Standard Essay Organization Persuasive Essay Standard Persuasive Essay

Standard Essay Organization Persuasive Essay

Standard Persuasive Essay Outline I. Introduction A. Overview of the controversy B. Thesis Statement: Argument + Point A, Point B, Point C II. Body Section 1: all about Point A III. Body Section 2: all about Point B IV. Body Section 3: all about Point C V. Acknowledge & Refute the Opposition (for longer essays, this can be parsed-out into two paragraphs/sections) VI. Conclusion A. Summary of main points (with stylish language) B. Call to Action or Solution

Thesis Statement • Now that you have determined your controversial issue and the main arguments for your side, you are ready to create a thesis. Your thesis must include what controversial issue you are discussing and your main argument. Create your thesis below. • Example Outline: The controversial issue of ______ still rages on today, _______ should be _______ because __________, and _______. • Now as a reader I can immediately tell from this thesis what the writer will attempt to argue.

Introduction Paragraph What’s the point of the introduction paragraph for a persuasive paper? • engage • establish the controversy • inform

Introduction Paragraph (Strongly) suggested method: FUNNEL METHOD

Funnel Method Very broad statement For years, people have been debating which color cats make the best pets. Narrow it a bit Some believe brown cats are the most reliable, whilst others claim black cats are best. Narrow a bit further The debate has come to a boil now that conservatives are trying to outlaw cats of mixed colors. Nail it! We must oppose this law; after all, research shows that all cats are equal and provide love, longer life expectancy, and friendship to humans.

Body Paragraph Rules • Your three body sections must directly correlate to your thesis statement! • Keep them in the same order as your thesis statement. • Each body paragraph: • Must have a topic sentence (your main point) • Must have a variety of strong evidence to support your topic sentence • Must tie-in and prove your main claim

Acknowledge/Refute • Must acknowledge the OTHER point(s) of view • If not, you’ll appear ignorant and thus less credible • That said, do NOT examine other point too thoroughly else it may seem you’re changing your mind • Then must thoroughly refute each point to again prove why you are right

Conclusion • Conclusion paragraph provides a summary of your major points; pretend the reader was asleep during your essay; give him/her a recap • Persuasive conclusion includes a Call to Action and/or a Solution • NEVER introduce new information here • Remember: conclusion is the last impression you give the reader; make it a lasting one!

• Start filling in your outline

Supporting Paragraph #1 • I am writing about the pro-side argument #1 which is: • TS: Those who are in favor of ______ argue that________. • CD: • CM: • CS:

Supporting Paragraph #2 • I am writing about the pro-side argument #2 which is: • TS: Another argument that supports/banns _____ is ______. • CD: • CM: • CS:

Opposition Paragraph • Rebuttal paragraph hand-out

Opposition Paragraph • • TS: Those (opposed/ who agree with) ____ argue that _______. CD: X states that “______” (cite). CM: X is mistaken because_____ CM: Nevertheless, research shows _______. CD: CM: However, it is simply not true that _____ CM: X is wrong because_____ CS:

Embedding Quotes • Embedding quotes can be very confusing! Use this paper to help you embed quotes. • Things to Remember: • Always put your quotes in quotations • Anything you quote in your paper must be added in your works-cited page. • Any information that you use that isn’t yours must also be included in your works-cited page. • In your paper you should introduce the person or source of the information.

Introducing and Explaining Quotes • Introducing Quotes • X states that “____” • According to X “_____” • In her book, _____ X writes that “______” • In X’s view “_____” • Explaining Quotes • Basically, X is saying… • In other words, X believes… • In making this comment, X argues that… • X is insisting that… • X’s point is that… • The essence of X’s argument is that…