Hints to help you write an A+ Persuasive Essay
Persuasive writing is often used in advertisements to get the reader to buy a product. It is also used in essays and other
types of writing to get the reader to accept a point of view. In order to convince the reader you need more than opinion;
you need facts or examples to back your opinion. So, be sure to do the research!
Introduction: The introduction has a "hook or grabber" to catch the reader's attention. Some "grabbers" include:
1. Opening with an unusual detail:
o
Since 1970, 48 people have been released from death row because DNA evidence proved their
innocence.
2. Opening with a strong statement:
o
o
Harsh Punishment Is Not the Best Way to Prevent Juvenile Crime.
Juvenile Offenders Should Not Be Eligible for the Death Penalty
3. Opening with a Quotation:
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o
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Senator Barack Obama believes the war in Iraq has hurt American foreign policy, ''Where are we for all of
this sacrifice?'' he said. ''We are less safe and less able to shape events abroad. We are divided at home,
and our alliances around the world have been strained.''
Virginia Tech student Lily Habtu, 22, was shot through her jaw and hand as she crouched under her desk
in Jamie Bishop's German class. She will spend the first anniversary of the Virgina Tech shootings in front
of the U.S. Supreme Court, advocating stricter gun laws. "I don't want people to have to go through what I
have had to go through, when you can pass some simple laws that won't hurt law-abiding citizens. It's
helping me heal, I think, knowing that I'm trying to prevent other tragedies from happening."
ALWAYS include the job title of the individual you are quoting.
4. Opening with an Anecdote: An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short
and to the point.
Fast food and soft drink corporations are increasing their presence and influence in elementary schools, high schools, and
colleges. The result is that schools must cater to large corporations that push unhealthy products on children at school.
The PepsiCo Corporation, a monolithic giant in the soda pop and fast food industry, plays "cut throat hardball" with its
competition. According to the Salem News, When Pepsi got wind of West Salem High (Salem, Oregon) cheerleader
Andrea Boyes creative idea to sell bottled water under the school logo, "Titans," they claimed "turf rights" and squashed
the idea. Pepsi has a 10-year, $5 million contract with the Salem Keiser School District and only they can sell their bottled
water, Aquafina brand, on school grounds. In order to prevent corporate America from turning schools into commercial
zones, all American high schools should adopt a policy that forbids corporate advertising.
5. Opening with a Statistic or Fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It
may be wise to include the item's authoritative source.
o
In April 2008, CNN conducted a poll asking Americans if rising gas prices were causing them financial
hardship. 49 percent reported finance hardship due to gas prices, an increase of 20% compared to April
2007.
6. Opening with a Question.
o
Polls show that while confidence in our democracy and our government is near an all-time low,
volunteerism and civic participation since the '70s are near all-time highs. Political scientists are
perplexed about this. If confidence is so low, why would people bother volunteering?
The introduction should also include a thesis or focus statement.
A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes:
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take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree
deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment
express one main idea
assert your conclusions about a subject
A thesis should not contain phrases like “I think” or “in my opinion” because they weaken the
writer’s argument.
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Unacceptable: In my opinion, all cigarette smoking in public places should be banned because of the
adverse effects of “passive smoking” on non-smokers.
Acceptable: All cigarette smoking in public places should be banned because of the adverse effects of
“passive smoking” on non-smokers.
A thesis should not be expressed in vague language.
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Unacceptable: Religion as part of the school curriculum should be avoided because it can cause
trouble.
Acceptable: Religion should not be part of the public school curriculum because it is a highly
personal commitment and can cause conflict with those who hold alternative beliefs.
Use the questions in your Research Packet, if you turn the question into a strong declarative statement, you have
a strong thesis!
Question: Should government do more to protect teens from dating violence?
Thesis: The Violence Against Women Act should _________________________________.
Question: Should more limits be imposed on teen drivers?
Thesis: All states should require teen drivers to _________________________.
Question: Should students be allowed to dropout of high school at the age of 16?
Thesis: All American high school students should ___________________________.
Question: Should law enforcement agencies make substantial changes in eyewitness identification procedures?
Thesis: Law Enforcement agencies should ________________________ in order to reduce the number of
wrongful convictions.
Question: Does the Death Penalty cost more to administer than it is worth?
Thesis: The United States Supreme Court should _________________ because ______ and _____.
Question: Does Decriminalization encourage marijuana use by teens?
Thesis: State Government should _______________________ because ________________.
Question: Is business-style competition a good model for improving schools?
Thesis: State Governments should ____________________ in order to _______________.