Civil Disobedience Persuasive Essay

It is important to stand up for what you believe is right.

Persuasive Essay Prompt Read the following quotation: “I became convinced that noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good.” ― Martin Luther King Jr., The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Think about the idea that by refusing to obey unjust laws and standing up for what is morally right, people can make a difference Write an essay stating your position on whether standing up for what you believe is right is a person’s moral obligation.

Hourglass Outline– Thesis Paragraph The introduction/thesis paragraph should consist of 2-3 sentences. It looks like a funnel V because it should start with a general idea and move to your specific thesis. Everything in the essay must pass through the thesis. Hook (this sentence should engage your audience in the topic with humor, a quote, an anecdote, an allusion, etc.) Bridge (this sentence should give a general statement about the topic to connect your hook to your thesis) Position/Thesis (this sentence should present your position on the issue, making sure that you take a clear side, and give two reasons to back up your point. [REMEMBER WHAT THE PROMPT IS ASKING!]

Hourglass Outline – Body Paragraph #1 Each body paragraph should consist of 3-4 sentences that expand on a reason that you gave in your thesis and give clear examples to back up your claim. Use the CSE paragraph model – Claim, Support, Explain. The first body paragraph should expand on your first reason. Claim (your topic sentence): Write a sentence addressing how your first reason supports your position. Support: Give an example (from a book or movie) that helps to illustrate your position. Explain (how or why does this claim support your thesis?): Explain how your example relates to your position on your topic and address any potential opposition (the other side of the issue).

Hourglass Outline – Body Paragraph #2 The second body paragraph should expand on the second reason you stated in your thesis. Claim (your topic sentence): Write a sentence addressing how your first reason supports your position. Support: Give an example (from history or current events) that helps to illustrate your position. Explain (how or why does this claim support your thesis?): Explain how your example relates to your position on your topic and address any potential opposition (the other side of the issue).

Hourglass Outline - Conclusion The conclusion should consist of 2-3 sentences. It looks like a triangle ^ because it starts with your specific thesis and moves out to a broader statement. Restate your thesis/position: Write one sentence that rephrases your thesis/position on the topic and your reasoning. (Write it similarly, not identically!) So What?: Write 1-2 sentence explaining what actions should be taken now. Try to focus on a strong emotional appeal.