1. WH1
Persuasive Writing 101
*Persuasion = a process aimed at changing a person’s (or a group’s) attitude or behavior toward some event, idea or object, by using written words to convey information, feelings or reasoning
*persuading someone to do or believe something through the use of reasoning
The Purpose of a persuasive essay is to test your ability to use your knowledge and writing ability to Persuade the reader on a particular topic…

2. Communicate Effectively
Understanding the Communicates Effectively Rubric… What are the components of good writing?
Name ____________________________________
Date ___ / ___ / ___
Assignment ________________________________
CAPT Score
_____________
Grade (%)
____________
Expectation #3
Communicate Effectively
Exceeds
Standard
(A / CAPT: 12-10)
Meets
(B / CAPT: 9-7)
Approaches
(C / CAPT: 6-4)
Misses
(D-F / CAPT: 3-0)
Intent & Purpose
(Position / Arguments)
The purpose or thesis is clear and easy to understand
The purpose or thesis is generally clear and easy to understand
The purpose or thesis is unclear
The purpose or thesis is not apparent
Development &
Structure
(Organization / Focus)
The purpose or thesis is logical, clear, and unified.
The purpose or thesis is generally logical and clear, but not completely unified.
The purpose or thesis is rarely logical or clear and lacks appropriate support.
The purpose or thesis is illogical, lacks focus or controlling ideas, and is unsupported.
Fluency
(Ideas / Transitions)
The purpose or thesis conveys inherent logic in the flow of ideas
The purpose or thesis contains clear transitions and a recognizable flow of ideas
The purpose or thesis is sometimes confused because it is disjointed and lacks a logical flow of ideas.
The purpose or thesis is difficult to follow because it contains random, unconnected ideas.
Content
(Supporting Evidence)
The purpose or thesis is clear, appropriate, and insightful; it provides rich and useful information upon which to make an informed decision.
The purpose or thesis is generally clear, accurate, and appropriate; it provides sufficient information upon which to make an informed decision.
The purpose or thesis may lack clarity or accuracy or may not appropriately follow from evidence; has only limited information upon which to make an informed decision.
The purpose or thesis is unclear or contains serious inaccuracies or misinformation; provides insufficient information upon which to make an informed decision.
Technique
(Grammar / Mechanics)
The purpose or thesis is free of technical, syntactical, and grammatical errors.
The purpose or thesis is generally free of technical, syntactical, or grammatical errors.
The purpose or thesis has frequent technical, syntactical, or grammatical errors.
The purpose or thesis has significant technical, syntactical, or grammatical errors.
Task:
1. Highlight or Underline key words or phrase that can be used to create a definition of what an essay in each standard would look like.
2. Create a definition for each category of essay based on what you underlined

3. Components of Persuasive Writing
Position – did you take a clear position on the issue? (take a side and stick with it)
Create a position statement that answers the question: Should you buy products that were produced in sweatshops?
Comprehensiveness – did you use information from both the sources that are provided? (This will demonstrate your understanding of the topic)
*Read the two articles below and summarize the main idea. (Which article supports the position that you have chosen?)
Support – did you support your position with accurate and relevant information from the source materials? (use of quotes and supporting details)
*Read the two articles below and find three supporting details (information that supports the main idea of each article)
Organization – did you organize your ideas in a logical and effective manner so that your audience can understand and follow your thinking?
Create your own Thesis:
Clarify and Fluency – transition sentences, connect ideas in your writing

4. Steps to a Well Written Persuasive Paper
Read the question (determine what the assignment is asking you to do)
Read through and analyze the sources
Outline and organize your paper
Write!
Revise and edit

5. Argumentative Essay Basics
Your Essay should have the following:
5 Paragraphs
A Thesis
At least 3 sources properly cites
EX: (Document 1).
Don’t Forget to EDIT
Check for grammar errors and fluidity (does the paper ‘sound’ right)
Check to make sure your body paragraphs match your thesis
Check that your introduction and conclusion are structured properly and will engage the reader

7. Introduction Background Sentence Issue Statement THESIS
Without a Thesis
With a Thesis

8. What is a Thesis?
Position - your stance on the issue (what side do you want to take in the debate) +
Arguments – reasons why your position is correct
Practice Writing a Thesis:
Which is the better beverage, Pepsi or Coke?
What is the best sports team in history?
Steps to a good thesis:
Read the question & understand it
Pick a position
Brainstorm arguments
Come up with at LEAST 4, then eliminate your weakest argument
Put it all together

9. The introduction should be modeled like a “funnel.”
Question: Would Life have been better in the Paleolithic or the Neolithic Age?
Background information on the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras; talk about how both eras were the bases for human development.
Talk about the “problem.” In this case, the problem is that people/historians don’t agree on which era was better to live in.
The introduction should be modeled like a “funnel.”
Here, you take a stand. You need to pick a side (either Paleolithic and Neolithic), and give at least THREE (3) brief reasons why. You’ll elaborate on these in the actual body of the paper.
REMEMBER: This is a PERSUASIVE essay. You need to convince the audience of the side that you take.

10. Introduction: A Basic Example
United States history has been marked by many great presidents, who have guided the nation through wartime and peace. Two presidents that stand out among the great leaders are William Henry Harrison and Abraham Lincoln. Historians have long debated over which of these men was the best President. Despite this debate, Lincoln is clearly a better President because (1) he was a successful Commander in Chief, (2) was willing to listen to different viewpoints, and (3) had the ability to clearly communicate his goals to his countrymen.
General Background
Issue / Problem
Thesis with Reasons

11. Examining a Sample Find the thesis
Find the topic sentence of each body paragraph
Find the support for each topic

12. Introduction: An “Advanced” Example
The Renaissance period is most known for being a time of great artistic expression, yet it was also a time of great curiosity—a time when exploration of the world was at its height. Men from all over the world would set out on great expeditions to chart and uncover the veil of mystery that blanketed the unknown world. These explorers would blaze new paths for trade and be the first Westerners to interact with previously unknown civilizations. Their efforts would change the world forever. One journey in particular did more to shatter old myths and open new paths for future generations than any other. That journey was led by Ferdinand Magellan. It was Magellan who led the first successful expedition to circumnavigate the globe, yet it was a dreadfully costly success.
General Background
Getting more specific, but still have not taken a stand.
Thesis with specific approach.

13. Introduction: An “Advanced” Example
The Renaissance period is most known for being a time of great artistic expression, yet it was also a time of great curiosity—a time when exploration of the world was at its height. Men from all over the world would set out on great expeditions to chart and uncover the veil of mystery that blanketed the unknown world. These explorers would blaze new paths for trade and be the first Westerners to interact with previously unknown civilizations. Their efforts would change the world forever. One journey in particular did more to shatter old myths and open new paths for future generations than any other. That journey was led by Ferdinand Magellan. It was Magellan who led the first successful expedition to circumnavigate the globe, yet it was a dreadfully costly success.
General Background
Getting more specific, but still have not taken a stand.
Thesis with specific approach.

14. Introduction/Thesis: The Mets are going to win the World Series because they have better fielding, pitching, and hitting.