Persuasive Essay Format
Intro:
*Immediately engage reader (attention getter)
· get the reader “in the ballpark”
*Establish context (topic of essay)
· usually 2-3 sentences narrowing down to the point of the paper
· cite your source with title and author (if using one source)
*Strong & complete thesis statement
Body:
*Begin paragraphs with a clear, concise topic sentence
· *Use concrete details (CD)
· these include facts or quotes
· cite sources when necessary (simplified: such as author’s last name & pg #)
· *Create insightful commentary to support concrete details (2-3 comments per CD)
· shoot for at least 2 CD per paragraph (+ commentary)
*Address a counter argument
· include a rebuttal defending your thesis (which includes CD and commentary)
Conclusion:
*Transition into summary of key points
*Restate thesis (say it another way!)
*Refer back to the attention getter and tie things up
*Answer “So what?”
· Leave reader feeling persuaded or at least challenged
·
This personal comment can include
a universal observation
(a prediction), a call to action (a recommendation) or a scare
(a veiled threat)
Suggested sentence starter for commentary:
“This shows that…” (eventually teach kids to eliminate it)
“This proves that…”
“This demonstrates that…”
Suggested sentence starters for counter:
“On the other hand, some people believe ______...”
“One may argue _________; however, _____...”
Suggested sentence starters for conclusion:
“We need to…”
“It’s our responsibility to …”
“It’s important to…”
“In order to______, we must…”
“It would be to our benefit to…”
Encourage:
Incorporate transitions
Use high-level vocab
Vary sentence patterns
Create a strong “voice”
*The number of paragraphs and the organization of the essay will vary.