Persuasive Paper
A persuasive essay is an argument in writing.
Form a thesis you can argue. Make sure it’s not a statement of taste (I like video games"), or a
statement of fact, such as "Video games are popular." No one can argue with that! Try something
like, "Video games negatively affect teens’ health."
Gather more information: the internet, the library, newspapers and magazines, and other people
are all possible sources. If you have personal experience with the topic, that can be part, but not
all, of your evidence. Write your facts as complete sentences, and then develop each fact into its
own paragraph.
Try to predict how a reader might argue against your thesis. How would you defend it?
How would you show their response as incorrect?
Finish up with a conclusion that restates your thesis. Then add a little extra – a prediction for the
future, perhaps?
Paragraph 1: Introduction (12 pt. font, Times New Roman)
Hook: Capture the reader’s attention with a question, quote, vivid description, or an interesting fact
Transitional Sentences: Theses sentences transition you from your hook to your argument/thesis
Thesis: What side of the argument are you on? You must choose one side and stick to it.
Subpoints: List 3 reasons that support your argument
Paragraph 2: Argument 1
Including 3 clear details backing argument 1
Paragraph 3: Argument 2
Including 3 clear details backing argument 2
Paragraph 4: Argument 3
Including 3 clear details backing argument 3
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Restate your Thesis
Summarize your main points
Remember, this is the last chance to remind the reader and convince him/her to accept the writer's position.
Do not introduce new material in the conclusion.
ONLY Topics to choose from…
1. Pollution
14. Divorce
2. Cloning
15. Adoption
3. Violence in the Media
16. Animal Testing
4. School Uniform
17. Voting
5. Prayer in schools
18. Organ donation
6. Cosmetic Surgery
19. Airport Security
7. Nuclear Energy
20. Alternative Fuels
8. Social Security
21. Paparazzi
9. School Food
22. Helmet Law
10. Music Education
23. Fast-Food
11. Recycling
24. Military Recruiting
12. Censorship
25. Puppy Mills
13. Drunk Driving
Don’t Forget…
Cover Page:
Title, Name, Period in 12 pt. font, Times New Roman
Reference Page:
If you use any material to support your work you must site it on a separate sheet, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman
Grading Scale: Persuasive Paper
Name_______________
______30 points - Paragraph 1: Introduction (12 pt. font, Times New Roman)
(10 pts)Hook: Capture the reader’s attention with a question, quote, vivid description, or an
interesting fact. Transitional Sentences: Theses sentences transition you from your hook to
your argument/thesis
(10 pts)Thesis: What side of the argument are you on? You must choose one side and stick to
it.
(10 pts)Subpoints: List 3 reasons that support your argument
______15 points Paragraph 2: Argument 1 with support (5-7 Sentences)
______15 points Paragraph 3: Argument 2 with support (5-7 Sentences)
______15 points Paragraph 4: Argument 3 with support (5-7 Sentences)
______25 points Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Restate your Thesis
Summarize your main points
Remember, this is the last chance to remind the reader and convince him/her to accept the
writer's position.
Do not introduce new material in the conclusion.
Total Score: _______/100