Brainstorm Organise Draft Brainstorm Organise Draft

 The purpose of an persuasive essay is to choose a debatable issue and persuade the readers that your opinion is correct.

 Study and analyze a topic.  Choose a position in relation to the topic. - Either FOR or AGAINST  Collect evidence that supports your position.

 Global climate change needs to be addressed.  The death penalty should be allowed for serious crimes.  Colleges focus too much on standardized test scores  Lotteries are good for a country’s economy  People are too dependent on computers  Animals shouldn’t be used for scientific research  Cigarette smoking should be totally banned  Cell phones are dangerous to society/health  Plastic surgery  Fast food chains shouldn’t be allowed to market to children  Can you think of any others?

 Make a list of PROs and CONs: Essay Topic: A ban on smoking in public PROCON -Cigarette smoke affects the health of secondhand smokers -The odor of cigarette smoke is disagreeable to nonsmokers -Nonsmokers feel they have the right to breathe fresh air -The problems involved with public smoking costs a lot of money - Only a small number of secondhand smokers have health problems -Creating a non-smoking environment would work -Smokers feel their rights would be violated -The government shouldn’t interfere with people’s personal lives.

 You must announce in the beginning of your persuasive essay what side of an issue you favor/support.  A thesis of an persuasive essay:  States the issue  Presents the writer’s stand/opinion on the issue.

 PRO: “Smoking in public should be banned because it is unhealthy, pollutes the air quality, and wastes public money.”  CON: “Smoking in public should not be banned because it is a violation of individual rights and there is no proof that secondhand smoke causes health problems.”

Introduction: - Begin with an attention grabbing hook and general statements. - Last sentence: THESIS  your position Argument 1: - Topic sentence stating your 1 st argument - Present evidence/examples Argument 2: - Topic sentence stating your 2 nd argument - Present evidence/examples Conclusion: - Restate your position and summarize your arguments - Conclude with a STRONG closing remark Argument 3: - Topic sentence stating your 3 rd argument - Present evidence/examples

Example Essay

The Breakdown: Paragraph 1 Introduction It has become quite easy and extremely fashionable in the world today to condemn smoking. From the myriad reports on the dangers of smoking, to lawsuits finding cigarette companies liable for the damage caused by smoking, and campaigns run by governments and health organisations, the general public has been made aware of the harmful effects of smoking. Yet, despite this knowledge, many people continue to smoke. This has led some people to believe that the only way to reduce smoking is to implement a law banning smoking. However, although it can be harmful, smoking should not be banned because it will cost non-smoking tax payers a lot of money, it employs thousands of people in 3 rd world countries, and the government should not tell people what to do with their bodies.

The Breakdown : Paragraph 2 First Argument First, banning smoking will cost non-smoking tax payers a lot of money. In the USA, excise tax on cigarettes ranges from 30 cents to over $4.00 (tobaccofreekids, 2013). According to RJ Reynolds (2014), over the last 15 years this tax has earned the government over 500 billion dollars. While a portion of this money is spent treating smoking related illnesses, much of it goes on other government programs. Without this source of revenue, money would need to be found elsewhere, and other taxes would need to be raised.

The Breakdown : Paragraph 3 Second Argument A further point is that the tobacco industry also employs tens of thousands of people throughout the world, particularly in poor, 3 rd world countries. Without the production and global sales of cigarettes, these people would have no jobs, and would be unable to support themselves or their families. According to an International Labour Organisation report, "These workers and their families, in thrall to the tobacco sector for their livelihoods, are faced with the prospect of an uncertain future” (2013).

The Breakdown : Paragraph 4 Finally, smoking is a personal decision; the government should not be telling people what to do with their lives. One of the fundamental principles of a free society is one’s right to choose what to do with their own body. Banning smoking violates this right. It also sets a dangerous precedent by allowing the government to implement laws that take away our freedom of choice.

The Breakdown : Paragraph 5 Conclusion In conclusion, smoking should not be banned because of the financial implication it would have; both domestic taxes and global employment would be negatively impacted. Furthermore, it would violate people’s freedom of choice, and open the door for further government interference.