Review of Persuasive Essay

Introduction Paragraph a hook background information a claim (this will be your thesis statement)

Introduction Paragraph Types of Hooks Scenarios Figurative Language Comparisons Descriptive details

Body Paragraph Topic Sentence (Claim + Reason) Evidence to support reason. Explain Evidence (How does the Evidence support the claim?)

Counterclaim State the Counterclaim (NOT “The counterclaim is…”) Give one piece of evidence that supports the counterclaim. Give a rebuttal. Explain why the evidence doesn’t support the counterclaim.

Counterclaim starters “Nonetheless, there are those who still think…” “Others believe that…” “Opponents of ______ believe that…” “Many people feel that…” “However, others believe that…” “Yet many others feel that…” “Even so, many feel that…”

Counterclaim example However, many people still believe that school should be year-round. They note numerous exciting programs that get students excited about learning. Yet these programs are not the same in every school in America. Some schools may use the extra time for boring drills and test prep. Simply adding more time to the school year does not make students learn more.

Counterclaim example Nonetheless, many still think Alexander should be known as “the Great.” They claim Alexander spread Greek culture and learning throughout the Middle East. However, Greek culture did not spread at the same rate. In many places, such as India, even Greek itself never became a main language, but simply adapted their sculpture to look more Greek. If Alexander really spread Greek culture, it would have made a bigger influence throughout his empire.

Counterclaim Example Even so, there are those who say that she was still right to deny my throne. They claim that I was too young, and that Hatshepsut was responsible for numerous achievements in buildings, monuments and trade. However, she stayed pharaoh when I finally reached manhood. My work as pharaoh was far greater and more important. Even her greatest achievement, the expedition to Punt, was led by me, not her.

Conclusion paragraph Claim (rewritten so it doesn’t sound boring) A summary of your reasons. A final memorable sentence.

Memorable sentences: Using the “hook” from the intro paragraph. Posing a question based on the claim. Proposing a solution – “call to action.”