Juniors are responsible for learning how to write a persuasive essay.

The following is an outline of the persuasive essay objectives:

READ THE PROMPT. BRAINSTORM (7-10 MINUTES)

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: CHANGE THE MAIN IDEA OF THE PROMPT TO A QUESTION. BEGIN YOUR SENTENCE WITH “ IS IT …. OR SHOULD….?”

ANSWER THE QUESTION WITH: YES. ABSOLUTELY. CERTAINLY. OR

NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT. CERTAINLY NOT.

(This is the “thesis” or main idea of the entire essay.)

FOLLOW WITH AN OPPOSITION STATEMENT AND FINISH THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH WITH A TRANSITION SENTENCE.

I.E. Let’s examine the evidence.

BODY PARAGRAPHS (15) minutes)

Brief topic sentences. Use a variety of supportive detail: facts, anecdotes, statistics, examples.

· Do not forget the clincher!

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH ( 10 to write and review entire essay)

Transition, then a restatement of the thesis.

Reasons placed in a 2:1 combination: This means the first two reasons in the body paragraphs will be joined in one compound sentence.

The final reason is written as a simple sentence.

The final statement is called the CALL TO ACTION. Let the reader know if you believe this prompt to be a good or bad idea.

TOTAL TIME FOR ESSAY IS 35 MINUTES!!!!

Remember: no contractions

Use strong vocabulary

Avoid “a lot”

Only use “you, your, we” at the appropriate times and remember not to use “you” as if you are speaking to the reader of the essay.