Persuasive Essay Outline

Persuasive Essay

First Paragraph:  Introduction

1.  The Hook

Write one or two sentences that grab the reader’s attention. Questions, quotes or amazing facts are good options.

2.  Background Information

Write three to five sentences that explain the issue.  Make sure you give the most important facts, even if you think everybody knows them. 

3.  Thesis Statement

Write one sentence that clearly states whether you are for or against the issue, or somewhere in between.

4.  Preview

Write three arguments that preview your three body paragraphs.  One of these arguments should rebut a strong argument from the other side.

Second, Third, and Fourth Paragraphs:  The Body

1.  Topic Sentence is argument from preview

The first sentence should be a strong argument that you already wrote in your preview.  Remember!  One of the three will rebut an argument made by the other side.

2.  Supporting sentences

Write four or five sentences supporting your argument.  These could be facts, opinions, questions, quotes, anecdotes or proverbs.  Each supporting sentence should support the topic sentence.

3.  Repeat your topic sentence in a fresh way

Fifth Paragraph:  The Conclusion

1.  Restate your thesis

What side are you on?

2.  Restate your main arguments

Write three or four fresh ways to retell what you already wrote in your preview.

3.  Powerful close

Write one or two sentences that powerfully state your case.