Writing a Persuasive Essay A Formula for Success

For your Shakespeare essay, you will be aiming for the first Objective A persuasive essay (also known as the argument essay) has one of two objectives: To convince your reader to adopt your point of view To convince your reader to take a specific course of action For your Shakespeare essay, you will be aiming for the first objective.

Points to Remember: A good persuasive essay argues one side of a very narrow topic. Although the persuasive essay only addresses one side of the issue, the topic must be debatable. The persuasive essay recognizes that there are two sides to every question, but only presents one side to the reader. It is your job to persuade the reader that your view is the correct view.

Choosing a Topic In choosing your topic for a persuasive essay, although you should select one about which you feel strongly, be sure that you can find solid evidence that supports your position. Once you’ve decided on a topic, see if you can find evidence to support the other side of the argument. This will ensure that you have chosen a topic that is in fact debatable.

Prove it With Facts! Refrain from choosing a topic where arguments are based on opinion or belief. Don’t confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is a majority- held belief or opinion that is unproven and unsubstantiated by fact. Develop your argument using facts, logical reasoning, relevant examples, and quotations from the text.

For Example: It would be unacceptable to write an essay on why you think the Christians were morally superior in The Merchant of Venice. This is an opinion. You can, however, write about how the Christians impacted Shylock, and possibly motivated his behaviour. There is textual evidence to support this view in the play.

Topic vs Thesis Your introduction will present both your topic, and your thesis. These are not the same thing. Your topic is what your essay is about, while your thesis is presenting the points your will use to prove your topic. Create a topic sentence (or two) to start your introduction, followed by your thesis.

Example of Topic Sentences: Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is a play that looks at the impact of religious prejudice in an Elizabethan society. Shylock, a wealthy Jew, is constantly attacked by his Christian neighbours, and is determined to seek revenge on those that have wronged him based on his religious beliefs.

Thesis Review Remember that a good thesis will acknowledge the other side of the argument before presenting your view. Use a concessive clause to do this, followed by a three point statement that presents your point of view (argument).

Concessive clause + Main clause = good thesis Thesis Example: Concessive clause Although some may argue that Shylock is a villainous character for wanting to seek revenge on a Christian merchant, he is in fact a victim whose actions are motivated by a desire for justice for those who have wronged him, taken his daughter, and treated him as less than human. Main clause Concessive clause + Main clause = good thesis

Examine the Thesis Although some may argue that Shylock is a villainous character for wanting to seek revenge on a Christian merchant, he is in fact a victim whose actions are motivated by a desire for justice for those who have wronged him, taken his daughter, and treated him as less than human. Notice how my thesis has a main point to prove, with three supporting points? These will be the main topics of each of my three paragraphs

Put them together and what do you get? Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is a play that looks at the impact of religious prejudice in an Elizabethan society. Shylock, a wealthy Jew, is constantly attacked by his Christian neighbours, and is determined to seek revenge on those that have wronged him based on his religious beliefs. Topic Sentences Although some may argue that Shylock is a villainous character for wanting to seek revenge on a Christian merchant, he is in fact a victim whose actions are motivated by a desire for justice for those who have wronged him, taken his daughter, and treated him as less than human. This is an introduction! Thesis Statement

Organizing the Essay Body The easiest way to organize the body of a persuasive essay is to think of your points as pointing towards your conclusion. Each paragraph is one step closer to proving your point (your thesis). Each sentence in the body should be closely related to your topic and to the sentence that precedes it. Remember that you have to P.E.E. when writing each body paragraph.

P.E.E.(E.) Point: A statement that supports your position. this statement will be one from your thesis Example: Provide a quotation or example to back up your statement. Make sure you cite your reference. Explain: Explain how your example supports your statement. Evaluate: Assess the value of the point you made as it relates to your main topic.

Linking Paragraphs To help your reader see the logical progression of your argument, begin your second and third body paragraphs with a transitional word that leads to your next point: Furthermore Additionally Also Another reason to support... Finally etc.

You’re almost finished! Before you begin writing your conclusion, check all paragraphs of your essay body to ensure that: Your evidence is strong and relevant to the point you addressed in the paragraph The essay progresses logically to your conclusion Both your points and supporting evidence are on topic and focused towards the conclusion

In Conclusion Redefine your topic and summarize your essay by restating your most powerful evidence. The conclusion of your persuasive essay is your last chance to remind your readers of your position and persuade them to accept your point of view.

See how I restated my thesis?? Example: The Christian characters in The Merchant of Venice were quick to judge Shylock based solely on his religion. Through the manipulation of law by the Christians in the court scene, the betrayal he suffered at the hands of his daughter, and the continuous abuse he faced in the streets of Venice on a daily basis, Shylock has been victimized as a Jewish man, and in turn, is justified in his actions to seek justice. 1. 2. 3. See how I restated my thesis??

M.L.A Formatting MLA refers to a set of guidelines that are acceptable for a piece of writing in the Social Sciences, and Arts. You will use this formatting technique for all of your English classes, so it’s a good idea to become familiar with some specifics.

Just Some Specifics Key points to remember: 12 pt Times New Roman (or default font), double spaced. Name, class, date, title Book titles are italicized No extra spaces between paragraphs Cite any specific quotations from your novel Works cited list Refer to your handout for specifics

Finally, it’s Over!! Remember that essay writing takes practice. You will get better over time. Read. Think. Ask Questions. Read again. Come up with a schedule for yourself so that you do not fall behind and freak out when the essay is due.

The End!