Writing a Persuasive Essay
Once you finish prewriting, you are ready to create the first draft of your essay. These writing activities will help you create a strong beginning, middle, and ending for your persuasive essay.
Writing the Beginning Paragraph
The beginning paragraph of your essay is very important. It should get the reader interested in your topic, and it should state your opinion. To gain your reader’s interest, share some important background information, ask a question, begin with a quotation, or start with a surprising statement.
Read a sample, and write your beginning paragraph.
Read this beginning paragraph, and then write your own.
Topic NamedMany local schools have decided to install metal detectors. But are metal detectors the answer for all schools?Key Question The answer to this question for King Middle School is no. Our school has a good safety record. For this and other reasons, metal Opinion Statement detectors are not needed.
Beginning Paragraph
Writing the Middle Paragraphs
The middle paragraphs of your essay should focus on the main reasons to support your opinion, including details and background information. They also should answer any key objections people may have about your opinion.
Read a sample, and write your middle paragraphs.
Review the sample middle paragraph. Then write a topic sentence that states the first reason to support your opinion. Add examples, facts, observations, and definitions to support the reason. Then begin a new paragraph for the second reason, and so on. Finally, answer any main objections in a separate paragraph or address them within other middle paragraphs.
Reason 1 Metal detectors may cause problems, not stop them. Being searched by a metal detector may make some students feel angry and lead to bad feelings. Other students may actually feel uneasy entering a school where metal detectors are used. Explanation and Examples The detectors may make them think that their school is unsafe. Still other students may believe that a metal-detector search is an invasion of their privacy.
Middle Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 2
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Middle Paragraph 3
Topic Sentence
Detail Sentences
Concession Paragraph (Optional)
At some point in the middle part of your essay, you will want to answer a main objection your readers might have to your opinion. By mentioning an objection or two and then providing answers to them, you actually strengthen your argument. You can answer such objections in one of three ways:
- Refuting the objection means showing how the opposing idea is incorrect.
- Addressing the objection means recognizing it is valid but has some limitations.
- Conceding the objection means saying it is a good point while at the same time stressing the importance of your position.
Objections:
Answers (Refute, Address, or Concede):
Writing the Ending Paragraph
The ending of the essay should restate your opinion and make a call to action. (A call to action tells what you want to see happen, or what you want people to do.)
Read a sample, and write your ending paragraph.
Read this ending paragraph and then write your own.
Summary The safety of students in our school is important, but King Middle School is basically a safe place. We may have had a few problems, but they were handled without disrupting the normal school routine. Call to Action The school board should save its money. King Middle School doesn’t need metal detectors.