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.

Persuasive/argumentative essay 

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

How can you persuade your audience?

More on persuasion later... first structure.

What do we start a persuasive essay with?

Structure

1. Introduction paragraph with interesting opening and statement. 
2. Body (one subject = one paragraph) 3 arguments/paragraphs in total
3. Conclusion: repeat + rephrase thesis statement and arguments

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 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.

Think of a thesis statement that fits this prompt:
Write a simple persuasive essay about products made from animals.

Read pages 40 together

Read the execution on page 41 and highlight the topic sentences and explain how these topic sentences fit the 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.

What do you need help with?

Do assignment 1. 

If you don't like this assignment feel free to write about a topic of your own choice (talk to your teacher if you want to change the topic). 

Stick to the word count!