The “art” of persuasion…Writing a PERSUASIVE ESSAY
YOUR TASK: To write a 5-paragraph persuasive essay with the purpose of
convincing your audience to agree with or believe in your position.
Upon completion, you will submit the following:
 Copies of TWO sources used for research
 Completed pre-writing outline
 Hand-written rough draft with visible revision and editing
 Typed final copy containing in-text citations (Times New Roman, 12 point
font, double-spaced)
 Typed Works Cited page in correct MLA format
***All parts must be submitted on the due date for full credit.
Your essay will be completed in the following order:
1. Select a topic from the options provided.
2. Bring in TWO sources which will be used for research as support
Please note: You may not use any websites for this assignment. However,
you may use an Internet based encyclopedia, magazine, or newspaper as a
source. (For example: NorthJersey.com is The Record newspaper and Ebsco
Host on the BCCLS website will provide other reliable newspaper and
magazine articles.)
3. Create a Works Cited page of the sources in correct MLA format.
Remember to use Parenthetical citations in the body of your essay as
evidence of your use of the sources listed on your Works Cited page.
4. As your pre-writing, create an outline of your essay using the attached
template
5. Hand write your ROUGH DRAFT- 5 paragraphs
6. Proofread your rough draft and have your draft edited by your peers, then
make any necessary revisions.
7. Type your final draft in correct manuscript format. Attach the following to
your final copy in the following order:
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Final copy (on top). Include the Works Cited page with the final copy.
Hand written rough draft with revisions
Peer editing sheet
Outline
SAMPLE INTRODUCTION:
It is safe to say that most people have the desire to feel better, have more
energy and perhaps even live longer, healthier lives. Exercise is a tool that can
bring people closer to all of these desires. There are many people who question
the importance of regular exercise in daily life, however I believe that exercise is
crucial to a person’s well being for many reasons. For one thing, exercise helps
people manage weight and keeps them physically fit. Also, exercise improves mood
and reduces stress. And what I believe to be most important of all is the fact that
exercise is proven to combat disease and strengthens the heart and lungs. All of
these factors combined make it obvious that exercise should be a part of
everyone’s weekly routine.
Outline Template
PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION
Essay topic_____________________________________________________
Your position____________________________________________________
Hook _________________________________________________________
Thesis statement
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Point 1 to be discussed in body paragraph 1
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Point 2 to be discussed in body paragraph 2
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Point 3 to be discussed in body paragraph 3
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Concluding statement- This sentence should lead into the first body paragraph
______________________________________________________________
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