1. Persuasive Writing
Select a Topic. Create a pre-write. Complete a “shaping the essay form.” First Draft.
REMEMBER THE EXAMPLE FROM YESTERDAY – Pre-Write
Position Statement/Thesis: Students should not have homework
Paragraph #1 Paragraph #2 Paragraph #3
TS/Argument #1 – It inter- TS/Arg. #2 – Most students TS. It interferes with
feres with personal life do not do homework. extracurricular activities
CD: Family members are CD: Teachers complain too CD: Student scholar-
often ill and require care. much about late home- ships often ride on a
work. student playing sports.
CD: Many students have CD: Homework also in- CD: Even required
to take care of siblings and/ creases the work of teach- PE credits would be in
or babysit for long hours. Ers. jeopardy if students if
students can’t do sports outside of the school day

2. Transfer the pre-write into your shaping form.
Next Steps
Transfer the pre-write into your shaping form.
Paragraph #1 Intro. + thesis (position statement) – 3 to 5 sentences
Paragraph #2 – Acknowledges/answers opposing side
TS – opposing view
CD – tell more about opposing view
CM – counter-argument/answer opposing side
CM – another counter-argument
Paragraph #3 – First point that expands on your thesis/position statement
TS – one reason for your opinion
CD – a specific example CM
CD – another example CS

3. Paragraph #4 – use the same format as above
Paragraph #4 – use the same format as above. Chose from one of your pre-write paragraphs. Preferably, chose your strongest argument to be placed here.
Paragraph #5 – Concluding paragraph
* This is all commentary
* Summarize key point(s)
*Re-emphasize your strongest argument
* State