Transcript Writing Persuasive Essays

Purpose
The aim of a persuasive or argumentative essay is to:
 Analyse a controversial topic
 Persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s viewpoint
 Argue that the writer’s point of view is correct
 Influence others to agree with the viewpoint presented
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Strategies
The argument must be supported by:
 Facts - from research, observation, personal experience
 Statistics - from reliable sources
 Quotes - from experts that support the position taken
 Examples - provide proof/evidence
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Structure
Parts of a Persuasive Essay:
 Introduction - an overview of what the essay is about
 Thesis statement - indicating the writer’s position or
opinion
 Body - explaining the arguments to support the writer’s
position
 Conclusion - summary of points, final statement
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INTRODUCTION
Background
information
Definitions
Thesis
statement
Structure of
a
Persuasive
Essay
BODY
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
CONCLUSION
Summary
Final
statement
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 4
Getting Started
1. Decide on your topic: usually a current or
controversial issue for discussion
2. Choose your position: which side of the issue are
you going to take and what solutions will you provide?
3. Research your topic: read from a range of credible sources
and collect evidence to support your argument
4. Structure your essay: decide on what evidence you will use
and the order you will present it
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Topics
Examples:
0 What are the causes and solutions to eating disorders?
0 How can we decrease youth violence?
0 Should smoking be banned in public spaces?
0 Should students be required to wear uniforms to school?
www.sxc.hu/profile/adamci
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Introduction
 Gives an overview of what the essay is about
 Captures the interest of the reader
 Provides some background or context for the reader
 Defines any technical terms
 Indicates the point of view being taken in the thesis
statement (last sentence)
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Body
The body paragraphs should have:
 a topic sentence: this the first sentence and the main
point or argument is presented here
 support: facts, evidence and examples to reinforce the
main point
 transition: end each paragraph with a "transition"
sentence that smoothly connects to the first sentence of
the next paragraph
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Conclusion
 Signals the end of the essay
 Summarises the main points
 Restates the thesis statement in different words
 Leaves the reader with final thoughts on the subject
 Must not contain any new information
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Editing Checklist
 Is the argument clear and consistent?
 Does each paragraph have one main idea that is
expressed clearly in a topic sentence?
 Are all sentences in the paragraph relevant to the main
idea?
 Does the conclusion summarise the main points?
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Finally…
 Have you written the required number of words?
 Have you checked the punctuation, spelling and
grammar?
 Have you referenced quotes and statistics in-text
using the APA style?
 Does your Reference List contain full details of all the
resources cited in-text in the APA style?
Acknowledgement: adapted from a learning guide written by Bev Fasolo
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