Persuasive Writing
Overview of
Persuasive Writing
• Take a position on a topic and develop one side
of the argument.
• Every reason and fact must relate to the
argument.
• The piece is 5 paragraphs.
• Sentences must include persuasive language
and variety.
The Introduction
• State your position clearly. " Walter Payton
deserves the honor of having his face on a
postage stamp."
• The writing must have a hook, something that
pulls your reader into the writing piece.
Hooks include.....
• A powerful statement: Walter Payton was the
greatest athlete of all-time.
• A quotation: "There was just no one like
Sweetness"-Author Unknown
• A statistic or fact: "In his career, Walter Payton had
16,726 rushing yards."
• A question: "What would the NFL have been like
without the great Walter Payton? "
Body Paragraphs
• 2 or 3 supports that defend your position.
• Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence which tells
what reason the paragraph will focus upon.
• The rest of the paragraph will present your evidence
which can be facts, observations or other information
(examples) that support the topic sentence.
• Use transition words between paragraphs, and even
within the paragraph. See your packet of transition
words.
Strong Exit Sentences
• Question: "Wouldn't every letter sent through the
mail be inspirational with a world class athlete
like Walter Payton on the stamp?"
• Recommendation: "I strongly recommend that
Walter Payton be placed on a stamp
because....."
• Quotation: Find a good quotation about your
person!
The Conclusion
• Include a restatement of your position and the
main points or reasons you had for your
position.
• State the benefits of implementing your
position will have on society.
• Include a strong exit sentence.
In summary, when writing
a persuasive essay......
• Have a firm opinion that you
want your reader to
support/accept.
• Begin with a grabber or hook to
get the reader's attention.
• Offer specific evidence/examples
to support each reason.
• Conclude with a restatement of
what you want the reader to
believe.