1. Persuasive Writing: Is George Milton a hero or a murderer?

2. Brainstorming  Step one: Read your prompt and figure out what you have to write about.  Step two: Complete a T-Chart  Pros/Cons  Strengths/Weaknesses  Hero/Murderer  Step three: Take a position.  Step four: Create a thesis statement and an outline.

3. For example:  Step one: Read your prompt and figure out what you have to write about.  PROMPT:  Many cities are requiring children under the age of 16 to wear helmets while biking, scooting, skateboarding, rollerblading, and skiing. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of wearing helmets. Write a persuasive essay stating whether or not children under the age of 16 should be required wear helmets. Give reasons to support your position arguing in such a convincing manner that others will agree with you.

4. For example,  Step two: Complete a T-Chart Pros for helmetsCons for helmets

5. For example,  Step three: Take a position.  Which side will you support? _____________________________  Pick your two reasons  1. ________________________  2. ________________________  Counterargument  3._________________________

6. For example,  Step four: Create an outline with a thesis statement.  Intro with thesis statement: Although some people argue _____________________________, (Counterargument) helmets are _____________ because ___________________ (Reason 1) and _______________________. (Reason 2)  Body 1: Protection  Body 2: Visibility- makes you visible to others  Counter: Helmets are uncomfortable  Conclusion: Restate thesis

7. Try it for yourself…  Step one: Read your prompt  Is George Milton a hero or a murderer?  Step two: Look at your bookmark T—Chart…  Step three: Take a position. Which side will you support? _____________________________ Pick your two reasons  1. ________________________  2. ________________________ Counterargument  3._________________________

8. Step four: Create an outline with a thesis statement.  Intro with thesis statement: Although some people argue _____________________________, (Counterargument) George Milton is a _____________ because ___________________ (Reason 1) and _______________________. (Reason 2)  Body 1:  Body 2:  Counter:  Conclusion: Restate thesis

9. Rough Draft: Introduction (4-5 sentences)  Sentence 1: Hook (Definition: The first sentence that grabs the readers’ attention)  Sentence 2, 3, 4: Background information  Give a summary  What is the issue?  Other information that would help your readers understand this topic  Sentence 5: Thesis Statement (The last sentence that tells your readers what your topic is and your reasons. )

10. Rough Draft: Body Paragraph 1  Sentence 1: Topic Sentence> What is the most important reasons for your position?  Sentence 2: Concrete Detail > Fact/ Textual evidence  Sentence 3: Commentary> What does this quote show?  Sentence 4:Commentary> How does this show your position?  Sentence 5: Concluding Sentence> Restate topic sentence

11. Rough Draft: Body Paragraph 2  Sentence 1: Topic Sentence> What is the next most important reasons for your position?  Sentence 2: Concrete Detail > Fact/ Textual evidence  Sentence 3: Commentary> What does this quote show?  Sentence 4:Commentary> How does this show your position?  Sentence 5: Concluding Sentence> Restate topic sentence

12. Rough Draft: Counter Argument  Sentence 1: Topic Sentence> What does the other side say?  Sentence 2 & 3: Rebuttal> Explain why this side is wrong.  Sentence 5: Concluding Sentence> Restate topic sentence

13. Rough Draft: Conclusion  Sentence 1: Topic Sentence > Restate thesis in a different way.  Sentence 2: Summarize point one.  Sentence 3: Summarize point 2.  Sentence 4: Personal thoughts  Sentence 5: Call to Action > Ask your audience to take a stand.