Persuasive Writing: From the top down

Step 1: Read the prompt carefully before you begin. Writing Situation: Many eighteen year olds who are old enough to vote, choose not to register, not participating in elections. Do you think it is important to register and exercise your right to vote? Consider the reasons one would want to register and participate in elections. Directions for Writing: Now write a persuasive essay stating whether or not eighteen year olds should register and participate in elections. Give reasons to support your position, arguing in such a convincing manner that others will agree with you.

Step 2: Take a stand. Think about the stand that will provide three reasons for argument.

Step 3: Prepare the graphic organizer. Draw your Because table Introduction (Opinion): Because… Conclusion:

Step 4: State Your Position on the Table Top Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because… Conclusion:

Step 5: Complete the Because columns Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because… voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs Because… every vote counts and is important Because… through voting we practice democracy which we are trying to bring to others Conclusion:

Step 6: Summarize Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because… voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs Because… every vote counts and is important Because… throug h voting we practice democracy which we are trying to bring to others Conclusion: It is important to exercise our right to vote.

Step 7: Add three details to each Because Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because… voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs Taxes Education War Because… every vote counts and is important Close elections for office Close elections for laws/decisions Send mandates to the government. Because… through voting we practice democracy which we are trying to bring to others Example being set Demonstrate belief in democracy Respect for lives being lost protecting democracy Conclusion: It is important to exercise our right to vote.

Step 8: Add transitions. For example, For instance, Finally, Therefore, Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because… voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs Taxes Education War Because… every vote counts and is important Close elections for office Close elections for laws/decisions Send mandates to the government. Because… through voting we practice democracy which we are trying to bring to others Example being set Demonstrate belief in democracy Respect for lives being lost protecting democracy Conclusion: It is important to exercise our right to vote. In addition,

More Persuasive Transitions While, first, meanwhile, soon, Then, after, second, today, later, Next, third, finally, likewise, also, while, in the same way, similarly, although, even though, again, truly, especially, for this reason, to repeat, in fact, to emphasize, as a result, in conclusion, lastly, therefore, all in all, because, again, another, for instance, for example, also, moreover, additionally, as well, besides, along with, other, next, finally, in addition

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. The top is the introduction, each column a body paragraph and the floor the conclusion Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because…voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs Taxes Education War Because…every vote counts and is important Close elections for office Close elections for laws/decisions Send mandates to the government. Because…throug h voting we practice democracy which we are trying to bring to others Example being set Demonstrate belief in democracy Respect for lives being lost protecting democracy Conclusion: It is important to exercise our right to vote.

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. The introductory paragraph (the table top) sums up each reason and ends with your thesis (opinion statement). Voting is the way to tell politicians and government officials what is important to us. Through voting we exercise democracy, an act that others cannot experience without great loss. Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old.

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. Add a hook to the beginning of the introductory paragraph. Don’t like the way things are now? There is something you can do about it…vote. Voting is the way to tell politicians and government officials what is important to us. Through voting we exercise democracy, an act that others cannot experience without great loss. Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old.

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. Next Paragraph Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because…voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs Taxes Education War Because…every vote counts and is important Close elections for office Close elections for laws/decisions Send mandates to the government. Because…through voting we practice democracy which we are trying to bring to others Example being set Demonstrate belief in democracy Respect for lives being lost protecting democracy Conclusion: It is important to exercise our right to vote.

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. Voting is the way to state your concerns and beliefs. For example, if you are opposed to raising taxes, voting is how you make your opinion known. You can block tax increases and tell your representative your opinion about the issue with your vote. What about education? You can impact decisions that will affect your kid’s education by casting your vote. Do you agree with the decisions being made about war? For all these issues, your vote leads Congress in making decisions. Next Paragraph

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. Next Paragraph Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because…voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs Taxes Education War Because…every vote counts and is important Close elections for office Close elections for laws/decisions Send mandates to the government. Because…through voting we practice democracy which we are trying to bring to others Example being set Demonstrate belief in democracy Respect for lives being lost protecting democracy Conclusion: It is important to exercise our right to vote.

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. In addition, every vote counts and is important. For instance, there have been many close elections for political office. Everyone remembers the 2000 election between Bush and Gore that was too close to call for weeks. Your vote could impact not only a close election but also a change in laws or a local decision. Through exercising your vote you send mandates to the government about elections and laws that impact your community. Next Paragraph

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. Next Paragraph Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because…voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs Taxes Education War Because…every vote counts and is important Close elections for office Close elections for laws/decisions Send mandates to the government. Because…through voting we practice democracy which we are trying to bring to others Example being set Demonstrate belief in democracy Respect for lives being lost protecting democracy Conclusion: It is important to exercise our right to vote.

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. Finally, through voting we practice "democracy“ which we are trying to bring to others. By registering to vote, we set an example of our belief in and support of democracy. It also shows respect for the lives being lost protecting that democracy for others, particularly in Iraq. Over 2,000 American Troops have lost their lives in Iraq trying to bring democracy and the right to vote to that nation. Voting is the main way support our democracy. Next Paragraph

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. Summary Paragraph Introduction (Opinion): Voting is not only the privilege but the responsibility of every 18 year-old. Because…voting is your way to state your concerns and beliefs Taxes Education War Because…every vote counts and is important Close elections for office Close elections for laws/decisions Send mandates to the government. Because…through voting we practice democracy which we are trying to bring to others Example being set Demonstrate belief in democracy Respect for lives being lost protecting democracy Conclusion: It is important to exercise our right to vote.

Step 9: From the graphic organizer to the paper. Therefore, it is important to exercise the right to vote. Through this process our beliefs and concerns are conveyed. Although many election contests are won by comfortable margins, some have been so close that a single vote has made the difference. We must show the world the importance of voting in a democracy. So if you don’t like the way things are going now, there is something you can do about it. VOTE. Summary Paragraph Ending PUNCH

Step 10: Vocabulary Review your paragraphs. Can you add adjectives (describing words) and interesting adverbs (describing action words)? ADJECTIVESADVERBS

Step 10: Vocabulary BEFORE: You can impact decisions that will affect your child’s education by casting your vote. AFTER: You can impact vital decisions that will affect your child’s education by casting your vote.

Step 10: Vocabulary BEFORE: There have been many close elections for political office. AFTER: There have been many crucially close elections for political office.

Step 10: Vocabulary Remember: The more sophisticated vocabulary you use…the higher your score. bad dreadful

Step 11: Visual Expression Use metaphors and similes to give your essay more visual expression. There have been many close elections for political office.

Step 12: Syntax Check for ways to make your wording better: change casual words phrases to be more formal change passive voice to active voice... affect your kid’s education... Do you agree with the decisions being made about war?

Step 13: Reread Your Work Reread your work to make sure you have: Taken a stand and stayed on the topic Given your reasons in the introductory paragraph Have paragraphs that support each reason Elaborate on a reason in each paragraph Have a summary paragraph that restates your reasons Begin each paragraph with a transition word and use appropriate transitions between examples Include adjectives, adverbs, similes, and metaphors

Now You Try

Step 1: Read the Prompt Writing Situation Girls and boys often enjoy playing the same sports. Some people believe that girls and boys should be able to play on the same team. What is your opinion on this issue? Writing Directions Write an essay stating your opinion and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.

Step 2: Take a Stand On your paper, write your opinion. Keep in mind which side would be easiest for you to write.

Step 3: Because Table (Top Down) Introduction (Opinion): Because… Conclusion:

Step 4, 5, & 6 State your opinion on the table’s top Fill in the because columns each with one controlling idea Summarize in one statement

Step 7 List 3 ideas under each because reason Step 8 Add transitional words and/or phrases