Persuasive Essays: How to Convince People with Your Words

Persuasive Essays: How to Convince People with Your Words

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the basics of writing a persuasive essay at A2/B1 level.

Introduce the objective to the students and explain what they should expect to learn.

What do you already know about persuasive essays?

What is a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing where you try to convince your reader of your point of view or argument.

Explain the definition of persuasive essay and the purpose of the essay.

Choosing a Topic

Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that people have different opinions on. This will make it easier to argue your point of view.

Explain how to choose a topic for a persuasive essay.

Researching Your Topic

Research your topic thoroughly to gather evidence and information that supports your argument.

Explain how to research for a persuasive essay and provide tips for effective research.

Creating an Outline

An outline helps organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay has a logical flow. It should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Provide a template for creating an outline and explain the importance of an outline.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction should grab the reader's attention, provide background information on the topic, and clearly state your argument.

Explain how to write an effective introduction and provide examples.

Writing the Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on one point that supports your argument. Use evidence to support your point and address counterarguments.

Explain how to structure the body paragraphs and provide tips for writing effective body paragraphs.

Addressing Counterarguments

Addressing counterarguments shows that you have considered different points of view and strengthens your argument. Use evidence and logic to refute counterarguments.

Explain the importance of addressing counterarguments and provide tips for effectively refuting them.

Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion should summarize your argument and restate your thesis in a new way. It should leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Explain how to write an effective conclusion and provide examples.

Using Persuasive Language

Using persuasive language such as rhetorical questions, emotive language, and strong verbs can help convince your reader of your argument.

Explain how to use persuasive language effectively and provide examples.

Editing and Proofreading

Editing and proofreading can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your essay. Check for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Explain the importance of editing and proofreading and provide tips for effective editing and proofreading.

Peer Review

Peer review allows you to receive feedback on your essay and improve it. Ask a friend or classmate to read your essay and provide constructive criticism.

Explain the benefits of peer review and provide tips for giving and receiving feedback.

Formatting Your Essay

Formatting your essay correctly can improve its readability and make it look more professional. Use a clear font, double spacing, and include a title page and references.

Explain how to format your essay correctly and provide tips for formatting.

Citing Sources

Properly citing your sources shows that you have done thorough research and can improve the credibility of your argument. Use a citation style such as APA or MLA.

Explain how to cite sources correctly and provide tips for citing sources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes to avoid include using weak evidence, not addressing counterarguments, and using informal language.

Explain common mistakes to avoid and provide tips for avoiding them.

Practice Writing

Practice writing persuasive essays to improve your skills. Choose different topics and practice different techniques and styles of writing.

Encourage students to practice writing persuasive essays and provide feedback on their writing.

Conclusion

Writing a persuasive essay takes practice and patience, but it can be a powerful tool for expressing your opinions and convincing others of your point of view.

Summarize the key points of the lesson and encourage students to apply what they have learned.

Quiz

Take a quiz to test your knowledge on persuasive essays.

Create a quiz to assess the students' understanding of the material covered in the lesson.

References

Include a list of references used in your research.

Provide a list of references used in the lesson for students to further explore the topic.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.