Persuasive Essay

Students will be writing a persuasive essay (defending their side of the subject they choose).
A persuasive essay is no longer merely showing, it is convincing. The persuasive essay must choose a side, make a case for it, consider alternative arguments (concession/concede to the other side), and prove that their opinion is the best one.

Topic is student choice with teacher approval.
Students will be marked using the Personal, Impromptu Writing Performance Standard.

Criteria:

Process of Writing:

Make a list of possible topics
Choose a topic
Web what you already know (brainstorm)
Outline
Research
Revise Outline
Notes
Rough Draft
Descriptive Feedback (Editing) Peer and teacher
Make Changes
Hand in for Marks

Essay:

6 Paragraphs
6 - 8 sentences per paragraph
Must have a Thesis Statement
Must use a qualifier in the Thesis Statement
Examples of Qualifiers: almost, often, probably, in most cases, usually, some, maybe, most

Form: Paragraph 1 - Introduction
Paragraph 2 - body
Paragraph 3 - body
Paragraph 4 - body
Paragraph 5 - body
Paragraph 6 - conclusion

The body paragraphs should have one topic per paragraph, relate back to the Thesis Statement, and should be sufficiently supported.

Essay must be a:
"Statement of Fact" (claims that something is true or not true),
"Statement of Value" (claims that something does or does not have worth), or
"Statement of Policy" (claims that something should or should not be done).

Must have support/evidence for their side. Students can use: Predictions, statistics, observations, expert testimony, comparisons, research - internet and books.

Essay must have a concession, identify other valid opinions about your subject. You must show that you are aware of other sides and be fair to them; dismissing them completely will weaken your own argument.

Take a side that they believe in, preferably with the most supporting evidence.

Have fun