How to Write a Persuasive Essay

Mater Academy Lakes MiddleMrs. Morales7th grade

What is persuasive writing?

Copying permitted

Persuasive writing tells the writer’sopinion and why the readershould agree.

What is the goal of persuasive writing? to state the writer’s opinion to give reasons why the reader should agree to convince the reader of your opinion

Copying permitted

Step 1: Take a stand: Claim

Take a stand or state your opinion on a topic. Must answerPrompt. Mistakes are key to making discoveries.

Step 2: State your reasons: Thesis

Mistakes or failures are key to making discoveries because one learns to self-correct, problem-solve and self-adjust.

2-3 reasons in one sentence

Step 3: Elaborate or Provide Evidence for your claim and support reasons

Reliable evidence includes, e.g. facts, definitions, quotations, statistics and data. Be sure to cite your evidence. Try to embed your quotes in the your sentence. Make sure all quotes support claim.

According to 19th century author Samuel Smiles, “We learn from failure much more than from success.”

In the article, “In Praise of Careful Science,” the author states that “without mistakes, no discoveries can be made.”

Step 4: Must include a concession and counter-argument or counter-claim.

Concession means to acknowledge your opponent’s argument only to rebut it. You can’t ignore compelling opposing evidence.

Counter-claim means to rebut (prove false or weak) opponent’s argument.

True, mistakes may cause more problems; however, many important discoveries were made by accident such as the telephone and penicillin.

Step 5: Conclude your Essay: Restate your claim, summarize your reasons and reflect. DO NOT ADD NEW INFORMATION. USE TRANSITIONS.

In conclusion, mistakes or accidents are key to making discoveries. They may lead scientists or researchers to solve problems, make corrections or adjustments. Some say that mistakes mayhinder research; however, throughout history, there have been many well-known accidents or mistakes that have led to important inventions and discoveries.

Step 3: Prepare the graphic organizer.

Now fold your paper into 4 squares.

Step 4: Complete the graphic organizer.

Unfold the paper and draw a box in the center. In the center box write a sentence to convey your stand.

Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.

WRITE YOUR CLAIM

Write one reason and cite evidence(s).

Restate claim. Summarize your reasons.

. Write another reason and cite evidence(s).

Acknowledge other side’s opinion (concession) and rebut it (counter-claim).

Remember:

You cannot use I. Since you are writing the paper, the reader knows it is your opinion!

You cannot use You. Use: a person, someone, people, citizens, one, he, she, they, etc.

Avoid contractions like can’t, don’t, won’t, etc.