1. Persuasive Essay Step-By-Step
To Kill a Mockingbird Unit

2. Paragraph 1: Introduction
Hook- Something to draw the reader in. (1-2 Sentences)
Definition-define a word that would relate to your topic.
Quote from a famous person- give a quote from a well known person that relates to the topic and connects the reader.
Simile or Metaphor-Make a connection or give an example of how another situation is similar to this one.
Delimma- Starting with a delimma puts the reader in your shoes.
Thesis- Subject + Claim + 3 pieces of evidence (3 Sentences)
In this letter I will be addressing my opinion on the juries verdict of Tom Robinson. I _(Choose a verb for making a claim)___ that Tom Robinson is ___Innocent/Guilty__ in the Rape trial against Mayella Ewell. My three pieces of evidence are _________, ____________, and _______.
Transition- Use a transitional phrase that summarizes what you plan to do or what you will talk about in the next paragraph. (1 Sentence)
Example: The first of my three arguments, in particular, will be…
Pick one
Paragraph 1: Introduction

3. Body Paragraph “A”, “B”, “C” Format
Introduction Transitional Phrase
First, second, third, etc…, For instance, To begin with, Initially, In particular, The next point, With my other evidence in mind, Additionally, Furthermore.
Reason/Thesis Statement- 1 Sentence
Give the main purpose of this paragraph? What is the one thing you want the reader to know?
Evidence- 1 sentence (varies based on citation of evidence)
Be sure to introduce the quote! ( Lee writes in chapter nineteen of To Kill a Mocking bird, “………” (267)
Elaborate- 2 to 3 sentences
Explain how the evidence relates back to the main topic/thesis of this paragraph and the overall claim of your essay.
What do the facts mean? How do they support and make your point for this paragraph?
Provide supporting detail, facts, quotes, statistics, and EXPERT opinions to support your main point.
Conclusion/Link to next Paragraph- 1 to 2 sentences.
End with a conclusion transitional phrase
Body Paragraph “A”, “B”, “C” Format

4. Choose a Conclusion Transition & re-state claim- As a result, Consequently, Hence, In conclusion, In short, In sum, Therefore, Thus, To sum up, To summarize, The evidence is overwhelming:, To conclude, Though (give the opposite argument). (1 sentence)
BRIEFLY summarize the main points- Try taking the topic/thesis of each body paragraph and re- writing their main points. (2/3 sentences)
Re-write Thesis Statement- Avoid simply restating your thesis. Find a way to rework your thesis in an interesting way, using different language. Restating your thesis using the same words strikes the reader as lazy. (1 sentence)
End with a Bang!- Tie in the Hook, appeal to peoples’ emotions, include a call to action, use irony to leave your topic in the readers’ mind. (1/2 sentences)
Conclusion Paragraph

6. Paragraph 1: Introduction

7. Choose a Hook: 2 sentences
Begin with a simile or a metaphor.
My life has been a carnival.
My family is like an open book.
Begin with a definition.
Insanity in its entirety is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. This is the case in Joseph Heller’s novel Catch 22.
Begin with a comparison to a well-known person or celebrity.
When addressing the topic of influential leaders it is difficult to refrain from mentioning the great Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the USA.
Begin with placing yourself in the future.
In the year 2012 I see myself as a supreme ballerina performing in Camelot at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Begin with a dilemma.
Deciding to attend Hampton Roads Academy, a private school, was one of my most difficult decisions.
Choose a Hook: 2 sentences

8. Writing a Thesis: What it does
1) Describe your topic, what your essay will be about. 2) Introduce a specific claim you are making about your topic. 3) Describe three ways in which you will cite evidence and support your claim.
Writing a Thesis: What it does

9. Write your Thesis: 2/3 Sentences
Subject + Claim 3 points of Evidence
Write your Thesis: 2/3 Sentences

10. Link to next paragraph (1 sentence)
End the paragraph with a link that lets the reader know where you are headed with your essay.
Use a transitional phrase that summarizes what you plan to do (or what you just talked about), and what you will talk about in the next paragraph.
Example: The first of my three arguments, in particular, will
Link to next paragraph (1 sentence)

11. Paragraph Format (6 Sentences)
Hook- 1 or 2 sentences
Begin with Begin with a simile or a metaphor, a definition, a comparison to a well-known person or celebrity, by placing yourself in the future or with a dilemma.
Thesis- 2 or 3 sentences
Subject (This is an Explanatory Essay supporting or denouncing the scientific alteration of one’s intelligence.)
Claim (I ____[Verb for making a claim]______ that…)
Three points of supporting evidence.
Rebuttal sentence. Ex: However, there are those who believe the opposite and disagree with scientifically altering someone’s intelligence.
Link to next paragraph- 1 sentence
Use a transitional phrase that summarizes what you plan to do (or what you just talked about), and what you will talk about in the next paragraph.
Paragraph Format (6 Sentences)

12. Paragraph 2-4: Body “A” “B” “C”

13. Transitions & Topic/Thesis
Introduction Transitional Phrases:
First, second, third, etc…
For instance
To begin with
Initially
In particular
The next point
With my other evidence in mind
Additionally
Furthermore.
Topic/Thesis- Subject+Claim
What is the main purpose of this paragraph?
What is the one thing you want the reader to know about this paragraph?
Transitions & Topic/Thesis

14. Decide on one SMALL piece of evidence from one of our texts to support your claim.
This piece of evidence can be no longer than two lines or two complete sentences.
Incorporate that piece of evidence into a sentence that has some of YOUR OWN writing!
Example: When reading The Declaration of Independence it is important to first recognize one’s “Inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Citing Evidence

15. Body Paragraph “A”, “B”, “C” Format
Introduction Transitional Phrase
First, second, third, etc…, For instance, To begin with, Initially, In particular, The next point, With my other evidence in mind, Additionally, Furthermore.
Topic/Thesis Statement- 1 Sentence
Give the main purpose of this paragraph? What is the one thing you want the reader to know?
Evidence- 1 sentence (varies based on citation of evidence)
Elaborate- 2 to 3 sentences
Explain how the evidence relates back to the main topic/thesis of this paragraph and the overall claim of your essay.
What do the facts mean? How do they support and make your point for this paragraph?
Provide supporting detail, facts, quotes, statistics, and EXPERT opinions to support your main point.
Conclusion/Link to next Paragraph- 1 to 2 sentences.
End with a conclusion transitional phrase
Body Paragraph “A”, “B”, “C” Format

16. Body Paragraph Format Check: Elbow Partners
Introduction- Underline
Thesis/topic-
Evidence- Circle it!
Elaboration & Support- Underline with a squiggly line.
Conclusion & Link to next paragraph- Double Underline
Box it!
Body Paragraph Format Check: Elbow Partners

17. Rebuttal Paragraph Introduction Transitional Phrase
Topic/Thesis Sentence(1 Sentence)- What is the claim of the rebuttal.
Example: Despite the evidence shown in previous paragraphs, there are many who strongly support the use of vending machines in public schools.
List at LEAST three of the opposing arguments’ supporting reasons for their claim. (1/2 Sentences)
Some of their supporting arguments are that vending machines give students’ an opportunity to choose for themselves, they make snacking convenient and that they can be used as a bargaining method to be used only by those with privileges.
Your Opinion (2 Sentences)- Write one sentence that acknowledges these reasons but supports your original claim.
Although these reasons may seem understandable, they are not supported through logical evidence. Much of the evidence supports the social reasoning for vending machines but neglects the health side- effects.
Conclusion (1 Sentence)- In sum, most of the arguments used by those who support the use of vending machines in public schools do not have your best interest in mind and do not consider the positive side-effects of a healthy lifestyle.
Rebuttal Paragraph

18. Perhaps the key to getting an awesome grade on an essay is to finish it with a bang! That's why your conclusion is so important. Your conclusion should briefly sum up everything you talked about in your essay. Then, it should end provocatively, or with a verbal embellishment.
Conclusion

19. Conclusion: Step-by-step
Choose a Conclusion Transition & re-state claim- As a result, Consequently, Hence, In conclusion, In short, In sum, Therefore, Thus, To sum up, To summarize, The evidence is overwhelming:, To conclude, Though (give the opposite argument). (1 sentence)
BRIEFLY summarize the main points- Try taking the topic/thesis of each body paragraph and re- writing their main points. (2/3 sentences)
Re-write Thesis Statement- Avoid simply restating your thesis. Find a way to rework your thesis in an interesting way, using different language. Restating your thesis using the same words strikes the reader as lazy. (1 sentence)
End with a Bang!- Tie in the Hook, appeal to peoples’ emotions, include a call to action, use irony to leave your topic in the readers’ mind. (1/2 sentences)
Conclusion: Step-by-step