1. Do Now- Thinking in Threes
Write…
-3 things that make you unique
-3 things a person should NOT do during
a speech
-3 ways you can be kind
-3 qualities of an effective leader
-3 reasons you like your favorite book
-3 things you like about GVMS

2. The ORGANIZATION of a Persuasive Essay
(Lead + Thesis)
Intro
(Topic Sentence + explanation/evidence)
Topic 1
Topic 2
Topic 3
(Recap + Thesis)
Conclusion

3. Topic v. Subject
SUBJECT is usually considered a larger concept than a TOPIC. For example, the SUBJECT of a persuasive essay may be year round school. The TOPICS are the three reasons- vacation, mental relaxation, and summer jobs- that will be discussed about this SUBJECT.

4. Topic Sentences
topic sentence The main sentence in a paragraph, often the first sentence. It briefly conveys the essential idea of the paragraph.
American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition

5. Thesis vs. Topic Sentences
“So what’s the difference between THESIS and a TOPIC SENTENCE?”
A THESIS previews the SUBJECT and introduces the TOPICS that will be discussed in the essay.
A TOPIC SENTENCE is the sentence that introduces each TOPIC as it is discussed within its own paragraph.

6. Thesis vs. Topic Sentence
In other words…
A thesis is a statement that sets up the ENTIRE essay. It tells the readers your position and lists your reasons.
A topic sentence begins each paragraph in the body of the essay. It tells the reader what that paragraph will focus on.

7. Writing a Topic Sentence
Let’s use the following thesis to write 3 topic sentences.
Thesis: School should not go year round because students need time for vacation, mental relaxation, and summer jobs.

8. Thesis: School should not go year round because students need time for vacation, mental relaxation, and summer jobs.
Students need time for vacations that would not be possible during the school year.
Summer breaks allow students to clear their minds and come back to school mentally refreshed.
Summer breaks are necessary so that students can hold jobs when they are not busy with school.

9. Writing a Topic Sentence
Now you try it. With a partner, use the following thesis to write 3 topic sentences.
Thesis: People should not smoke because the habit is unhealthy, makes your clothes smell, and costs a lot of unnecessary money.

10. What comes after the topic sentence?
You must expand on your topic sentence- explain what you mean and support your idea with evidence.
How to support your topic sentence:
Examples
New solutions
Statistics
Facts
Quotations/Direct References
Anecdotes

11. Topic Sentence: Smoking has many detrimental effects on one’s health.
Types of Evidence: Examples Statistics Facts
New solutions Anecdotes Quotes/Direct References
Possible Evidence:

12. Topic Sentence: Smoking also makes your clothes smell.
Types of Evidence: Examples Statistics Facts
New solutions Anecdotes Quotes/Direct References
Possible Evidence:

13. Topic Sentence: Buying cigarettes is expensive.
Types of Evidence: Examples Statistics Facts
New solutions Anecdotes Quotes/Direct References
Possible Evidence:

14. Your Turn Write your 3 topic sentences.
For each one, do some brainstorming- What evidence might you use?
Topic Sentence: ________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Possible evidence: