA The Counter Argument
Give best argument against your opinion=TOPIC SENTENCE
Tell why this argument is wrong
Support what you say (examples, facts, anecdotes, quotes, etc.)

10. Example Concession
Thesis: Although many believe it is acceptable to take the life of a murderer, the death penalty should be abolished because it is immoral, allows the criminal an easy death without remorse, and costs tax payers a considerable amount of money
Concession: Although the death penalty eliminates costly prison terms, it still costs tax payers a considerable about of money. Execution is not cheap. According to Blah Blah, the death penalty costs tax payers 12 gazillion dollars a year. These funds would be better used building roads, providing resources to public schools, or digging the economy out of recession.

11. Conclusion Summarize all arguments (restate your opinion/thesis)
Close with a statement that supports your position
Call to action (what the audience should do or what will happen if they don’t do what you want them to do)

12. Other Important Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay-
It is okay to use “I,” “you,” “we,” etc.
Make sure your strongest argument comes first.
Remember to use ethos, logos, and pathos.
Your 4th paragraph MUST be your concession paragraph.
In your conclusion, leave the reader with a lasting impression of your opinion.
Prove that you are right with examples.