Persuasive Writing
Purpose
• To influence or change a reader’s thoughts
or opinions on a particular topic.
• To be successful, your writing should be
well-planned
• Planning includes:
– Choosing a topic
– Researching the topic thoroughly
– Mapping out the structure of the writing
Step 1 – Choosing an Issue
• Decide what you are trying to persuade someone
to believe
• Make sure you feel strongly about this issue
• Know a large amount of facts about your issue
• Examples:
» School uniforms
» Civil Rights
» Womens’ Rights
» Cloning
» Animal Cruelty
Step 2 – Research the Topic
• You must have content to back up your
claims
• Claims must be well-documented and
elaborated
• You should include information that
supports BOTH sides of the topic / issue
Step 3 – Mapping Out Your Writing
• List the arguments for and
against your issue
• A good persuasive gives arguments for
both sides in order for the reader to
evaluate the information and make a
decision
Step 3 – Mapping Out Your Writing
• Plan your Structure
• Introduction
• Body Paragraphs
• Conclusion
Introduction
• Introduce your readers to the topic
– Example: Use a question as a hook
• Give background information
• State your position of the issue in the last
sentence of the paragraph
• List your arguments in the order of least
important to most important
Body Paragraphs
• At least three
• Each paragraph discusses each argument or
reason
• Each argument/reason needs SUPPORT
• Use facts NOT opinions
• Save the most compelling point for last
• Do not forget the reason for examining an
opposing viewpoint
Conclusion
• Restate the issue
• Tie in the three reasons from your body
paragraph
• Summarize the arguments
• End with a powerful statement relating to
the original issue
Steps to Follow
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Brainstorm/ choose a prompt
List pros and cons of the issue you chose from your
brainstorm (worksheet 3)
Fill out graphic organizer
Write first draft skipping lines
PQP
Fill out checklist (worksheet 6)
Type teacher edit/ second draft and circle items that
might need changing in green
Make revisions and edit teacher edit on the
computer for your final draft
Example Persuasive Essay
“Cats make the ideal house pets.”
Prompts
• Given four prompts
– You may do the prompts in any order you like
but all of the prompts must be used by the end
of the quarter
– You may write more persuasive essays for
extra credit
– You may turn in your teacher edits and final
drafts at any time
Prompt 1
Recently, some public schools have been
adopting the private school idea of having students
wear uniforms. Mrs. Slingerland is deciding
whether or not to make the students at Kelvin
Grove School wear uniforms. Some parents agree
that uniforms should be required at K.G. because
there will be less arguments over buying and
wearing designer clothing. Other parents disagree
because school uniforms takes individuality away
from their child. Write a persuasive paper stating
whether or not you think your principal should
have you wear school uniforms.
Prompt 2
A recent news article talked about the State of Illinois
wanting to increase the amount of homework for
students on the weekends. The current amount of
homework for fifth graders is 50 minutes a night.
Some teachers give homework on the weekends and
some do not. The state suggests that all students
should have two hours of homework on the
weekends. Some parents disagree because homework
on the weekends takes away from family activities.
Other parents feel that there is not enough time to
learn all of the material and practice it during the
week. Do you feel that the amount of homework on
the weekends should be increased? Write a
persuasive essay stating what you believe and why.
Prompt 3
A recent study has shown that most children spend too many hours
each week watching television. The article on the study mentioned
that many children spend as much as four hours each day in front of a
T.V. rather than doing physical activity or spending time on
homework.
As a result of this article, the District 91 School Board is holding a
meeting to ask parents to limit the amount of television that their
children watch. The school board is going to ask parents to only allow
their children to watch television only on the weekends. Some parents
agree with the article and others feel that some television shows are
educational and also allow their children to relax and unwind before
doing homework.
Do you agree or disagree that students in District 91 should only be
allowed to watch T.V. on the weekends? Write a persuasive essay
saying whether you agree or disagree and why.
Prompt 4
A leading doctor has published a research paper,
which claims that all students should be in bed by
8:00 p.m. Some parents believe that going to bed
at 8:00 p.m. will increase the amount of attention
their children pay in class and will help their
children stay healthy and rested. Other parents
believe that 8:00 p.m. is too early for their child
to go to bed because they do not get home from
work until late in the evening and want to spend
time with their children. Write an essay to your
parents and explain your position. Use specific
examples and evidence to support your position.