1. Writing Persuasive Essays
Grade 9 English

2. A persuasive essay is an argumentative paper trying to convince the reader to think the same way you do about a particular topic.
• Persuasive essays can range from controversial topics (same sex marriage) to everyday opinions (Coke is better than Pepsi).

3. •In a persuasive essay, never use "I" statements, such as "I believe” or “I think" because it makes your opinion sound one- sided and weak.
• State your opinions as if they were facts, even if they are just your own

4. Thesis Statements • One sentence that:
• States your position on the topic (THE PURPOSE)
• Sets up the structure of the paper

5. Outline for a Thesis Statement
• It describes your topic, what your essay will be about.
• It introduces a specific claim you are making about your topic.
• It describes three ways in which you will support and develop your claim.

6. Thesis Statement
• Examples:
• All students at Mealy Mountain Collegiate should be encouraged to use their cell phones responsibly while in class due to increased reliance on technology in the home, school and workplace.
• To eliminate juvenile delinquency and improve both school performance and family relationships, the town of Happy Valley Goose Bay should establish a curfew of 7:00pm for all children under the age of 16.

7. BEFORE YOU WRITE: SUPPORTING YOUR THESIS STATEMENT
• Brainstorm a list of reasons to support your thesis statement (your belief)
• Choose the three strongest and gather evidence to support each.

8. Introduction Use an interesting HOOK to get the reader’s attention.
• Quotation
• Rhetorical statement
• Anecdote
• Startling fact
• Statistic

9. Introduction cont...
• Give a bit of background information about the situation you’re discussing.
• Finish with a thesis statement that states the main idea of the essay, clearly expresses your opinion and lists or alludes to your main arguments.

10. General statement (hook)
Introduction cont...
• Think of the introduction as having a funnel shape:
General statement (hook)
Specific information
Thesis

11. Sample Introduction
• Fifty-five percent of HVGB residents have been the victim of vandalism. The majority of these crimes have been committed by teenagers under the age of sixteen. Instead of concentrating on their school work or sporting activities, teenagers are getting into trouble with the law. To eliminate juvenile delinquency and improve both school performance and family relationships, the town of Happy Valley Goose Bay should establish a curfew of 7:00pm for all children under the age of 16.

12. Body Paragraphs •You need THREE body paragraphs.
•Each body paragraphs will be about one reason you believe your thesis is true.

13. • Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence.
• Each paragraph should give a different reason for the reader to agree with your position.
• Provide evidence to support your opinions: facts, statistics, examples, anecdotes, interview quotations, or expert opinions.
• Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas.

14. Sample Body Paragraph
Having a curfew of 7:00pm would greatly help the students of Happy Valley Goose Bay concentrate on their school work. Teachers at Mealy Mountain Collegiate have stated that it is difficult for students to finish assigned homework each evening. This is largely due to the freedom students have each evening to socialize, leading to homework being forgotten or rushed. Teachers stated that 73% of students who stayed in after 7pm performed better on tests. Also, being at home would allow students to receive extra help from their parents if needed. Parents would be able to keep tabs on their child’s work and student’s marks would improve. The new proposed curfew would allow for higher achievement in school and provide less idle time for students to get in trouble.

15. Concluding Paragraph
• Indicate in the conclusion that you have shown the thesis statement to be true. (RESTATE/REWORD THE THESIS STATEMENT)
• Summarize main points of your essay.
• Has a powerful ending often relating to the introduction.
• Must have a CALL TO ACTION
• Do not include any new information in a conclusion. If you have not mentioned something yet in the paper, it is now too late.

16. Persuasive Essay Ideas
Your principal wants to invite a celebrity speaker to your school. Think about the celebrity you would choose to have speak; then, write a letter to persuade your principal to invite this person. Be sure to include convincing reasons and details to support your choice.
Girls and boys often enjoy playing the same sport. Some people believe that girls and boys should be able to play on the same team. What is your opinion on this issue? Write an essay stating your opinion and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.
It has been said that television has little real educational value. What is your opinion on this issue? Write an essay stating your opinion and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.
The principal of your school is considering conducting random locker searches several times a year without letting students know in advance. What is your position concerning this issue? Write a letter to the principal stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.

17. More ideas
Your principal has asked students to suggest a school rule that should be changed. Think of one rule that you would like to have changed. Write a letter convincing your principal that this rule should be changed. Be sure to support your opinion with convincing reasons and evidence.
Your school principal is considering a new policy that will require all students to wear uniforms. What is your position concerning this issue? Write a letter to your principal stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.

18. More Ideas Should there be a salary cap in professional sports?
Does rap music demean women?
Should the government sensor materials on the world wide web?
Should there be an enforced retirement age?
Should the voting age be changed to 16?
Should drivers be prohibited from using their cell phones?
Should there be higher taxes on fatty foods? Cigarettes? Alcohol?
Is it morally acceptable to experiment on animals to develop products and medicines that benefit humans?
Should parents be morally and legally responsible for the actions/needs of their children?
Are beauty contests harmful to a female’s self- esteem?