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.
