Think about it… what are teenagers the absolute best at? November 3, 2011 DO NOW: Take out isn Turn to page 48!!! Think about it… what are teenagers the absolute best at?

Everyday we persuade! (or argue) When we dress up to impress a special person When we argue with a friend about what is right When we try to convince others about politics Whenever we try to convince people to see the world our way... We are attempting to persuade someone

A persuasive essay… Does the same exact thing! It is a piece of writing in which you try to convince your reader of your points of view. This can be found in the following types of writing. - shorts essays - letters to the editor - TV and radio scripts - letters to individuals - courtroom

Persuasion To persuade your readers is to convince them to think, act, or feel a certain way. Specifically, the process of persuasion involves appealing to one or more of the following: Reason/rational thinking Emotion A sense of ethics.

Thesis statement A thesis is a one-sentence statement about your topic that is written in the opening paragraph. It’s an declaration about your topic, something that you claim to be true. One major purpose of the thesis is to predict what will follow. It does this both for the writer and for the reader. Your thesis should direct the writer throughout the writing process. Your thesis should create expectations about the content for the reader.

Write the correct thesis on pg. 48 for example Physical Education is a class at our school. Physical Education is a valuable class at our school

Select the thesis! Physical Education is a class at our school. Physical Education is a valuable class at our school

Select the thesis! Student uniforms rob individuals of their rights to express themselves More and more schools are turning to the use of school uniforms

Select the thesis! Student uniforms rob individuals of their rights to express themselves More and more schools are turning to the use of school uniforms

Select the thesis! The local middle school principal requires students to stay one hour after school to complete homework assignments The local middle school principal unfairly requires students to stay one hour after school to complete homework assignments

Select the thesis! The local middle school principal requires students to stay one hour after school to complete homework assignments The local middle school principal unfairly requires students to stay one hour after school to complete homework assignments

Pass the folder! Read the topic written in your folder With your group, write two different thesis statements about your topic Remember… a great thesis statement makes a strong statement about the topic

Original folder In your group, review every thesis statement and choose the best two Share with class

Bullying presentation ISN pg. 48 What was Mrs. Burns thesis statement for her bullying presentation?

Thesis statements continued… pg. 48 A thesis statement is something that needs to be proved The writers job is to prove they know what they are talking about They achieve this by including their best reasons for their argument

Example statement Drug education should be a part of the curriculum for every student in middle and high school. Ask yourself…. Why do I believe this statement is true? What have I seen or read or heard that caused me to convince others that is statement is true?

Three Reasons Drug education should be a part of the curriculum for every student in middle and high school. Adolescents are especially likely to be victims of drug abuse Informed students are more likely to make the best choices There is no other place, other than school, where all students are assured to be reached with the same information

Bullying presentation How did Mrs. Burns try to prove her argument? What were her three reasons?

In your small group… Create a thesis statement about how to prevent bullying at school In your small group…determine three reasons that would prove your argument is true REMEMBER… you are convincing your audience your reasons would solve the issue of bullying forever!

Begin writing! Begin writing a persuasive paragraph about how to prevent bullying in school with your small group Ticket out the door… This will be completed by the end of the class period for your ticket out the door

Addressing every side Asserting a position and backing it up with reasons and support are essential to a successful persuasive essay The best way to persuade is to counterargue, which is to anticipate and respond to their readers objections, challenges and questions

Strategies for Counterarguing To counterargue Strategies for Counterarguing Writers show they are aware Writer may accept and incorporate concerns into argument Writer shows why concerns are invalid 1. Acknowledge 2. Accommodate 3. Refute Concerns Concerns Concerns

Writing persuasive essay Prompt: There has been much talk among the members of the school board in your community regarding whether or not to require students to wear uniforms to school. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with three convincing reasons