Parts of a Persuasive Essay

ELEMENTDEFINITION Topic The issue that is being discussed. Claim The writer’s position on a problem/issue. Position The writer’s opinion about a topic. Thesis The sentence that summarizes the writer’s claim and position. Arguments The reasons for the writer’s position. Persuasive techniques Ethos, pathos, logos Counter arguments Anticipates what the “other side” might say and answers possible objections with reasons and evidence.

Plastic, Paper, or Cloth? We have a big decision to make. We can use cloth, paper, or plastic bags. I choose cloth because paper uses trees, and plastic uses petroleum; so we should use cloth. Cloth bags are easy to take with you and use again and again. We need to keep our earth clean, so let’s use cloth. If you think that using cloth bags is too much work, remember that you’re hurting the earth when you choose to be lazy. Remember, recycle and reuse.

ELEMENT From the “Plastic, Paper, or Cloth” paragraph: Topiccloth, paper, or plastic bags ClaimPlastic and paper bags harm the earth PositionUsing cloth bags is the right choice. Thesis “I choose cloth because paper uses trees, and plastic uses petroleum; so we should use cloth” Arguments 1.“paper uses trees, and plastic uses petroleum” 2.“Cloth bags are easy to take with you and use again and again” 3.“We need to keep our earth clean, so let’s use cloth” Persuasive techniques Logos, pathos, ethos Counter arguments “If you think that using cloth bags is too much work, remember that you’re hurting the earth when you choose to be lazy”

1.Introduction to the topic a)Position b)Claim c)Thesis 2.Argument 1 a)Supporting detail b)Supporting detail c)Supporting detail 3.Argument 2 a)Supporting detail b)Supporting detail c)Supporting detail 4.Argument 3 a)Supporting detail b)Supporting detail c)Supporting detail 5.Conclusion a)Restating claim/position b)Counter argument Outlining 1.Types of bags used while shopping a)Should use cloth, not plastic or paper b)Others bad c)“I choose cloth because paper uses trees, and plastic uses petroleum; so we should use cloth.” 2.paper uses trees, and plastic uses petroleum 3.Cloth bags are easy to take with you and use again and again 4.We need to keep our earth clean, so let’s use cloth 5.If you think that using cloth bags is too much work, remember that you’re hurting the earth when you choose to be lazy. a)Remember, recycle and reuse.

After reading the article with your group: On one side of the paper, make a chart and identify the following in your essay. On the other side of the paper, create an outline for your article. ELEMENT IDENTIFIED IN ARTICLE Topic Claim Thesis Arguments Persuasive techniques Counter arguments 1.Introduction to the topic a)Position b)Claim c)Thesis 2.Argument 1 a)Supporting detail b)Supporting detail c)Supporting detail 3.Argument 2 a)Supporting detail b)Supporting detail c)Supporting detail 4.Argument 3 a)Supporting detail b)Supporting detail c)Supporting detail 5.Conclusion a)Restating claim/position b)Counter argument