Persuasive Writing
Goal: support an argument with textual evidence
Identify main idea and supporting details
Compare and contrast authors’ argument
Identify text features that support your argument
PROMPT
 The government has decided to place warning labels
on sugary drinks in order to educate the public about
the dangers of consuming sugar. This has caused a
controversy in the United States some people say that
it takes away from their constitutional rights.
 Write a letter to the President explaining whether you
agree or disagree with this proposal. State facts and
statistics in your letter.
Introduction
 Hook your reader
 Thesis
 Two reasons
 Clincher
Hook
 Single word
 Share an interesting fact
 Capture a moment in time
Hook
 Single Word
 Example:
 Sugar. One of the most toxic substances known to
man.
 You try it!
Interesting Fact
 Did you know that a can of soda contains 44 grams of
sugar? An average person should only be consuming
25 grams of sugar a day! That means in ONE can a
person is having close to double the amount of sugar in
one day.
 You TRY it!
Anecdote
 Soda. It has been in your house for ages! You cannot
remember a time that you did not enjoy the fizzy, bubbly
refreshing drink. One day you wake up and want to wash
down your bacon and egg breakfast with a cold beverage.
Rummaging through the cabinets you cannot find that
familiar bottle anywhere. Where has all the soda gone?
Mom explains that she will no longer pour that toxic
beverage down your throat. Due to warning labels on
sugary drinks, mom has been made aware of all the
dangers of soda, and now it is you who have to suffer. The
humanity!
 YOU TRY IT!
Example

Did you know that a can of soda contains 44 grams
of sugar? An average person should only be
consuming 25 grams of sugar a day! That means in
ONE can a person is having close to double the
amount of sugar in one day. (hook) Putting warning
labels on sugary drinks would be beneficial to the
consumers. (thesis) Primarily, warning labels will
inform the drinker of the danger of sugar. Also, if
people are aware of the dangers, obesity rates may
decline. (reasons) Overall, warning labels on sugary
drinks is a great idea. (clincher)
Body Paragraphs 1-2
 Try to Follow RACER
 Restate reason 1
 Answer why this reason is so important
 Cite a piece of textual evidence from the articles that
support your reason
 Explain textual evidence and what it proves in terms of
your argument
 Recap with a closing sentence
Conclusion
 Knockout PUNCH!
 Last effort to make an impact on your reader
 Use a concluding transition
 If you asked a question, answer your question,
 If you gave a shocking fact, tell the reader a consequence if
your claim isn’t followed through
 If you created a scene, refer back to your anecdote
 Offer a solution to the problem or an alternative system
 Give the reader something to think about
 End with a powerful statement
Conclusion

Ultimately, warning labels on sugary drinks will help
the cause of obesity and health problems due to over
consumption of sugar. Now that you, Mr. President,
know that one can of sugar contains almost double the
amount of sugar that an average American can drink, you
need to make people more aware of the problem. If
warning labels are not something you are considering,
then maybe can create advertisements on television and
newspaper to show the dangers of drinking too much
sugar. You cannot stand idly by and watch the health of
Americans deteriorate because of sugar.
Thanksgiving Day
More and more stores are opening their doors on
Thanksgiving Day. The CEOs of these companies argue
that stores being open on Thanksgiving day is an
opportunity to make more money. However, there are
also people that argue that shopping on Thanksgiving
takes away from the meaning of the holiday.
Write a letter to a store that is open on Thanksgiving Day
either supporting or opposing their decision to remain
open. Use statistics and facts to back up your argument.