1. The art of persuasive writing
Convince me….
The art of persuasive writing

2. You already spend a lot of time trying to persuade your parents or teachers to allow you to watch more TV or do less homework. Now you can use those same skills to write a persuasive essay!

3. With persuasive writing, the goal is to try and convince people to agree with you. It is important to understand that persuasive writing relies heavily on facts- not opinions. (use your research sheet)

4. Pre-Writing
Good research is critical to a successful persuasive essay. You must have facts to back up your claims. Use your research sheet to learn what others have said about your topic.

5. Pre-Writing
It is impossible to persuade someone to believe your viewpoint without also considering the viewpoint of those who may disagree with you.
Create a list of arguments for and arguments against your issue. Brainstorm as many examples as possible.
Before you begin to write you will be choosing the three best arguments to include that support your thesis, and one argument against.

6. After you gather all the facts, it's time to list the arguments both for and against your issue and begin planning your writing. Put your arguments in a table like this to organize your ideas. Highlight the 3 best arguments that support your point of view, and one idea on the other side that you are going to argue against.
Arguments that support my point of view
Arguments against my point of view

7. Use your planner to help you organize your ideas.
Writing your first draft
Use your planner to help you organize your ideas.
Opening/Introduction: introduce your readers to the topic and tell your readers why this topic is important.
State your thesis – This is a sentence to tell your reader what you believe about the topic, eg “Every child should be allowed to have a pet.”
Remember to begin with a good beginning or "hook" that will grab the reader's attention.

8. Body: The body of your essay should contain at least four paragraphs – one for each of your three best arguments, and one to say what other people might think, and explain why your way is better.

9. Closing/Conclusion: The conclusion should always restate your point of view. You should never introduce new information in the closing!
Decide on an effective ending for your report. Ask yourself what thought you want to leave the reader with or a thought that summarizes the overall viewpoint.
E.g. Now that you understand ___________, I’m sure you will agree that _____________ .

10. After writing
When you are done, read your essay through and revise it – clarify any unclear points, add detail where needed, and make sure all your sentences make sense.
Then it is time to edit for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
And now – PUBLISH – make a good copy!

11. Your Job: You may choose one of the following topics: School uniforms
Year round school (shorter holidays, but more often)
A computer for every student
Longer recesses
Write an essay to convince us of your point of view

12. How?
1. Make a list of reasons this change would help the school, and a shorter list of reasons someone might disagree
2. Choose your best 3 reasons
3. Write your first draft
4. edit and revise
5. publish