Persuasive Writing

Paragraph 1: IntroductionWhat makes an effective introduction?• It grabs the reader’s attention.• It clearly implies an organizational structure of the paper. • It effectively includes one or more of the following strategies:

–anecdote or scenario– interesting fact or statistic–question

• Its choice of support is specific and relevant, and provides a clear, connected lead-in to the paper’s main idea or thesis.

• Position is clearly stated.

Thesis StatementWhat is a Thesis Statement?– The Main Idea of the essay– The author’s opinion on the topic

A Thesis Statement is: – One sentence.– Placed in the introductory paragraph– A claim that could be argued.– The essay will contain evidence and opinions that

support the argument.

Thesis Statement Don’ts• Using the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)

• Using unclear language(It seems, etc.)

• Attempting two topics at once (even if they seem related).Pick one and stick with it.

• Just stating a fact

A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about!!!

Thesis Statement Practice

Anecdote/Scenario

“Extra! Extra! Read all about it! New rule has kids scared.” Those are the headlines from The Seattle Times. The new rule is an epidemic, spreading around the country and making children cry. “No late work has a devastating effect and needs to be stopped now before it reaches other countries,” says Bill Warren, a noted authority. Not accepting late homework is giving kids extra anxiety and affecting their performance at school.

QuestioningDear Principal,

“Three strikes and you’re out!” Yes, that is baseball, but really everybody deserves a second chance at things, right? In baseball you get three chances at batting, why can’t you get just two at school? Imagine if you just had to go visit your grandpa in the hospital because you just found out he is ill? Shouldn’t you get a second chance if you didn’t get to your homework because it was too late by the time you got home? Teachers should accept late work in certain incidents when you tried and turned it in.

Interesting Fact or StatisticDid you know that a recent district survey

showed that four out of five school kids do not have passing grades because they do not turn their work in on time? This could be changed by no longer allowing late work. Allowing students to turn in late work gives them no pressure to finish the assignments on time. Students have no accountability for their grades and do not see the importance of completing their homework. For the benefit of all students, late work should no longer be accepted at Swansboro Middle School.

Body Paragraphs 2-4• Your thesis statement should plan these!– For example: Exercising thirty minutes a day is beneficial

for improving health, making people feel more energetic, and creating happiness.

topic of paragraph 2, topic of paragraph 3, topic of paragraph 4

• Topic Sentence

• Supporting Details

• Proper Transition words! – see back side of your notes sheet

Add Transition Words

Exercise makes people happy. Exercise makes people happy because they aren’t laying around doing nothing. Exercise makes people happy because they can find a workout buddy to talk with. Exercise makes people happy because many people lose weight and improve their physical appearance. Exercise makes people happy because they can listen to music and everyone loves music. Exercise makes people happy.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion What makes an effective conclusion? Clearly connects introduction and body of the paper with

insightful comments/analysis.

Ends using one or more of the following strategies effectively:–Call to action–Anecdote or scenario–Prediction

Wraps up the writing and gives the reader something to think about.

Example: Call to Action

Now do you see why it’s not right to say that teachers should not accept late work? Not everyone is perfect and sometimes students might make mistakes. But isn’t that how we get wiser? Only you, Mr. Perez, have the power to choose between becoming a dictator or the president of a proud school. Say no to no late work!

Example: Prediction

“No late work” policies should be against the law. They make students stressed out, depressed, angry, and tired. If a rule as such is adopted, no one will take part in extra activities offered to them, the Honors Programs will be lacking, students will be falling asleep in class, and grades will begin dropping. Picture a school full of students like this. Is it really worth it?

Example: Solution

Accepting late work would be a great idea. If you are concerned about students that repeatedly don’t turn work in on time, take some points off for late work or put a limit on how late work can be turned in. Accept late work for good reasons. Every student’s situation is unique and some do abuse the system. This is one instance when not all students should be treated equally.

Writing Reminders• 5 paragraphs = 5 sentence minimum per paragraph! • Take your time!!!!• Details make your writing effective!• Omit boring words and use exciting words!• Use proper punctuation• Do not use contractions! • Indent paragraphs• Check spelling!