Persuasive Writing
INTRODUCTION
Writing a strong introduction means that your essay will be effective. The introduction is the foundation of your
essay. In order to write a strong introduction, there are steps to follow…
Sample Prompt:
Recently, a student in your school was suspended for carrying a knife in his backpack. The knife was discovered when he
left the back pocket open during class and a teacher saw it sticking out. As a result, your school’s administration is
considering doing spot checks of backpacks and lockers periodically, which means they can check students’ personal
belongings at any time they see as appropriate. They believe that these spot checks will ensure school safety.
Write a letter to your principal explaining why you do or do not support the practice of randomly spot-checking
backpacks and lockers. Give clear reasons for your support or criticism of this possible school policy. Make sure to
develop each of your reasons fully and completely. You have 45 minutes to complete this essay.
Before you even begin your intro, you have to know your purpose. You may be asked to…
 Write a letter (Begin with… Dear Principal,
Dear Board of Education,)
 Write an essay (Just begin writing)
 Write an editorial (found in newspapers and magazines – it is a writing piece based solely on your opinion)
The introduction needs to begin by hooking the reader, or grabbing their attention.
 Hook
 Quote, question, fact, dramatic intro, true story, etc.
 For Example: “Never judge a book by its cover.” That is what our teachers have always taught us.
After your reader is hooked, they need to be informed. ALWAYS ASSUME THE READER KNOWS NOTHING! Even
though the prompt is at the top of the page, assume your reader has not seen it. Explain the situation you will be
persuading about.
 Background
 Rephrase the question or topic  give information necessary for understanding thesis
 For Example: Here at Holdrum, there is a new policy that is being put in place. Because one student was
found with a knife, school administration will now be allowed to search through all students’ personal
belongings, whenever they choose. They are saying it is to ensure school safety.
Finally, you must state your THESIS. This is your opinion, or your direct response to the question.
 Thesis
 Make sure to answer the question that is being asked – use language from the question
 For Example (the questions asks if you “do or do not support the practice of randomly spot-checking
backpacks and lockers)
 I do not support the practice of randomly spot-checking backpacks and lockers.
Last but not least, you must preview 3 reasons to support your thesis. These become your essay’s body.
 Preview 3 Reasons
 3 reasons to support your thesis – combine them into one sentence
 For Example: This is an invasion of privacy, it will cause unfair judgment, and it violates students’ rights.
PUT IT ALL TOGETHER!
“Never judge a book by its cover.” That is what our teachers have always taught us. Here at Holdrum,
there is a new policy that is being put in place. Because one student was found with a knife, school
administration will now be allowed to search through all students’ personal belongings, whenever they choose.
They are saying it is to ensure school safety. I do not support the practice of randomly spot-checking backpacks
and lockers. This policy is an invasion of privacy, it will cause unfair judgment, and it violates students’ rights.
Persuasive Writing
INTRODUCTION
LET’S GIVE THIS A TRY!
Practice Prompt:
Your principal wants to invite a celebrity speaker to your school. He thinks it will be a good way to spread school spirit.
He will choose which celebrity is coming, based on student requests. The student’s request that he chooses to fulfill,
must explain why this celebrity will be the right person to come and speak to the school. The celebrity must possess
qualities and plan on addressing issues that will be beneficial for students.
Think about the celebrity you would choose to come and speak to your school. Then, write a letter to persuade your
principal to invite this person. Be sure to include convincing reasons and details to support your choice.
PLAN YOUR HOOK:
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PLAN YOUR BACKGROUND:
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PLAN YOUR THESIS
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PLAN YOUR 3 REASONS
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PUT IT ALL TOGETHER IN PARAGRAPH FORM… YOUR INTRODUCTION IS COMPLETE!
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