Essay writing 101 - persuasive essays

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

- Writing: I can write about a subject and use arguments to invite the reader to think. (B2-level)

o I know what the structure of a persuasive essay is and I can apply this to my own writing.

o I know what the structure of an expository essay is and I can apply this to my own writing.

o I can use linking words to structure my writing.

o I can write a clear and focused thesis statement.

o I can write an English text without making too many grammar mistakes.

o I can write an English text without making too many spelling mistakes.

What is the difference between an expository and a persuasive essay?

Persuasive/argumentative essay versus expository essay

Goal expository essay: to explain or define a topic in a logical and straightforward manner, using facts, statistics, and examples.

Goal persuasive essay: to engage your reader and win them over to your point of view

What do we start a persuasive essay with?

Structure - page 13

1. Title
2. Introduction paragraph with interesting opening (hook) and thesis statement. 
3. Topic sentence paragraph 1 (one subject = one paragraph)
4. Topic sentence paragraph 2 (one subject = one paragraph)
5. Topic sentence paragraph 3 (one subject = one paragraph)
6. Conclusion: wrap up + rephrase thesis statement 

What is a thesis statement?

Most important sentence in the introduction - it captures the essay's main theme or idea an thus serves as a guiding light for you, the author, and the reader. 

Thesis Statement

Page 10

Most important sentence in your essay: it captures the essay's main theme or idea and thus serves as a guiding light for you, the author, during writing, as well as for the reader. 

Compare: 

- Dogs that litter the street should not be allowed to walk within city limits

- City dog owners should always carry plastic bags in order to dispose of dog litter properly.

Thesis statement formula (persuasive essay)

Opinion because reason 1, reason 2 and reason 3.

For example:

Wikipedia is a valuable source because it helps people gain knowledge fast, it is free of charge, and it can serve as a gateway to more reliable sources. 

!Disclaimer: this is a useful formula but your thesis statement can also be correct if it doesn't fit this formula.

Assignment Outline

Do the assignment on page 14

Title + Outline

Title

Introduction paragraph with interesting opening (hook) and thesis statement.

Topic sentence paragraph 1 (one subject = one paragraph)

Topic sentence paragraph 2 (one subject = one paragraph)

Topic sentence paragraph 3 (one subject = one paragraph)

Conclusion: wrap up + rephrase thesis statement 

After some practise I am confident that: I know what the structure of a persuasive essay is and I can apply this to my own writing.

1. I agree
2. I disagree and I need help.