Persuasive writing

What is persuasive writing?

Persuasive writing is
An essay which tries to convince a reader to believe what you believe about a certain topic.

Some DOS and DONTs

Do: Divide into 5 paragraphs Have a thesis statement in your introduction Come up with 3 main points to support your argumentthese will be your 3 body paragraphs Have a conclusion that contains a clincher statement Come up with a catchy title Dont Begin with hello my name is___ and Im going to write about____ Take out the word I (instead of I think we shouldnt wear uniforms say Uniforms shouldnt be required Be wishy washy. Pick a side. Forget to support your opinions with facts and example

Stages of writing
Prewriting (brainstorming) Rough draft (pencil) Revising/editing Final draft (in pen)

Brainstorming
Hamburger

These are things that make a fabulous persuasive essay

A terrific title A thought provoking thesis statement An interesting introduction with a hook 3 banging body paragraphs with innovative ideas Tremendous transition words between paragraphs A killer conclusion with a clincher statement

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is one sentence at the end of your introduction that states your opinion. It needs to be strong.

Which one is thought provoking?

This essay describes the difference between being a student and being a scholar.
School board policy should be changed in order to implement cell phones into the curriculum.

An interesting introduction with a hook

Never say Hello.blah blah or This essay will be about BORING! You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Some techniques we will learn about:
Anecdote Riddles Fragment technique Quotations Shocking statement

ANECDOTE
A short story within an introduction to make the point clear.
Example: Sally got out of bed, and looked at the alarm clock. She was running late! She would have to hurry to catch the bus. This was one of those days that she was glad that her school had a uniform policyshe wouldnt have to waste much time picking out an outfit.

Riddles
Get your readers attention with a challenging thought.
Whats plain, and boring? What makes all students in a school building look the same and lose their individuality? If you guessed UNIFORMS, youre correct!

Fragment technique
Uses 3 short fragments to create an image.
Example: A brand new fishing pole, a bucket of

worms, and a warm spring day! These things were present on the day I caught a record-breaking keeper.

Quotations
Conversational Mom, Ive signed up to fight for my country! Famous Quote

"War is nothing without a solider to fight it." - Unknown

Shocking statements
Provides statistics or facts that startles readers to pull them into your story.
Example Can you believe that over 90% of students polled at our school are dissatisfied with school lunch, but only 5% are willing to pack their own lunches?

3 banging body paragraphs with innovative ideas

You should come up with three points to support your opinion Each of the points will be turned into a body paragraph Try to think of ideas that no one else would think of

3 banging body paragraphs with innovative ideas (an example)

Your school has a uniform policy. Some people argue that uniforms in schools are beneficial because they cause less distractions, and some argue that they are not a good idea because they take away a students individuality. Do you agree or disagree with uniform policy? Make sure to support your position

3 banging body paragraphs with innovative ideas (an example)

Thesis: Uniform policies are beneficial in schools, and should be implemented nationwide. Reason 1: Allows for less bullying based on wardrobe. Reason 2: Students will concentrate more on school and less on attire. Reason 3: It cuts down on cost of school clothes and time spent getting ready in the morning.

Tremendous transition words

Transition words move from one thought to the next Usually at the beginning of 3 body paragraphs Avoid the same weak transition words (first, next, last)

A killer conclusion with a clincher statement

Clincher statement is the last lline of your paper. It should almost shock your reader Conclusion leaves a lasting impression

A killer conclusion with a clincher statement

In conclusion, over 95% of parents polled are in agreement with a school wide uniform policy. Uniforms allow students to be who they are, not what they wear. After all, shouldnt school be about academics rather than apparel? Its time our nation got back to reading, writing, and arithmetic.not Baby Phat, Apple Bottom, and FUBU.

A review
What are some dos? What are some donts? What are these things
A terrific title A thought provoking thesis statement An interesting introduction with a hook
Anecdote Riddles Fragment technique Quotations Shocking statement

3 banging body paragraphs with innovative ideas Tremendous transition words between paragraphs A killer conclusion with a clincher statement

How will I be graded?

On these four areas: Style Organization Ideas Conventions

Persuasive Writing
True or False?

Writing situation appears first

Writing Situation The Department of Education is considering a ban on the use of cell phones in public schools. Students would not be able to bring phones into school buildings for any reason. Many teachers and school administrators approve of the plan because they believe that cell phones are a distraction and disrupt class. Students and parents, on the other hand, feel that schools are limiting the ability of parents and children to keep in touch in case of emergencies.

Writing Directions Write a letter to your principal either supporting or opposing the cell-phone ban. Provide convincing reasons and specific examples to support your position.

Prewriting
Hamburger method

Prewriting
Four fold method

Now
For the following prompt, create
A terrific title An interesting introduction with a hook A killer conclusion with a clincher statement

Writing situation appears first

Writing Situation The Department of Education is considering a ban on the use of cell phones in public schools. Students would not be able to bring phones into school buildings for any reason. Many teachers and school administrators approve of the plan because they believe that cell phones are a distraction and disrupt class. Students and parents, on the other hand, feel that schools are limiting the ability of parents and children to keep in touch in case of emergencies.

Writing Directions Write a letter to your principal either supporting or opposing the cell-phone ban. Provide convincing reasons and specific examples to support your position.