Writing a Five Paragraph Persuasive Essay

Writing a Five Paragraph Persuasive Essay: 1. Writing a persuasive (argumentative) essay requires careful planning and revision. YOU MUST TAKE A STAND. You can’t ride the fence. Choose one side or the other. 2. The major strength of your essay will be the way you select and present logical evidence to support your beliefs concerning the controversial position. 3. Your essay should include the following paragraphs a. Opening/Introduction paragraph- you will need to include the following: 1. State the issue—your issue should come from the underlying societal issues you included in your “NEWS NOTEBOOKS” 2. Give background information on the issue—briefly explain what it is and why it is an important societal issue 3. State your position on the issue. This sentence will be your last sentence in your opening paragraph. It will be your THESIS sentence for the essay. Include THREE ARGUMENTS you plan to make about the issue (see sample) b. Paragraph 2-4 This is where you fully discuss your first point. Present specific examples, names, numbers, facts, cases, any persuasive devices you can logically and clearly use to support your opinion concerning your first point. It should include: 1. Topic sentence for this paragraph that clearly states the point you have mentioned. Everything you write in the paragraph needs to adhere to this topic sentence. 2. At least 3 specific arguments or persuasive statements to develop the topic sentence 3. Transition words or phrases used between ideas to join the points and make your paragraph flow 4. A sentence to conclude this paragraph. **REMEMBER** When you write the topic sentence you must use a transitional word or phrase in your topic sentence to like the two paragraphs (Ex: In addition to providing additional on the job training for a young person, the military will provide a monthly salary) **You may use your article as evidence. HOWEVER, make sure you CITE the source!!! IN MLA FORMAT!!!** c. Concluding paragraph- must do the following 1. Restate the thesis 2. Briefly restates your points and summarize the issue at hand; Offer a solution to the problem if applicable or a conclusion you have drawn about the issue 3. Concludes with a strong point—memorable peroration (words, lecture etc), if possible REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR ESSAY: 1. Manuscript form (MLA FORMAT) a. Type in 12 point type b. Use Times New Roman font c. Double space d. Heading must be MLA format e. No mark outs, additions to final copy-must be as perfect as possible. 2. You must use at least 2 rhetorical devices in the essay. 3. Be sure to use variety in your sentence structure. Write in a solid, informative, persuasive manner using compound and complex sentences, good vocabulary, proper punctuation, and correct grammar 4. Include your planning chart with your final copy as well as your rough drafts. 5. Must be one of the issues included on your News Notebooks 6. Final copy is due___________(grade will be recorded on 2nd quarter grade!) Example: Issue chosen from NEWS NOTEBOOK Headline/News Story Summary Issue Elderly Residents Forced To Leave The elderly are being removed The underlying issue is the High Point Homes from the homes so High Point devaluation of the elderly in our University can turn it into student society and the escalation of housing. ‘young is better.’ This can also be seen in magazines and the rising plastic surgery industry etc. PERSUASIVE ESSAY ESSENTIAL QUESTION: (YES/NO argumentative question) ● Do the devaluation of the elderly in our society and the escalation of youth affect future generations? SAMPLE PERSUASIVE ESSAY THESIS BASED ON THE ESSENTIAL QUESTION: ● By examining the trans-cultural ideas the “fountain of youth,” the increased marketing of beauty products, and the decreased governmental aid to the elderly, it is evident that the devaluation of the elderly and the escalation of youth in American society affects both current and future generations. st 1 paragraph 2nd- 4th paragraph 5th paragraph Rhetorical devices—n oted and highlighted Manuscript Form All turned in Mechanics Excellent, 10-9 points effective opening, included issue, brief and succinct statement of three points, position statement is last sentence Topic sentence is related to thesis, topic sentence clearly states second point, topic sentence includes transition from previous paragraph, three persuasive statements support the point with a logical organization, very effect transitions and concluding sentence Very effective restatement of thesis in first sentence. Summary of main points is clear but not repetitious, memorable peroration or strong point at end, no new ideas included Good, 8-7 points Issue, position, and points state, but not as clearly written Fair, 6-5 points Problems in one or two of the areas above Poor 4 points or less Problems in multiple areas above TPP 10 points Topic sentences related to thesis, first point is pretty clear, reader can follow the three persuasive statements, transitions present but not always effective. Topic sentence not clearly related to thesis, problems with transitions, a persuasive statement is lacking, reader has some difficulty following argument No topic sentence or topic sentence is not relevant to thesis, transitions poor or absent, confusing to read 30 points Restatement of thesis is present, summary of main points is clear, strong point at end, no new ideas included Thesis not restated clearly, summary of main points is either inadequate or repetitious, may have included new ideas Thesis not restated, summary of main points inadequate or repetitious, may have included new ideas 10 points Very effective use of 2 rhetorical devices—highlighted, analyzed and appropriately used Effective use of 2 Use of 2 rhetorical Use of 1 rhetorical rhetorical devices—highlighted device highlighted devices—highlighted and appropriately used and appropriately and appropriately used used Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, Double spaced, 1 inch margins(4 points), Heading (4 points), Header and page numbers MLA (2 points), NOT TYPED (-15 10 points Graphic organizer, rough draft(s), Peer edit(s), News Notebooks 10 points 10 points 90 points Punctuation, spelling, Vocabulary, Grammar, Usage, Sentence Variety Total Points Possible 10 points