Writing e Persuasive Essay: Step I - Prewrite
1-2-3 Structure of a Persuasive Essay
1. INTRODUCTION
- Hook
- Setting/Background
- Thesis Statement
2. SUPPORTING POINTS (at least 3)
- #1Counterargument, Argument, Support
- #2 Counterargument, Argument, Support
- #3 Counterargument, Argument, Support
3. CONCLUSION
- Relates to thesis and ties supporting points together
- Provocative final statement
Assignment:
Complete step 1 in writing a Persuasive Essay (see samples below):
Step 1) Prewrite.
* Choose a topic. (Your topic should be one you feel strongly about, that has more than one
side, and that you can find evidence to support.)
* Take a position. (Begin by taking a position, but know you can change it if your evidence
changes your thinking.)
* Write a simple thesis statement. (This should include your topic, your stance, and a list of
possible supporting points.)
* Research the topic if necessary. (Take careful notes, gather quotes and details in support of
your stance, and accurately record your sources.)
* Make an Outline using the 1-2-3 Structure above (Sample on Page 3)
Introduction - Include a thesis statement - (your topic, your stance, and a brief summary of
your supporting points).
- Supporting points - List main points for supporting paragraphs (Include
corresponding arguments and counterarguments. NOTE: Present counter arguments first for a
stronger essay).
- Conclusion - Relate your conclusion to your thesis, and use it to tie your supporting points together.
SAMPLE PERSUASIVE ESSAY
SAMPLE: Prewrite
TOPIC: Space debris
POSITION: We need a definitive global policy on cleaning up existing space debris and preventing it in the future.
THESIS STATEMENT: Due to the increasing risk of space debris falling back to earth in inhabited areas or damaging orbiting spacecraft, we, as a global community, need to define and adopt a comprehensive policy that eliminates existing space debris and prevents it in the future.
RESEARCH: NASA and other government sources plus newspaper articles. Checked data and quotes, and noted sources to give proper credit.]
SAMPLE: Outline
THESIS STATEMENT: Due to the increasing risk of space debris falling back to earth in inhabited areas or damaging orbiting spacecraft, we, as a global community, need to define and adopt a comprehensive policy that eliminates existing space debris and prevents it in the future.
LIST OF POINTS, COUNTERARGUMENTS, AND ARGUMENTS - by paragraph
1) POINT: Space debris threatens humans on earth, Space Station
COUNTER: Chance is very small: Very few people have been hit
ARGUMENT: Recent threats to Space Station required intervention
2) POINT: Space debris threatens our communications satellites
COUNTER: There is very little damage percentage-wise; we can fly satellites to avoid debris
ARGUMENT: Problem going to get worse; soon can't avoid collisions
3) POINT: Tracking space debris costs a huge amount of time and money, we need a plan to prevent debris in the first place
COUNTER: Making plan will cost a lot of time and money
ARGUMENT: Plan will cost less than inevitable damage.
CONCLUSION: Although the chance of humans being hit or satellites being damaged by space debris is small at this time, and the cost of preventing debris would be substantial, the space debris problem is only going to grow. Space debris will become a material threat at some point in the not-too-distant future. The best solution is to take it on now with a global plan.
