1. Persuasive
Cornell Notes

2. Argument
A series of statements designed to convince someone of something.

3. Credible
Evaluate something to determine if it is believable.

4. First part of understanding the claim or opinion
Identify what the author is trying to prove, which is called the claim or opinion. Often the author’s opinion is stated in the form of a generalization, or a broad statement that covers many situations.

5. Identify the support
An author must provide support for a claim in order to create a persuasive argument.
Logic appeals – To show that their opinions are valid, authors present reasons, statements that explain why the author holds an opinion.

6. Evidence The information that authors use to support their reasons.
Types of evidence are:
facts
statistics
examples
quotations from or opinions of experts.

7. Emotional Appeals
To win readers over to their opinion, authors will use emotional appeal, for an example, authors will try to have their readers feel outrage over an injustice or feel sympathy for a victim. Emotional appeals include:
Loaded words (words with strong emotional connotations)
Anecdotes (brief stories)

8. Analogy
A similarity between like features of two things, on which a comparison is based.
"They crowded very close about him, with their hands always on him in a careful, caressing grip, as though all the while feeling him to make sure he was there. It was like men handling a fish which is still alive and may jump back into the water." - George Orwell, A Hanging
Word is to Sentence as Page is to Book.

9. Authors intent
Think about why the author is making this argument. What is the purpose of the argument?

10. Persuasive Essay
Your goal will be to state your opinion clearly and support it with reasons and evidence to persuade your reader to believe your argument.

11. Introduction Grab you reader’s interest with an attention getter.
Give background information so reader’s understand the issue.
Present an opinion (thesis) statement that identifies the issue and states your opinion on it.

12. Thesis Statement A thesis statement is a complete sentence
that contains one main idea. This idea controls
the content of the entire essay. A thesis
statement that contains subpoints also helps a
reader know how the essay will be organized.
Look at the introductory paragraph below.
See if you can identify the thesis statement and
subpoints.

13. Key Features Thesis Statement
States the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.
At the end of an introduction.
States an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.
Lists subtopics in the sentence or the following sentence.

14. Thesis Statement
Psychologists have argued for decades about how a person’s character is formed. Numerous psychologists believe that one’s birth order (i.e. place in the family as the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest influence. Birth order can have a significant impact in the formation of a child’s character based on my own experience growing up in a family of four children. Birth order can strongly affect one’s relationship with parents, relationships with others, and how one views responsibility as an adult.
The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.
Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized

15. Thesis Statement Examples
The sport of cross-country running.
This is not a complete sentence.
The sport of cross-country running has allowed me
to get in better shape and meet some interesting
people.
Thesis Statement
This is a question, not a statement.
Why do I want to be a teacher?
Being a teacher is a great profession, because it
allows me to work with students and be
creative.
Thesis Statement

16. Thesis Statement Examples
The problem of pollution in big cities.
This is not a complete sentence.
The problem of pollution in major cities can be
alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to
drive on city streets and creating more efficient public
transportation systems.
Thesis Statement
Why should marijuana be legalized?
This is a question, not a statement.
Marijuana should be legalized because it is not any
more addictive than tobacco and it can provide
numerous medicinal benefits for those suffering from
terminal illnesses.
Thesis Statement

17. Don’t State the Obvious
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
In thesis statements, you should avoid using
statements like, “This essay will discuss…” or
“I’m going to write about…”. Try to write a
thesis statement that captures your reader’s
attention without announcing your main topic
and stating the obvious. Look at the examples
below.

18. Example Paragraph
Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism.
The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read more about how Maya Angelou expresses these themes in her writing.

19. Key Features Subtopics
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the state.
No subtopics are named in this thesis statement.
subtopic #2
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the ability of the state to provide housing, electricity, and jobs for all residents.
subtopic #1
subtopic #3
This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

20. Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems.
Subtopics
Another Example
Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems.
No subtopics are named in this thesis statement.
subtopic #1
subtopic #2
Some of the most serious problems in today’s inner-city public schools are the overcrowded classrooms, the low percentage of trained teachers, and the lack of resources such as textbooks for students.
subtopic #3
This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

21. Don’t State the Obvious
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
In thesis statements, you should avoid using statements like, “This essay will discuss…” or “I’m going to write about…”. Try to write a thesis statement that captures your reader’s attention without stating the obvious.

22. Body
Provide at least three reasons that support your opinion statement , concrete details.
Give at least two pieces of evidence to support each reason, commentary. (commentary- your thoughts)
Organize the reasons and evidence logically.

23. Conclusion Rephrase your opinion.
Summarize your reasons, or include a call to action – a sentence that tells reader’s what you want them to do.