The Persuasive Essay

In persuasive writing, students construct an argument and present evidence.

Basically, they take a position and argue a point.

They are experts at this!  

Think about it.  They do it every day...with you, their teachers, their coaches…tons of people.  They successfully pose arguments and WIN arguments every day.

This is their type of assignment.

 Every Persuasive Essay written should contain...

·         a clear position...or claim

·         a convincing argument

·         solid evidence to support your claim

·         a reasonable tone

·         an approach that puts personal feelings aside

These kinds of evidence will be useful:

Facts:    Statements that are generally accepted as true.

Statistics:     Data gathered from credible sources.

Authorities:    Statements that are supported by citing an authority.  When one quotes a respected authority an argument gains more weight.

Anecdotes:    Short stories that tell about actual happenings can effectively provide evidence to an argument.

Scenarios:    Scenarios answer the question: What if?  Scenarios can make arguments more vivid and convincing.

A great essay goes farther by anticipating counterarguments (arguments that go against or represent the other side of your argument) and either refute or, at least, make concessions for them.

Great Essays Ask:

·         What will the reader be thinking?

·         What will the reader be feeling?

·         How will the reader react?

·         What objections or challenges can there be to my argument?

Put yourself in the same frame of mind you put yourself in when you ask your parents, guardians, or teachers for permission to do something:

·         What do I want?

·         What evidence do I have to convince them I should get what I want?

·         What could they argue against me?

·         What will I use to counter their argument?

·         What facts support my argument?

·         Don't forget your authorities -- Brittany's mom said she could go.  But Mitchell has one. :)

Most importantly, make sure they know the subject they are arguing well!

Take a stand without becoming emotional!

Finally…tell them to enjoy...after all,

we all know they love winning a good argument!

Most students have trouble getting started.  Following are templates for students to use.  They “fill in the blanks” with their own words…until they are ready to dump the templates and move out on their own.

They are a great tool to get students started as they never have to stare at a blank page!

What is the Link to the California English/Language Standards?