Supporting Details & Evidence Persuasive Essay

Supporting Details  Build a strong case for your position by choosing the best methods of elaboration.  Consider these types of elaboration: Facts: information that is objective and can be proved – names, dates, data, background info. Statistics: Cite numbers that prove your position. Give information that shows what percentage or how many.

Supporting Details Cont’d Comparison: Show your readers how your topic matches others they may already know. Personal experience: Explain how the topic you are addressing has personal meaning for you. Expert opinion: Cite outside sources who are experts on your topic and whose opinion will strengthen your argument. Interview: Interview people who study or work in an area related to your topic. Be sure you choose a credible source.

Organizing a Persuasive Essay  Once you have gathered sufficient supporting information and elaboration, organize it in a logical and persuasive format. Introduction:  Introduce your topic.  Explain necessary background information.  Establish common ground with your audience, especially if they need to be persuaded.  End with a strong thesis statement – your stand on the issue.  NO QUESTIONS!

Organization  Body paragraphs: Start with your weakest reason/argument first. End with your strongest reason/argument. Show and argue against opposing views (counter-argue) within the body paragraphs or as a separate paragraph.  Conclusion Sum up your arguments (remind the reader). Tell the reader what opinion they should reach as a result of reading the essay (without saying you).

When to Cite Sources  Some persuasive essays require outside sources of information to add credibility to the argument.  Cite a source: If the topic is one that requires technical explanation. If the topic requires an expert opinion to strengthen your argument. If the topic requires statistics or data to quantify the argument.  Do not cite a source: If the information you provide is common knowledge, information that you found in at least three sources. It is widely known and accepted as fact.

How to Cite a Source  Use the library! MLA style guide Librarians are experts  In-text citations In the set-up of the sentence, provide the author and his/her credentials, title, and date of the work in which you found the info. Include an in-text citation: author and page number (if available).  Peggy Harmon of the National Center for Disease Control states in a 2007 article titled “The Spread of the Flu” that … (Farino 217).  Works Cited Include as an additional, final page of essay.

Should You Cite a Source?  Consider the following topics. Should the writer include an outside source? Which type of source should the reader research? School policy changes (athletic code) Later start time for high school A community-wide policy (dog leash laws) Exam exemptions