In Cold Blood: Persuasive Essay

What is an Opinion/Persuasive Essay? An opinion essay gives the writer's opinion, a view or belief that can't be proven as a fact. An opinion essay gives the writer's opinion, a view or belief that can't be proven as a fact. The opinion appears as part of an opinion statement in the beginning paragraph. The opinion appears as part of an opinion statement in the beginning paragraph. The opinion is supported by main reasons, which appear in the topic sentences of middle paragraphs. The opinion is supported by main reasons, which appear in the topic sentences of middle paragraphs.

Format

Question: Television news shows many scenes of disasters and violence. What effect can this have on individuals and society? Question: Television news shows many scenes of disasters and violence. What effect can this have on individuals and society? Paragraph 1: Introduction Capture the readers attention and introduce the topic. Capture the readers attention and introduce the topic. Give an opinion statement. In this statement outline what it is you will be discussing in your essay. Give an opinion statement. In this statement outline what it is you will be discussing in your essay. “It’s almost impossible to avoid seeing images of famine, war, natural disasters, and violence on our screens. These graphic images can, encourage us to act, or leave us cold, and in this essay I will discuss the effects of these constant powerful pictures.”

Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that states one main reason or side of the argument. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that states one main reason or side of the argument. Add supporting details. Add supporting details. Use transitions to connect ideas. Use transitions to connect ideas. Provide an ending sentence. Provide an ending sentence.

“ It is natural to respond to other people’s suffering. When we see hungry children or frightened refugees on our televisions, we want to send money or support. Huge relief efforts such as Live Aid or Action for Haiti have resulted from ordinary people’s reactions (Mumford 3). Another natural response is anger. We ask our leaders to act to change the political or economic situation that causes the pain. Some people also take action themselves. They volunteer time in their home communities to raise funds, or even work or fight in the affected region.”

Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph State opposing views and give arguments against them. State opposing views and give arguments against them.

“However, the frequency of these painful and violent scenes can also have opposite effects. First of all, it doesn’t seem right to watch tsunamis or other disasters while we are eating breakfast. Some people become obsessed with bad news on the television or internet. Second, it’s also natural to protect yourself and those around you. To reduce the impact on ourselves or our families, we change the television channel or make a joke about the conflict or continent affected. Finally, because the images seem never-ending, we get fed up sending money, which does not seem to have any effect. Many people feel powerless and therefore do nothing, until an even more powerful image is forced on them.”

Paragraph 4:Conclusion Restate the opinion. Restate the opinion. Summarize main reasons. Summarize main reasons. Give a call to action. Give a call to action. “In conclusion, these scenes on television can motivate us to act and help others, or they can discourage and depress us. It’s probably better to think carefully about what we watch and our reasons for watching.”

Essay Question: Dialectical Journal Why is our society so fascinated by crime? Use examples from both the article and text to support your argument. Also, use MLA format for bibliography and in-text citations. Why is our society so fascinated by crime? Use examples from both the article and text to support your argument. Also, use MLA format for bibliography and in-text citations. Mumford, Lewis. The Culture of Cities. New York: Harcourt, Print. Mumford, Lewis. The Culture of Cities. New York: Harcourt, Print.