1. Persuasive Writing  Writing that attempts convince or persuade.  Introductory Paragraph  Body Paragraphs (usually 3+)  Concluding Paragraph

2. Introductory Paragraph (First)  Attention Grabber  Background Information  Position Statement Intro gets more and more specific

3. Introduction: Attention Grabber Function/Purpose  Hooks reader  First sentence(s) of intro. paragraph  General/broad concept related to some aspect of prompt What it is NOT  Unrelated to prompt  Not a sentence or question with “you” in it  Not too specific  Not a sentence with title/author in it

4. Introduction: Background Info Function/Purpose  Provides context for reader about the origin of the issue (taken from prompt)  Mentions stakeholders (those impacted)  Provides link between grabber and specifics of prompt What it is NOT  Not a position statement  Not analysis  Not a sentence with subtopics in it  Not a quote from text

5. Introduction: Position Statement (Thesis) Function/Purpose  Presents clear position on a debatable issue  May or may not include reasons  Contains compelling diction (“should,” “must,” etc.)  Belongs in last sentence of intro. What it is NOT  No “I” statements  Not a basic fact  Not a quote from text  No direct reference to paper (ie, In the following paragraphs…)

6. Body Paragraph (3+)  Topic Sentence  Appeals Evidence  Commentary/ Concluding Sentences All this combines to aid your Persuasive Appeal(s)

7. Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence Function/Purpose  States a reason  Tied directly to main position  First sentence of body paragraph  Should be able to read T.S. and ask, “How so?” What it is NOT  Not a specific detail  Not a basic fact  Not a quote from text  Not a sentence that cannot be or already is proven

8. Body Paragraph: Appeals Function/Purpose  Logos: Logical, factual reasons (data, statistics, numbers, etc.)  Ethos: Ethical, moral reasons (responsibility, obligation) and/or credibility established  Pathos: Emotional reasons (fear, anger, sorrow, etc.)—uses connotative language What it is NOT  Not too specific  Not a quote  Not stating the obvious

9. Body Paragraph: Evidence (minors) Function/Purpose  Specific quotes, concrete details, examples, anecdotes, etc. to support each appeal What it is NOT  Not a 2nd person question (effective rhetorical questions acceptable in moderation)  Not analysis  Not irrelevant examples or details

10. Body Paragraph: Commentary/Concluding Sentences Function/Purpose  Writer’s analysis  Connects back to position statement  Extends to larger implications  Provides closure for each body What it is NOT  Not unrelated to prompt  No advice to reader  No introduction of new idea  Not exact wording as T.S

11. Anticipation of the Opposition (Concession) and Rebuttal (Refutation) Function/Purpose  Presents opposing/opposite argument  Concedes a point  Offers a counter argument  May be placed anywhere in the body of essay  May offer more than one What it is NOT  Not a concession without a counter argument  Not ad hominem (personal attacks) or other fallacy

12. Concluding Paragraph (End)  Restate Position Statement  Summarize appeals  Usually ends with a call to action (what do you want your reader to do?)

13. Concluding Paragraph Function/Purpose  Provides closure for essay  Restatement of position using different wording  Brief summary of appeals presented in essay (esp. in longer essay)  Final thought-provoking/ memorable (relevant) insight  Call to action What it is NOT  Not word-for-word restatement of position  No new information introduced  No 2nd person call to action (ie, “You should…”)

14. Style DO  Use formal and compelling diction  Use variety of syntax  Choose logical sequencing with transitions  Give a variety of appeals DO NOT  Use 2nd person and 1st person singular pronouns (unless prompt asks about personal experiences)  Use contractions  Make direct references to paper (In this essay…)

15. Body Paragraph Organization (do this at least three times) BODY PARAGRAPH #1 Topic Sentence—Reason #1: Appeals (emotional, ethical, logical) and Evidence: Opposition and Rebuttal: