1. Thursday, February 27, 2014 Do Now: Objectives:
Discuss the organization/structure of a persuasive essay.
Analyze our essays from Monday for clear structure and organization.
Complete a Persuasion Map.
Do Now:
In at least three sentences, describe your writing process.

2. What do I need?
A narrative Plot Characters Dialogue A how-to paper Ingredients/Supplies Directions A critical-analysis paper Quotes from the text Literary criticism A persuasive essay A position Supporting reasons Examples

3. STAAR Persuasion Essay Rubric

4. The Structure of a Persuasive Essay
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Support #1
Examples
Support #2
Counter-Argument
Conclusion

5. Captures the attention of the audience
Writers sometimes use the following to begin their introduction:
Incident Analogy Definition Quotation Example Startling Statement Description
Contains your thesis statement, or your topic sentence, that clearly states your position

6. Some Ways Not To Begin I am going to tell you about . . .
Once upon a time . . .
This is an essay about . . .
The assignment says I have to write about . . .
Using the quote the prompt gave you to introduce the topic

7. Your Thesis Statement
A short and concise sentence that states your position on the issue. It is what the rest of your paper will prove. It consists of a subject and an opinion on that subject.
Examples:
In school, a dress code should/should not be required.
In school, students should/should not be able to wear whatever they want.
Practice:
Write a thesis statement for the following issue:
In your school, instructors have the right to ban cell phones in their classrooms. Explain why you favor or oppose such a ban.

8. More Thesis Practice . . . YAY!
Can the following sentences be considered thesis statements?
Today the cafeteria is serving pizza.
Our basketball team is better than last year’s.
Flowers for Algernon was a fascinating book.
My son is going to take a picture with the Easter Bunny.
English is the most horrible subject in the universe.
Brutus is an honorable man.

9. State your first reason/support for your argument.
State your second reason/support for your argument.
Immediately succeeding your first reason/support, provide examples that strengthen it.
Immediately succeeding your second reason/support, provide examples that strengthen it.

10. Common Transition Words
Consequently,
However,
Furthermore,
Finally,
Additionally,
On the other hand,
In addition,
First,
Moreover,
Second,
Besides that,
Next,
In the same way,
Although,
Similarly,
Therefore,

11. Acknowledges the opposing position AND why it is wrong
Addressing the “naysayer” and “disarming the critics” adds credibility to your paper. It makes you appear more knowledgeable about the issue and makes your reasons harder to refute.

12. Counter-Argument Practice
If my thesis statement is: Instructors should not be allowed to ban cell phones in their classrooms. In my essay, I might address the “naysayer” by saying Although many contend that cell phones only serve as a distraction for students in the classroom, they are not considering the many ways in which cell phones can be used educationally and with meaningful purpose in the classroom.

13. Restates the main points
Contains a closing thought, such as a call to action, from the audience
Common concluding phrases include:
In Conclusion, As you can see, It is clear that, Obviously, For these reasons,