Persuasive Writing

Overview of Persuasive Writing Take a position on a topic and develop one side of the argument. Every reason and fact must relate to the argument. The piece is 5 paragraphs. Sentences must include persuasive language and variety.

The Introduction State your position clearly. " Walter Payton deserves the honor of having his face on a postage stamp." The writing must have a hook, something that pulls your reader into the writing piece.

Hooks include..... A powerful statement: Walter Payton was the greatest athlete of all-time. A quotation: "There was just no one like Sweetness"-Author Unknown A statistic or fact: "In his career, Walter Payton had 16,726 rushing yards." A question: "What would the NFL have been like without the great Walter Payton? "

Body Paragraphs 2 or 3 supports that defend your position. Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence which tells what reason the paragraph will focus upon. The rest of the paragraph will present your evidence which can be facts, observations or other information (examples) that support the topic sentence. Use transition words between paragraphs, and even within the paragraph. See your packet of transition words.

Strong Exit Sentences Question: "Wouldn't every letter sent through the mail be inspirational with a world class athlete like Walter Payton on the stamp?" Recommendation: "I strongly recommend that Walter Payton be placed on a stamp because....." Quotation: Find a good quotation about your person!

The Conclusion Include a restatement of your position and the main points or reasons you had for your position. State the benefits of implementing your position will have on society. Include a strong exit sentence.

In summary, when writing a persuasive essay Have a firm opinion that you want your reader to support/accept. Begin with a grabber or hook to get the reader's attention. Offer specific evidence/examples to support each reason. Conclude with a restatement of what you want the reader to believe.