elements of a persuasive essay

1. Begin with a clear statement of your opinion or position.

2. Support your position with organized and relevant information (evidence).

3. Anticipate and address the reader’s concerns and counter-arguments.

Elements of a Persuasive Essay

Slide 1


1. Begin with a clear statement of opinion or opposition.

Pro means you are ______ something.

Con means you are _____ something.

FOR AGAINST

Slide 2


Is this statement FOR or AGAINST the use of marijuana?

Researchers claim that it can be used to treat certain diseases, but if used excessively it damages brain cells, more so than alcohol.

FOR? AGAINST?Slide 3


For several logical reasons, marijuana should not be legalized.

FOR? AGAINST?Slide 4


2. Support your position with relevant information and evidence.

A. Marijuana damages brain cells that can never be replaced.

B. Marijuana is addictive and often leads to the use of even stronger, more addictive drugs.

C. Marijuana helps relieve severe pain that other pain medicines can’t relieve.

Slide 5

Which of the following most strongly supports the idea that marijuana should not be legalized?

A is probably a stronger argument against legalizing marijuana than B. This should be reorganized so that A comes after B.

Slide 6


A. Marijuana damages brain cells that can never be replaced.

B. Marijuana is addictive and often leads to the use of even stronger, more addictive drugs.

C. Marijuana helps relieve severe pain that other pain medicines can’t relieve.

___ Marijuana damages brain cells that can never be replaced.

___ Marijuana is addictive and often leads to the use of even stronger, more addictive drugs.

___ Some argue that marijuana helps relieve severe pain that other pain medicines can’t relieve. However, ….

Slide 7

C. is a ______-argument. A counter-argument is a statement that someone who o______ your position might make.

Restate these items so that the weaker argument comes first, then the stronger argument, then the counter-argument.

A.

B.

C.

counterpposes


3. Anticipate and address the reader’s concerns and counter-arguments.

Slide 8

A. Marijuana is addictive and often leads to the use of even stronger, more addictive drugs.

B. Marijuana damages brain cells that can never be replaced.

C. Some argue that marijuana helps relieve severe pain that other pain medicines can’t relieve. However, ….

The essay points are now organized with the strongest argument after the weaker argument, and also includes a counter-argument.


1. Begin with a clear statement of your opinion or position.

2. Support your position with organized and relevant evidence.

3. Anticipate and address reader’s concerns and counter-arguments.

Slide 9


Clear Opinion; For or Against

Organized and Relevant Facts

Anticipate Concerns and Counter-Arguments

Slide 10


T - For several reasons, Marijuana should not be legalized.

Marijuana is addictive and often leads to the use of even stronger, more addictive drugs.

Some argue that marijuana helps relieve severe pain that other pain medicines can’t relieve. However, ….

Marijuana damages brain cells that can never be replaced.

What goes on this side?

- facts and examples to - support each starred - item

- this includes evidence,

- facts, statisics, - expert opinions

Slide 11


- A persuasive conclusion challenges the reader to make a decision or take a specific action.

-It also restates your viewpoint in a memorable way.

Slide 12

Write a Persuasive Essay

-Pro: State a strong argument example: The benefits of a Water Park

-Con: Address a specific concern example: health issue or drunk driving

Slide 13

elements of a persuasive essay

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