Essay Writing 101

English 11

Ms Cross

What is a Persuasive Essay?

Persuasive/Argument essay, uses logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate (better) than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action.

To accomplish this, you must select a limited topic which is well defined and debatable (that is has more than one side).

What do you need to do?

1. Identify your main idea and choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer?

2. Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes.

3. Identify the strongest supporting points for your persuasion. You will need to do a little research in order to accomplish this. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence.

4. Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason and be true and accurate.

Topics to consider… Important scientific discovery Greenhouse effect Professional athletes The decline of local

newspapers School rules Human cloning Environmental policies Images of women in the media War Media violence Government

Laws School uniform Video games Sports and steroid use Violence in society/media Religious holiday decorations

in schools Graffiti The age limit for drinking School scheduling Use of internet by small

children Public funding of community

sports programs

More topics to consider… Social networking site

(Facebook, etc) Terrorism Cell phone use in cars The phenomenon of reality

television Voting Curfew for children Advertisement targeting

practices Internet privacy issues Internet social networking

websites Sexual imagery in the media

Effects of cell phones on society

Cigarette or alcohol advertising Effects of violent movies on

children Illegal music downloading Drafting athletes out of high

school Should internet be censored? Corporate sponsorship of

university sports Academic expectations of

college athletes Professional athletes salary

caps

Yup…more topics… Alcohol sales at sporting

events College sports recruitment

practices Sexual education and

awareness Single parent families Clash of civilizations Health and hygiene in times of

epidemic Politics across countries Olympics Environmental issues Dangerous places Wealth and power

Human cloning and ethics Morality and religion Science and technology Space exploration Life beyond earth Ecology of earth Criminals and criminology Effects of globalization Children and education Understanding transportation

systems Wonders of the world Dating and relationship issues The world of celebrities

Did you find a topic yet… The future of science and

technology Addictions Diseases and treatment Advertising in schools Eating disorders Athletes as role models Adoption Are parents of teen vandals be

held responsible for their child's damage

Benefit of team sports Celebrity gossip and the

paparazzi Commercialization of sports

Illegal music downloading Cosmetic surgery Cyber stalkers Controversial music lyrics Death penalty or life sentence Domestic abuse and violence

should be punished Effects of cell phones Effects of divorce on children Free public transport for

everybody Funding issues for women's

sports Immigration rights Divorce

How to write your introduction

An introduction must be at least 3-5 sentences. Opening sentence(s): hook your reader's

attention and provide background information on your topic or controversy.

Middle sentence: your thesis statement with three subtopics ~ see the thesis power point

Final sentence(s): either – introduce your first topic, provide a fact, or an additional piece of information about your topic.

Body Paragraphs

You need three body paragraphs – one for each of your thesis’s subtopics.

Each paragraph needs to include (in order): A topic sentence that clearly link the topic of the

paragraph back to the thesis statement. Supporting points (your reasons why this paragraphs

topic is correct) Elaborations of supporting points with support/facts A concluding sentence that restates your topic or

transitions into the next paragraph (if possible).

Conclusion

Your conclusion needs at least 4-5 sentences. Begin with one sentence for each of your subtopics

from your thesis – restated in a strong, confident matter. This is your last chance to convince your reader that your view point is correct.

Conclude your entire essay with a final sentence that uses one of the following techniques. Take your essay back full circle to your introduction Inspire the reader to action, to make a change Answer the question "So what? Why is this important?” Final example/image that you have not used yet

Now for all the Do not Do’s…

As an essay is a formal piece of writing, informal writing is not excepted. Do not do the following; Use “I” statements (I think, I believe, I feel) – just make the

statement without your personal voice Use the statements “In this essay”, “In conclusion”, “My

arguments are”, or “My thesis is” – these are unnecessary, informal and just word count fillers.

Use contractions: don’t, won’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t, etc – these are not actually words; they need to be spelled.

Informal language/slang – unless you are quoting from a source that uses them

Rubric Thought &

DetailOrganization Matters of

CorrectnessMatters of

Choice

Excellent(9-10)

Thoughtful ideas are supported by carefully selected and relevant details

A distinct main idea is fully developed with effective use of transitions and logical paragraphing

Choice of language techniques contribute to effective writing

Demonstrates precise control of conventions, style, and dictions

Proficient(7-8)

Good ideas are supported by purposefully chosen details

A clear main idea is fully developed with good transitions and logical paragraphing

Choice of language techniques contribute to good writing

Demonstrates control of conventions, style, and dictions

Acceptable

(5-6)

Relevant ideas are supported by adequate details.

The main idea is developed mechanically with some coherent transitions and paragraphing

Choice of language techniques contribute to conventional writing

Demonstrates lapses of control of conventions, style, and dictions, however communication is clear

Limited(3-4)

Topic is vaguely developed with superficial ideas that are vaguely supported

The main idea is organized in a limited way, is vague and unclear and few transitions and no paragraphing

Choice of language techniques are awkward and contribute to vague and limited writing

Demonstrates lapses in control of conventions and errors may be distracting

Unsatisfactory

(1-2)

Topics is not developed or is developed incoherently

These is little or no evidence of organization, the main idea is lacking, no evidence of paragraphing

Choice of language and techniques are minimal

Errors in conventions contribute to confusing writing

Insufficient

(0)

There is no evidence of an attempt to fulfill the assignment