Persuasive Essay

Paragraph ONE: Intro Paragraph 1. Hook (purpose is to catch the reader’s attention. Questions, setting, allusion, quote, etc.) 2. Explain hook (do not give away thesis yet. Just explain hook and transition toward points and thesis.) 3. Points (2 major points you will use to prove your thesis—general reasons why this “thing” needs to happen) 4. Thesis (the most important sentence of the essay—what you will be PROVING) ****Points and thesis can be written as one sentence.

Paragraph TWO: Body Paragraph one 1. Supporting Sentence #1 (must be point #1 from intro paragraph); SS #1 2. Example (a specific example of the SS #1) 3. Explanation--why (explain in detail how the example proves and relates to the SS #1) 4. Transition word leading to second example 5. Example 6. Explanation 7. Concluding Sentence (general statement that restates the SS #1)

Paragraph THREE: Body Paragraph two 1. BRIDGE (not only does it….., but it also…..; reminds the reader of SS #1 and introduces SS #2) 2. Supporting Sentence #2 (must be point #2 from intro paragraph); SS #2 3. Example (a specific example of the SS #2) 4. Explanation --why (explain in detail how the example proves and relates to the SS #2) 5. Transition word leading to next example 6. Example 7. Explanation --why 8. Concluding Sentence (general statement that restates the SS #2)

Paragraph FOUR: COUNTERCLAIM 1. Topic Sentence: (admit there are a “few small issues” with the “thing”) 2. Counterclaim /Supporting Sentence #1: (give 1 general reason that would cause concern) 3. Example (a specific example of the SS #1 counterclaim) 4. Explanation (DISPROVE!!! Either give a “fix-it” strategy or specific benefits that outweigh the negative aspects of SS #1) 5. Transition/Counterclaim/Supporting Sentence 2: Ex--“Not only could __ cause concern, but __ also could..” SS2--give 1 general reason that would cause concern ) 6. Example (a specific example of the SS #2 counterclaim) 7. Explanation that outweigh the negative aspects of SS #2) 8. Concluding Sentence (Restate the TS, but explain that the benefits far outweigh the negative aspects. NO DETAILS IN THIS SENTENCE.

Paragraph FIVE: Conclusion Paragraph 1. Restate THESIS (in different words) 2. Restate points (same order as intro) **Thesis and points can be in the same sentence. 3. WOW! Ending (refer back to hook) ***DO NOT BRING UP THE COUNTERCLAIM IN THE CONCLUSION***