 One complete sentence that informs readers of the main idea of your essay  The thesis statement is the last one to two sentences in the introduction paragraph of your essay

 It states your topic  It describes your opinion on your topic  It indicates why your topic is important  It tells readers what needs to be done concerning your topic

School uniforms are negative forces that limit student creativity; therefore, they should be banned in all public schools.

School uniforms are negative forces that limit student creativity; therefore they should be banned in all public schools.

School uniforms are negative forces that limit student creativity; therefore, they should be banned in all public schools.

School uniforms are negative forces that limit student creativity; therefore they should be banned in all public schools.

Cell phones are disruptive and inhibit learning and therefore should not be allowed in junior high school classrooms.

Rules prohibiting food in the classroom are cruel because they deprive students of fuel that is needed in order to learn; all such rules should be thrown out.

Recycling is a powerful act that can help save the planet.

Many people in the United States are overweight; this is an unnecessary problem. All citizens should be required by law to exercise and eat healthy foods.

Violence in video games causes school shootings and a variety of other problems; therefore, restrictions should be placed on the amount of violence allowed in video games.

 The individual or group that you are trying to reach with your essay ◦ Who your audience is affects how you write your essay

Right after school I went home to write my persuasive essay. I wanted to spend a lot of time on it because I understand how important it is for me to learn to write well. As I was about to start, my friend called me with an emergency, and I just had to help her. I really wanted to write my essay, but I had to be a good friend. It just wouldn’t be fair if my grade suffered because I was trying to do a good deed.

So, I was going to write that lame persuasive essay after school yesterday, but then Michelle called to tell me that Jake TOTALLY smiled at her in the hall during lunch. So obviously we had to talk about all the different things that could mean. We’re SO sure that he likes her now though, and they’ll probably be going out by the end of the week. Ohmigosh! Let’s face it, that was WAY more important than some stupid essay.

I totally wrote my persuasive essay and turned it in on time, I promise! Ms. McCrady must have lost it. Michelle and I were talking the other day, and I think Ms. McCrady lost her essay too! She’s totally out to get us. In fact, I think she WANTS us to fail. I can’t believe you’re trusting her to teach me anything!

 Ethos- appeal based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author.  Logos- Logos is appeal based on logic or reason. Documents distributed by companies or corporations are logos-driven.  Pathos- Pathos is appeal based on emotion. Advertisements tend to be pathos-driven.

 Acme Gizmotronics, the company that you've trusted for over 100 years, has recently entered the World Wide Web! Now you can purchase our fine products through the internet. Our quality gizmos, widgets, and thingamabobs can be shipped to you within minutes. All come with the famous lifetime guarantee that makes Acme the company that the world depends on for it's gizmo needs.  Our spokesperson, Mr. Coyote says "I'm not really a coyote, but I play one on tv. I've used Acme products for years. Their slingshots, rocket launchers, crowbars, pogo sticks, and power pills are the best around. And don't forget their high-powered dynamite! I buy everything from Acme. They are the company that I trust the most."

 “Churchill students perform well above the national and state averages on Iowa Basic and Criterion Referenced Tests. Churchill scores on these tests are some of the highest in the state…Many students enroll at Churchill from surrounding school districts. During the early enrollment period…students and parents interested in a junior high where there are high expectations of academic achievement may apply for admission. Churchill’s reputation for high academic achievement and extracurricular success encourages many parents to enroll their students at Churchill.”

 “It was being described as a miracle. After two days trapped beneath the rubble, two-year-old Rafael Claude was plucked from the wreckage of a collapsed building against all the odds. The shocked toddler´s face turned from fear to joy when he came face to face with his parents Daphne and Reginald Claude.”

 Ethos- appeal based on the character of the speaker.  Logos- Logos is appeal based on logic or reason.  Pathos- Pathos is appeal based on emotion.  The individual or group that you are trying to reach with your essay  Who your audience is affects how you write your essay