How to write a Persuasive Essay

Introductory Paragraph You need a HOOK: 1-3 sentences that will catch the readers' attention and make him want to continue reading your essay. Question format: I.E. "Do you know how much money you can save if you follow a few simple steps?” "A whole lot!” Shocking sentence: I.E. “Smoking kills you!” Spend a few extra sentences giving background knowledge about whatever it is that you want to talk about. Don’t get into the meat of the essay. Give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Remember that the introductory paragraph is… The most important paragraph of the essay Needs to do three things: Get the readers attention by using a “hook” Give background information State your position (thesis statement)

A. Get the readers attention by using a “hook” The introductory paragraph of any paper, long or short, should start with a sentence that “hooks” the interest of your readers. It can be a: surprising fact, humor, quotation, general statement, question, etc.

Lets see some examples! Do you think that to improve our school’s education the students should be required to wear uniforms? Golly Gee! Today as I wore my uniform I, all of a sudden, started to feel smarter!

B. Give background information That first sentence leads into two or three sentences that provide details about your subject or your process. These must elaborate on the “hook” sentence.

Lets see an example! Recent studies have said that schools where students wear uniforms have higher academic performances. Although this issue is very controversial schools are starting to follow it. Some believe uniforms are not related at all to the attention a student might have in school.

C. State your position (thesis statement) All of these sentences build up to your thesis statement. The thesis statement is the most important sentence of the essay because the entire paper hangs from it.

Lets see an example! However, if schools want higher performances and better behavior students should wear uniforms.

Now lets see the Introductory Paragraph Golly Gee! Today as I wore my uniform I, all of a sudden, started to feel smarter! Recent studies have said that schools where students wear uniforms have higher academic performances. Although this issue is very controversial schools are starting to follow it. Some believe uniforms are not related at all to the attention a student might have in school. However, If schools want higher performances and better behavior students should wear uniforms. Topic Sentence Supporting sentences Thesis Statement

PARAGRAPH #1

Remember that the next paragraph is… The one that supports your thesis statement Needs to have three things: Topic sentence Supporting information Closing sentence

First paragraph (Body of the Essay) It explains the reasons stated in the introductory paragraph. Gives the reader more information about your topic. If your Thesis Statement is: “However, If schools want higher performances and better behavior students should wear uniforms.” What 2 aspects are we talking about in the thesis statement?

This is what paragraph 2 should look like. Many educators and sociology experts believe that students who wear school uniforms behave more appropriately in the school environment. They believe that uniforms dictate a stricter atmosphere and that students who wear uniforms are more likely to follow school rules. Experts believe that the mandatory use of standardized dress reduces violence within the school. What is even better, there is no conflict as in who is dressed better than the other. School uniforms improve the social outcomes in a school environment.

PARAGRAPH 3: THE OPPOSING POINT OF VIEW!! This is the “opposing viewpoint” paragraph In this paragraph you must acknowledge the opposite side. Remember…perspective!!! For example: If you are against an issue think about the other side. What do opposers have to say about this same issue?

LET’S SEE!!! What was our Thesis Statement? “However, If schools want higher performances and better behavior students should wear uniforms.” Opposing Viewpoint The opposers, who include many educators and sociologists, believe that requiring children to wear standardized uniforms stifles their self-expression. Self-expression is an important part of child development and some experts believe that curbing it with uniforms can be detrimental to a child. Experts also believe that students who are forced to wear uniforms will only find other, less appropriate ways to express themselves, possibly through inappropriate use of makeup and jewelry.

LET’S SEE PARAGRAPH# 3 The same thing will happen with paragraph 3. Look at your Thesis Statement once again and support it with another fact. Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work. Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their studies.

LAST PARAGRAPH (Conclusion) Each conclusion needs to be stated that is it one, so begin by saying "In conclusion," or "As stated in this essay,” Restate your reasons. Try to make them a word by word repeat. Add your strongest supporting idea, to lengthen your conclusion paragraph a bit. Restate your thesis. Finish off with a clear command or instruction that is related to your topic. An appeal to the reader on taking your stand.

Let’s see what it looks like!! As stated in this essay if schools want higher performances and better behavior students should wear uniforms. Many educators and sociology experts believe that students who wear school uniforms behave more appropriately in the school environment. Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. The opposers, who include many educators and sociologists, believe that requiring children to wear standardized uniforms stifles their self-expression. If parents want to have higher academic achievements from their children then they should reinforce the use of uniforms in school. If I were you I would definitely not risk my child’s education.