Hillsdale Public Schools / Overview



4870450-50482500Name: Writing a Persuasive EssayA Persuasive Essay is an essay that tries to persuade or convince someone to do something/ think something. A Persuasive Essay follows a certain format that is very easy to remember. Some Persuasive prompts will ask you to write an essay, letter, or article. Regardless of what format the NJ ASK says, follow the outline. Remember, choose the side that has the most support/examples, even if it’s not what you really think. OUTLINEIntro:1) Hook: immediately engage the reader and introduce your topic2) Position: what side of the topic are you on? Pick a side and stick to it the entire essay!3) Supporting Reasons: List your reasons for choosing that side of the argument. Each reason (there should be at least 3) will be its own paragraph.Body 1: First reason1) Begin with a topic sentence459994050482502) 3 details and explanation for these detailsBody 2: Second reason1) Begin with a topic sentence2) 3 details and explanationsBody 3: Third reason1) Begin with a topic sentence2) 3 details and explanations3) Address a counter argument (the argument that someone else might say). State the counter argument and why that argument is wrong.Conclusion: 1) Summarize key points 2) Restate thesis (say it another way!)Here is an example of a possible prompt and the prewriting/ outlining for this essay questionExample 1: Across New Jersey, middle schools have banned students from using cell phones in schools. The Board of Education is considering allowing students to use cell phones in school. Write a letter to the Board of Education stating whether or not you feel that students should be able to use cell phones in school. Position: Students should not be allowed to use cell phones in schoolReasons: Students will not pay attentionWhen people drive and text they don’t pay attention, so students won’t pay attention in school eitherStudents already find it hard to focus without cell phones, so having cell phones would cause more distractionsStudents might play games on their phone instead of listening to the teacherTexting answers during a quiz/testIt’s unfair if some students are texting answers to a test/quizThe whole test could be thrown out if a teacher catches students cheatingCheating is against school rulesNever know when people are taking photos/videosLocker room/ bathroom photos could be taken People can post pictures online without your permissionParents and teachers could see these pictures/videos that you didn’t want viewedCounter Argument: Some people may think that cell phones are needed in school for emergencies, but this isn’t true because the school has phones that can be used to call home whenever there is an emergency. Here are some other possible questions. Try outlining a few to practice. Make a list of the pros (agreeing) and the cons (disagreeing). Whichever list is longer, even if you don’t agree with it, is the one you should write. A basketball coach isn’t happy that his players have poor grades. He wants to make it mandatory for students on the team to attend study hall every day after school before practice. Write a letter to the coach stating if you agree or disagree with his idea.Your community is worried about the health of young people due to drinking lots of soda and eating candy. The town wants to ban all soda and candy from schools. Write an essay stating whether or not you agree with this new rule. Your principal is considering changing the dress code at school and using uniforms instead. Write an essay explaining whether you agree or disagree with making school uniforms mandatory. The Board of Education has decided to extend the school day for one hour because the State of New Jersey has increased the number of subjects students must know about. Do you agree or disagree with making the school day longer? Write an essay to the principal, and explain your answer. Your teacher has decided to give exams in three subjects on one day. Persuade your teacher to spread out the tests over several days. A leading doctor has published a research paper that claims that all students should be in bed by 8:00 p.m. in order for them to learn well in school. Your parents are considering doing what the doctor suggests. Write an essay for your parents and explain your position.Think of a rule you would like changed. Try to talk an adult into changing that rule.The station that carries your favorite TV show has just decided to cancel it and replace it with reruns of a show for very young children. As a big viewer, write a letter that influences the station to continue showing your program. You want to convince your parents to let you buy a very expensive item (TV, computer, ski vacation, etc.). Write to persuade them to purchase the item for you.10) Convince your parents to let you have a special pet. ................
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