Guidelines for the Persuasive Essay
- Essay must be in MLA format.
- DO NOT write “I think…” statements. To avoid this, simply start the statement with whatever follows the “I think” statement. For instance, you may want to write, “I think school should start later in the day.” Instead, write, “School should start later in the day.” You writing will sound stronger and the reader may forget to question your credibility because you sound more convincing.
- You must have counterarguments to prove why the opposition is wrong. Otherwise your essay will be weak.
- Include transitional phrases like, “Secondly, furthermore, however….” at the beginning of the paragraphs.
- Include a Bibliography/Works Cited Page with at least 3 sources.
Honors' Schedule for Essay
In computer lab: Feb. 17, Feb. 21, Feb. 24. Rough draft due for peer editing: Thurs. Feb. 23 Final draft due: Feb. 27, Monday.
CP Schedule
In computer lab: Feb. 17, Feb. 21, Feb. 24, Feb. 29 Rough draft due for peer editing: Tues. Feb. 28 Final draft due: March 1, Thurs
Follow this structure for the essay:
Introduction
- Introduce the reader to your topic by briefly describing it.
- Introduce the reader to opposing viewpoints concerning your topic by sharing the varied opinions there are concerning the topic.
- Thesis statement – a statement showing what the essay is about. For a persuasive statement, you should state your stance concerning the topic.
First Body Paragraph
- Explain your first main reason for your opinion on the topic.
- Make a logical (logos) appeal supporting your first main reason.
- State facts that support your first main reason.
- Explain one main reason the opposition has for their opinion.
- Share counterarguments which reasons/proves/refutes the first main reason of the opposition. Counterarguments are when you prove why the opposition is wrong.
Second Body Paragraph
- Explain the second main reason for your opinion on the topic.
- Make an ethical (ethos) appeal to support your second reason.
- Use an analogy to support your second main reason.
- Explain another main reason the opposition has for their opinion.
- Share counterarguments which reasons/proves/refutes the second main reason of the opposition.
Third Body Paragraph
- Explain your third main reason for your opinion on the topic.
- Make an emotional (pathos) appeal supporting your third main reason.
- Use an anecdote to further support your third main reason.
- Explain the last main reason the opposition has for their opinion.
- Make counterarguments which reasons/proves/refutes the first main reason of the opposition.
Conclusion