Writing from sources The Persuasive Essay

Persuasive writing What do you think is the goal of this type of writing? =To convince others of your point of view (just like debating!)

Writing from sources…What is this? Persuasive Essay = 5-6 paragraphs You are given a topic You are provided with different texts (mini articles, speeches, cartoons, graphs, charts) You must create a complex claim and write about your stance on the topic using a SPECIFIC # of the given sources

Important to outline before writing! Once you are given the topic: Read through all of the given sources and annotate them Label each text affirmative/negative Determine your stance Pick which sources will help you write the essay Create a 3-part claim

Remember: How to Create a 3-Part Claim Your claim is your thesis - the statement you will be proving throughout your writing Think of the phrase “3 part” as synonymous with “3 reasons”. Once you determine your stance on the topic, create a statement that summarizes the three main reasons as to why you are in the affirmative or negative.

Example of 3-part claim with school uniforms: Schools should adopt school uniforms because they create a sense of community, encourage students to focus on their studies, and are economically beneficial. For a school uniform essay: Body 1 = create sense of community Body 2 = encourage students to focus on studies Body 3 = economic benefits

Everything has a formula: The Introduction = boys Broadly introduce the topic you are writing about Explain the “other side” (the opposing viewpoint) Describe your stance (without using “I”). This is your THESIS/CLAIM. List the sources you’ll be using

Example Intro w/Topic: Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school? There is often a discussion on whether technology is beneficial to students, such as computers and cell phones. (B) Many people believe that the positive factors of having a cell phone in school outweigh the negative. For example, cell phones do allow students to contact parents in an emerg. (O) However, it is very evident that there are many more reasons why having cell phones in school is in fact destructive to students. Cell phones hinder face-to-face interactions, cause, and are, distractions in class, and allow bullying to become more widespread. (Y) **Notice 3 part claim** The sources that support this stance are Texts 1, 3, 4 and 5. (S)

The body paragraphs = TEES (x3) Topic Sentence- the first sentence in the paragraph that describes what you’ll be writing about Reasons that supports your stance. Use Examples/details FROM THE SOURCES that support what you say and Explain them/Extending You can reference the other side (pull a quote) and prove that it’s wrong! Summarize your thoughts at end of paragraph

Tips: Read each text and identify whether it is in favor or in opposition to the topic (write it at the top of each text!) Choose your stance! Highlight/underline main quotes that support your point in each text Plan! Create a sketch of what your essay will look like Intro = BOYS (Claim is the most important here! Complex) Body Paragraphs (3) = TEES Pull quotes and cite (ie: Text 1)! Your argument MUST include a discussion on how the “other side” is wrong!