Language Arts
HSPA

• An essay that convinces an audience to take a specific ‘position’ on a topic
(support/oppose).
• The essay should entail supportive evidence that supports the writer’s position.
• The THESIS is the focus of the paper.
• PERSUADE in writing!!!

- Persuasion is an everyday part of life: today and in the future.
- Knowing how to properly persuade through writing will help students today and in the long run.
Ex.) Persuading mom to get a new phone.
Persuading dad to buy you a car.
Persuading people to buy a product.
Persuading an administrator to start a new school club/ sport.
Persuading people to eat at a certain restaurant.
Persuading students why they should read a book.
Persuading a client to sign up for a program.
Persuading people to attend an event/ fundraiser.
etc…..
Learning how to provide supportive evidence will help one’s case when it comes to persuading an audience.

LONG
FIVE

• FIVE Paragraphs :
• Introduction
• Body Paragraph 1
• Body Paragraph 2
• Body Paragraph 3
• Conclusion

• Introduction (Paragraph 1)
• 1.) “Hook/Grabber” Include one of the following “hooks” that will
‘grab’ your reader’s interest (1st sentence of introduction)—
– Anecdote (brief story)
– Statistics (numbers and percentages)
– “Quote” (direct words said by someone- a famous or historical
person)
– Scenario (What would happen if….)
– Question (rhetorical)
• 2.) Clearly state the problem/ issue and who is behind it
– (ex.Board of Education, State of NJ, etc…)
• 3.) THESIS - state your position on the topic (support/oppose) in a clear sentence with the main reasons why you support or oppose the issue (avoid saying “I believe/think”)

• The most important sentence of the essay!!!!!!!!
• A clear statement that implies the writer’s position on the topic.
• Support or Oppose- and why?? (generally)
• A THESIS should only be ONE sentence.
• It should always be the LAST sentence of the
INTRODUCTION .
• The thesis should be reflected throughout the rest of the essay (body & closing).

*BODY #1, 2, 3*
• BODY Paragraphs # 1, 2, 3follow same format for all three body paragraphs (min.)
• #1.) Main reason a coherent sentence that explains the major reason why you either support or oppose the topic/issue (1st sentence of body paragraph)
• #2.) THREE Supporting details/examples that support the main reason
• Details may include:
– Your own thoughts/ideas or common knowledge on the topic
– Facts and statistics (can be ‘made up’ for HSPA)
– Connections, quotes, rhetorical questions, etc.. (used to enhance writing- also known as compositional risk)
• #3.) Closing sentence reflecting THESIS

• Note: If students get “stuck” during the writing of what to write for the main reasons, consider the following:
– Body #1.) Affect on students / adolescents/teens
– Body #2.) Affect on parents / guardians or teachers /faculty
– Body #3.) Affect on community/society as a whole
OR Ways to solve the problem/issue
(offer solutions)

(Paragraph #5- Closing)
#1.) Reflect main reasons from body paragraphs
#2.) Re-state topic (in different words than introduction)
#3.) Re-state THESIS (in different words than introduction)
• Make a strong ending statement- You want to leave an impact on your audience that leaves them convinced of your position on topic

• Note :
• Always keep audience/reader in mind because they are the ones you are aiming to persuade/convince!
• NO “I” or “you” in writing.
• REVISE! REVISE!
REVISE!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Students will be scored on a scale of
0-6.
• Two people will be grading essay, so highest grade for persuasive essay is
12
.

• Follow the correct format to write a well developed PERSUASIVE ESSAY !
• “Fortune Favors the Bold”…. And those who follow directions!