Steps to Writing a Persuasive
Essay
Lit Center Mini Lesson
FALL 2013
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COMMON CORE STANDARD:
PERSUASIVE-OPINION WRITING
GRADE 2
• Write opinion pieces in which they introduce
they introduce the topic or book they are writing
about, state an opinion, supply reasons that
support the opinion, use linking words (e.g.,
because, and, also) to connect opinion and
reasons, and provide a concluding statement or
section.
2
COMMON CORE STANDARD:
PERSUASIVE-OPINION WRITING
GRADE 7
• Write arguments to support claims with clear
reasons and relevant evidence.
– Introduce claims, acknowledge and address alternate
or or opposing claims (counterarguments), and
organize the reasons and evidence logically, using
accurate, credible sources, and demonstrating an
understanding of the topic or text…
3
COMMON CORE STANDARD:
PERSUASIVE-OPINION WRITING
Grades 11-12
• Write arguments to support claims in an analysis
of substantive topics or texts, using valid
reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence…
• Use specific rhetorical devices to support
assertions (e.g., appeal to logic through
reasoning; appeal to emotion or ethical belief;
relate a personal anecdote, case study, or
analogy…
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 Read the prompt and highlight key words.
Sample Prompt:
The local school board will meet to vote on increasing
graduation requirements to include one additional
history-social science course and one additional course of
English composition, both of which must be passed with
a minimum grade of C. Advance placement
students will be exempt from this requirement.
Topics: Think RIGOR-RELEVANCE
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You may want to teach students using the following
suggestions and guidelines as you guide them towards
independent writing (and writing-on-demand) for the
opinion pieces and persuasive writing required in the
Common Core Standards K-12.
Writing is expected to become more complex as
students move up the grades, so be sure all students
understand the basic elements needed for their
arguments and opinion pieces at each grade level.
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 Make an advantages (pro) and
disadvantages (con) list.
Note: Being aware of both sides of an
issue allows the writer to be better
prepared to address opposing arguments.
Actually make a written list or
T Chart
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 T Chart Example
Positives
 GPA
 CAHSEE
✚ Missing
units
✚ Happy
parents
✚ Graduate
with class
I
Negatives
Free time
Time for sports
Time for job
Homework
Time in
classroom
Pissed off
parents
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Commit to a position. Highlight it
 Choose the best ideas from the list
 Prioritize/number them in order.
 Save the strongest argument for last.
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Commit to a position/prioritize
Positives
 GPA
5
 CAHSEE 2
✚ Missing 3
units
✚ Happy 6
parents
✚ Graduate 1
With class
Negatives
Free time
Time for sports
Time for job
Homework
Time in
classroom
Pissed off
parents
10
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 Write an occasion/position
statement (topic sentence)……
 what you are writing
about reason (occasion)
 what you are going to
prove (position)
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 Example occasion/position statement:
I would like to address the School
Board with my belief that the additional
requirements for graduation would only
benefit all students in achieving higher
academic proficiency.
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Occasion/Position Statement
Counter Argument
Transition
Reason Detail Fact
Example, Evidence, Explain
EEE
Transition
Reason Detail Fact
EEE
EEE
Transition
Reason Detail Fact
EEE
EEE
Conclusion:
Restate topic/Summary of Reasons
Emotional or Logical Appeal
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Revise—is the strongest argument
or idea used last for impact?
Adjust transitions.
Reword to avoid redundancy. Consider
the word choice of the conclusion.
Write a rough draft using the
GYR format as a guide.
Edit for conventions
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Revise the content:
Refer back to prompt.
Refer back to original list of reasons.
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 Prepare the final presentation
Notes:
Upper grades add a powerful statement
as part of the introductory statement which
includes a counter-argument that shows awareness
opposing points of view.
Each TYGR makes a paragraph—indent!
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