Persuasive Writing Goal: support an argument with textual evidence Identify main idea and supporting details Compare and contrast authors’ argument Identify text features that support your argument

PROMPT The government has decided to place warning labels on sugary drinks in order to educate the public about the dangers of consuming sugar. This has caused a controversy in the United States some people say that it takes away from their constitutional rights. Write a letter to the President explaining whether you agree or disagree with this proposal. State facts and statistics in your letter.

Introduction Hook your reader Thesis Two reasons Clincher

Hook Single word Share an interesting fact Capture a moment in time

Hook Single Word Example: Sugar. One of the most toxic substances known to man. You try it!

Interesting Fact Did you know that a can of soda contains 44 grams of sugar? An average person should only be consuming 25 grams of sugar a day! That means in ONE can a person is having close to double the amount of sugar in one day. You TRY it!

Anecdote Soda. It has been in your house for ages! You cannot remember a time that you did not enjoy the fizzy, bubbly refreshing drink. One day you wake up and want to wash down your bacon and egg breakfast with a cold beverage. Rummaging through the cabinets you cannot find that familiar bottle anywhere. Where has all the soda gone? Mom explains that she will no longer pour that toxic beverage down your throat. Due to warning labels on sugary drinks, mom has been made aware of all the dangers of soda, and now it is you who have to suffer. The humanity! YOU TRY IT!

Example Did you know that a can of soda contains 44 grams of sugar? An average person should only be consuming 25 grams of sugar a day! That means in ONE can a person is having close to double the amount of sugar in one day. (hook) Putting warning labels on sugary drinks would be beneficial to the consumers. (thesis) Primarily, warning labels will inform the drinker of the danger of sugar. Also, if people are aware of the dangers, obesity rates may decline. (reasons) Overall, warning labels on sugary drinks is a great idea. (clincher)

Body Paragraphs 1-2 Try to Follow RACER Restate reason 1 Answer why this reason is so important Cite a piece of textual evidence from the articles that support your reason Explain textual evidence and what it proves in terms of your argument Recap with a closing sentence

Conclusion Knockout PUNCH! Last effort to make an impact on your reader Use a concluding transition If you asked a question, answer your question, If you gave a shocking fact, tell the reader a consequence if your claim isn’t followed through If you created a scene, refer back to your anecdote Offer a solution to the problem or an alternative system Give the reader something to think about End with a powerful statement

Conclusion Ultimately, warning labels on sugary drinks will help the cause of obesity and health problems due to over consumption of sugar. Now that you, Mr. President, know that one can of sugar contains almost double the amount of sugar that an average American can drink, you need to make people more aware of the problem. If warning labels are not something you are considering, then maybe can create advertisements on television and newspaper to show the dangers of drinking too much sugar. You cannot stand idly by and watch the health of Americans deteriorate because of sugar.

Thanksgiving Day More and more stores are opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day. The CEOs of these companies argue that stores being open on Thanksgiving day is an opportunity to make more money. However, there are also people that argue that shopping on Thanksgiving takes away from the meaning of the holiday. Write a letter to a store that is open on Thanksgiving Day either supporting or opposing their decision to remain open. Use statistics and facts to back up your argument.