Essay Writing 101 English 11 Ms Cross

What is a Persuasive Essay? Persuasive/Argument essay, uses logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate (better) than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. To accomplish this, you must select a limited topic which is well defined and debatable (that is has more than one side).

What do you need to do? 1. Identify your main idea and choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? 2. Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes. 3. Identify the strongest supporting points for your persuasion. You will need to do a little research in order to accomplish this. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. 4. Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason and be true and accurate.

Topics to consider… Important scientific discovery Greenhouse effect Professional athletes The decline of local newspapers School rules Human cloning Environmental policies Images of women in the media War Media violence Government Laws School uniform Video games Sports and steroid use Violence in society/media Religious holiday decorations in schools Graffiti The age limit for drinking School scheduling Use of internet by small children Public funding of community sports programs

More topics to consider… Social networking site (Facebook, etc) Terrorism Cell phone use in cars The phenomenon of reality television Voting Curfew for children Advertisement targeting practices Internet privacy issues Internet social networking websites Sexual imagery in the media Effects of cell phones on society Cigarette or alcohol advertising Effects of violent movies on children Illegal music downloading Drafting athletes out of high school Should internet be censored? Corporate sponsorship of university sports Academic expectations of college athletes Professional athletes salary caps

Yup…more topics… Alcohol sales at sporting events College sports recruitment practices Sexual education and awareness Single parent families Clash of civilizations Health and hygiene in times of epidemic Politics across countries Olympics Environmental issues Dangerous places Wealth and power Human cloning and ethics Morality and religion Science and technology Space exploration Life beyond earth Ecology of earth Criminals and criminology Effects of globalization Children and education Understanding transportation systems Wonders of the world Dating and relationship issues The world of celebrities

Did you find a topic yet… The future of science and technology Addictions Diseases and treatment Advertising in schools Eating disorders Athletes as role models Adoption Are parents of teen vandals be held responsible for their child's damage Benefit of team sports Celebrity gossip and the paparazzi Commercialization of sports Illegal music downloading Cosmetic surgery Cyber stalkers Controversial music lyrics Death penalty or life sentence Domestic abuse and violence should be punished Effects of cell phones Effects of divorce on children Free public transport for everybody Funding issues for women's sports Immigration rights Divorce

How to write your introduction An introduction must be at least 3-5 sentences. Opening sentence(s): hook your reader's attention and provide background information on your topic or controversy. Middle sentence: your thesis statement with three subtopics ~ see the thesis power point Final sentence(s): either – introduce your first topic, provide a fact, or an additional piece of information about your topic.

Body Paragraphs You need three body paragraphs – one for each of your thesis’s subtopics. Each paragraph needs to include (in order): A topic sentence that clearly link the topic of the paragraph back to the thesis statement. Supporting points (your reasons why this paragraphs topic is correct) Elaborations of supporting points with support/facts A concluding sentence that restates your topic or transitions into the next paragraph (if possible).

Conclusion Your conclusion needs at least 4-5 sentences. Begin with one sentence for each of your subtopics from your thesis – restated in a strong, confident matter. This is your last chance to convince your reader that your view point is correct. Conclude your entire essay with a final sentence that uses one of the following techniques. Take your essay back full circle to your introduction Inspire the reader to action, to make a change Answer the question "So what? Why is this important?” Final example/image that you have not used yet

Now for all the Do not Do’s… As an essay is a formal piece of writing, informal writing is not excepted. Do not do the following; Use “I” statements (I think, I believe, I feel) – just make the statement without your personal voice Use the statements “In this essay”, “In conclusion”, “My arguments are”, or “My thesis is” – these are unnecessary, informal and just word count fillers. Use contractions: don’t, won’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t, etc – these are not actually words; they need to be spelled. Informal language/slang – unless you are quoting from a source that uses them

Rubric Thought & Detail OrganizationMatters of Correctness Matters of Choice Excellent (9-10) Thoughtful ideas are supported by carefully selected and relevant details A distinct main idea is fully developed with effective use of transitions and logical paragraphing Choice of language techniques contribute to effective writing Demonstrates precise control of conventions, style, and dictions Proficient (7-8) Good ideas are supported by purposefully chosen details A clear main idea is fully developed with good transitions and logical paragraphing Choice of language techniques contribute to good writing Demonstrates control of conventions, style, and dictions Acceptabl e (5-6) Relevant ideas are supported by adequate details. The main idea is developed mechanically with some coherent transitions and paragraphing Choice of language techniques contribute to conventional writing Demonstrates lapses of control of conventions, style, and dictions, however communication is clear Limited (3-4) Topic is vaguely developed with superficial ideas that are vaguely supported The main idea is organized in a limited way, is vague and unclear and few transitions and no paragraphing Choice of language techniques are awkward and contribute to vague and limited writing Demonstrates lapses in control of conventions and errors may be distracting Unsatisfac tory (1-2) Topics is not developed or is developed incoherently These is little or no evidence of organization, the main idea is lacking, no evidence of paragraphing Choice of language and techniques are minimal Errors in conventions contribute to confusing writing Insufficien t (0) There is no evidence of an attempt to fulfill the assignment