5 Paragraph Essay Structure
 First Draft with Virtual Cards,
Editing Checklist, References Page
 Final Copy
 Rubrics
To convince others of your opinion
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Introduction
The first sentence of the essay should capture the attention
of the reader. This is called an attention-getter.
Ways to capture attention:
• Startling situation or statistic
Example:
• Intriguing question
Imagine
openingdescription
your closet to find something to wear to
• Powerful
school,
and all you can find are khaki pants and white
• Quotation
shirts. Does that sound like a nightmare? Well, for many
public school students in the United States, it is a reality.
I’m going to tell you about….
Once upon a time…
This essay is about…
The assignment says I have to write about…
My first main idea is…
Fire! Now that I’ve got your attention…
Introduction
THESIS = a complete sentence that gives your opinion
about the issue and what you think should be done.
• A good thesis is short and clear.
• The thesis is what the rest of your essay will prove.
Example:
In public schools, students should not be forced to
wear uniforms.
THREE ARGUMENTS. These are the reasons you will
develop to prove that your thesis (opinion statement) is
correct.
Body
 Take your first argument and repeat it as a
TOPIC SENTENCE. Use slightly different
words.
 Topic sentences are supported with details,
which are supported by examples or pieces of
evidence.
Body
 Take your second argument and repeat it as a
TOPIC SENTENCE. Use slightly different
words.
 Topic sentences are supported with details,
which are supported by examples or pieces of
evidence.
Body
 Take your third argument and repeat it as a
TOPIC SENTENCE. Use slightly different
words.
 Topic sentences are supported with details,
which are supported by examples or pieces of
evidence.
Conclusion
 Restates your arguments using slightly different
words.
 Restates your thesis statement. Find a different
way to say it!
 Finishes with a powerful sentence to leave your
readers thinking.
Persuasive Essay Elements
What makes a cat an excellent house pet?
Let’s read and find out what the author
says!
"A dog is man's best friend." That common
saying may contain some truth, but dogs are not
the only animal friend whose companionship
people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best
friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats
make excellent house pets as they are good
companions, they are civilized members of the
household, and they are easy to care for.
"A dog is man's best friend." That common saying
may contain some truth, but dogs are not the only
animal friend whose companionship people enjoy.
For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite
what dog lovers may believe,A1cats make excellent
A2
house
pets as they are good companions,
they are civilized members of the household, and
they are easy to care for.
A3
A1
In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of
cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to
be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring
cat? If they're not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite
playful. They love to chase balls and feathers, or just about
anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing
when their owners are participating in the game. Contrary to
popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using rewards and
punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid
unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!
People enjoy the companionship of cats.
Topic Sentence 1
They are good companions. (A1)
A2
In the second place, cats make great indoor pets because
they are civilized members of the family. Unlike dogs, cats do
not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow
very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don't
often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the
litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time
on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown
the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and owners
must make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite
cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the
furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed.
In the second place, cats make great indoor pets
because they are civilized members of the family.
Topic Sentence 2
They are civilized members of the
household. (A2)
A3
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as house
pets is their ease of care. Cats do not have to be walked. They get
plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their
business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick,
painless procedure. Cats also take care of their own grooming.
Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary
circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular
about personal cleanliness than people are. In addition, cats can
be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some
pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone.
They are content to go about their usual activities until their
owners return.
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats
as house pets is their ease of care.
Topic Sentence 3
They are easy to care for. (A3)
SD
In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of
EX
cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to
be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring
cat? If they're not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite
playful. They love to chase balls and feathers, or just about
anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing
when their owners are participating in the game. Contrary to
popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using rewards and
punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid
unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!
SD
In the second place, cats make great indoor pets because
they are civilized members of the family. Unlike dogs, cats do
not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow
very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don't
often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the EX
litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time
on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown
the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and owners
must make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite
cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the
furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed.
SD
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as house
pets is their ease of care. Cats do not have to be walked. They get
plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their
business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick,
painless procedure. Cats also take care of their own grooming.
Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary
circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular
about personal cleanliness than people are. In addition, cats can
be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some
pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone.
They are content to go about their usual activities until their
owners return.
EX
Restates
arguments
Cats are low maintenance, civilized
companions. People who have small living
quarters or less time for pet care should
appreciate these characteristics of cats.
However, many people who have plenty of
space and time still opt to have a cat because
they love the cat personality. In many ways,
cats are the ideal house pet.
Restates thesis
"A dog is man's best friend." That common
saying may contain some truth, but dogs are not
the only animal friend whose companionship
people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best
friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats
make excellent house pets as they are good
companions, they are civilized members of the
household, and they are easy to care for.
In the first place, people enjoy the companionship
of cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up
and ask to be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can
resist a purring cat? If they're not feeling affectionate, cats
are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and
feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string.
They especially enjoy playing when their owners are
participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion,
cats can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just
like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted
behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!
In the second place, cats make great indoor pets
because are civilized members of the household. Unlike
dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats
don't even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet
existence. Cats also don't often have "accidents." Mother
cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats
will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats
usually understand the concept when shown the box and
will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and owners must
make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite
cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave
the furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be
declawed.
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as
house pets is their ease of care. Cats do not have to be
walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house as they
play, and they do their business in the litter box. Cleaning a
litter box is a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care
of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never
necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean
themselves. Cats are more particular about personal
cleanliness than people are. In addition, cats can be left
home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets,
most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone.
They are content to go about their usual activities until
their owners return.
Cats are low maintenance, civilized
companions. People who have small living
quarters or less time for pet care should appreciate
these characteristics of cats. However, many
people who have plenty of space and time still opt
to have a cat because they love the cat personality.
In many ways, cats are the ideal house pet.
Write TRUE or FALSE for each statement.
F 1. The goal of a persuasive essay is to inform.
____
____
T 2. The typical persuasive essay has 5 paragraphs.
____
3. Your arguments should only be presented in your
F
introduction.
____
F 4. A conclusion includes new information to convince
your reader of your idea.
____
T 5. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic
sentence, which is one of your arguments.
T 6. The first paragraph includes your thesis.
____
____
F 7. Wikipedia is a credible source for scholarly writing.