Steps to Writing a Persuasive Essay
1. Read and understand the prompt or writing directions. What are you being asked to write about?
Prompt: Select a controversial issue and make a well-reasoned argument for or against it.
Your writing will be scored on how well you:
state your position on the topic
describe the points in support of your position, including examples and other evidence;
anticipate and address readers’ concerns and arguments against your position; and
use grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
2. Decide on a topic or issue. Select a topic/issue that you feel strongly about or that you feel competent discussing. Think about the best way to approach argument.
3. Make a list of pros and cons for your issue. PROS – What makes your idea a good one? CONS – Consider your audience. What arguments might they make against your idea?
4. Write a thesis statement. In a single sentence, state your proposal or position. What’s the main idea that you’re trying to get across to your audience? What do you want the reader to agree to?
5. Organize and outline ideas. Select your best arguments to support your opinion. Use one paragraph to address a reader counterargument.
Topic Sentence: First reason why your idea is a good one.
Supporting Details:
#1: Facts, Examples, Statistics, Quotations, Expert Opinion
#2: Facts, Examples, Statistics, Quotations, Expert Opinion
#3: Facts, Examples, Statistics, Quotations, Expert Opinion
6. Write your essay.
• Introduction:
o Use a lead that grabs the reader’s attention.
o Give background information about the situation.
o Include a thesis statement that gives your opinion.
• Body Paragraphs
o One to three paragraphs containing details that will convince the reader that your idea is a good one.
o One paragraph that addresses reader concerns or objections (counterarguments) and shows how they can be dealt with.
For example: Some people say [possible objection], but the fact is [your response to the objections.] Some people say that nuclear energy is dangerous, but statistics show that it is actually very safe.
• Conclusions:
o Restate your thesis in a new way.
o Make a call to action and ask for the reader’s help, if appropriate.
7. Revise.
• Have you used specific details to persuade? (Examples, statistics, quotations, expert opinions, or facts)
• Have you answered objections that your audience might make?
• Does the beginning capture the reader’s attention?
• Does the ending contain a clear call to action?
• Do you have an interesting title that hints at the topic and captures the reader’s attention?
• Have you used a variety of sentence types?
• Did you include transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas?
8. Proofread and edit. Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Are your paragraphs indented? Is the verb tense consistent? Are all names spelled correctly and capitalized? Have you avoided writing run-on sentences and sentence fragments?
9. Read your summary one last time before you turn it in. Look for careless spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, especially omitted words or letters.
10. Paper Style/Guidelines
Paper should be 2-3 pages in length (no less than 2, no more than 3)
Times New Roman 12 Point Font
Double Spaced (do not add additional spaces between paragraphs)
1 Inch Margins
Title Paper (no cover or title page needed)
Stapled upper left hand corner
Reference/Work Cited Page (minimum 3 sources)
Upper right Corner ( Allo8gned to the Left)
Follow the directions to the best way possible.
