2.   Students will provide an interesting lead and a clear thesis statement in their introductions

3.  Now that you have collected information on your topics, it's time to start putting your persuasive essays together.  Persuasive essays come in many different shapes and sizes.  There isn't a set format that every persuasive essay falls into. However, most essays consist of three basic components:  The introduction  The body  The conclusion  Today we will focus on the introduction.

4.  Parts of an Introduction  Goals of the Introduction  Engage the reader  Explain the issue  Establish your viewpoint

5.  There are many ways to engage the reader.  This can be done with an unusual detail  a relevant quote  an interesting fact  a strong statement  a question

7.  Readers need to know what the issue is about. You might want to briefly state both sides of the argument.  In your persuasive essay you would explain the basic issue.  The last part of the introduction is the thesis statement.  The statement should be a debatable opinion that explains your stance on the issue. In your essay the thesis statement could be, "Extending the school year throughout the summer will have more negative than positive effects on the school district and the education of the students." Here's an example of a completed introduction for our "Extended School Year" essay.

9.  Now it's time to work on your introduction in your Writers' Notebooks.  Use your "Goals of the Introduction" sheet to draft three different leads that will hook your audience.  Look back at their research for ideas.  Select which lead is most effective.  Finally, write your thesis statement and share with a partner.  Make sure your partner's statement is clear and debatable..

10. Close Today you worked on the first part of your persuasive essay. The rest of your essay will support your thesis statement.  Which opening lead do you think is the most interesting? Why?  What is controversial about your issue?  Is your thesis statement clear and debatable?  What points are you planning to include in the body of your essay to support your thesis?

11. Concrete poems due Monday. Printer paper Computer Colored Nice Sketches Final finish