Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Writing

Thesis • Dependent clause, independent clause – Although…it is actually true that…blah and blah – While it may seem to some that…, it is actually true that blah and blah

Thesis example • Although George Washington High School is touted as a school of self-direction, its students actually depend on the administration to guide them and readily accept that controlling leadership.

Paragraph One - Introduction • Explain grounds for your thesis – Don’t discuss the thesis itself but clarify the circumstances that give rise to the thesis

• End with thesis

Paragraph Two • Sum up and dismiss the idea contained in the subordinate clause of the thesis – Show that the idea is not true OR that it is not important OR logical

• Explain and discuss this position • Good beginning phrases – To be sure – One cannot disregard

Paragraph Three • Present the less important ideas of the main clause of your thesis • Explain and discuss • Give Examples • Use quotations • Good beginnings – Nevertheless – But – However true all these ideas may be

Paragraph Four • Present the most important point in defense of the point stated in the main clause of the thesis • Develop the idea fully • Give examples • Use quotations

…continued… • Beginnings – – – – –

In addition Even more important Moreover Certainly Besides all these ideas

Paragraph Five – Conclusion • Show why it matters that you be believed • Don not summarize • Generalize to some universally important idea