Persuasive Essay
Introduction
Use a Hook
Restate the Question
Thesis Statement:
Clearly state your Opinion
List 3 Main Points
Closing Sentence
Ways to “Hook” your reader…
Announcement
“It has come to my attention
that JFK has been considering
installing surveillance
cameras in the school.”
Ways to “Hook” your reader…
Shocking Statement
“Ithas been proved that 90%
of school crimes go unsolved
because of the lack of
surveillance in the hallways.”
Ways to “Hook” your reader…
Rhetorical Question
“How would you feel if your
child‟s safety was at sake
because JFK refused to install
surveillance cameras?”
Ways to “Hook” your reader…
Quotation
“There is a famous saying, „If
the walls could talk‟ that
plays an important role when
considering your child‟s
safety at school.”
Ways to “Hook” your reader…
Anecdote (Short Story)
“Yesterday, students at JFK reported
seeing a strange man lurking outside of
the school. Due to the newly installed
surveillance cameras, police officials
were able to identify the unknown man.
When brought downtown for questioning
it was noted that the man was carrying a
loaded gun on him.”
Restate the Topic
You always want to clearly introduce
the topic you are writing about to
your reader.
“Recently the Board of Education has
been discussing whether or not to
install surveillance cameras in all of
the schools in Woodbridge Township.”
Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement clearly tells
your reader the position you have
chosen on the specific topic.
“After much consideration, I firmly
believe that JFK should install
surveillance cameras on school
grounds.”
List Your 3 Main Points
If surveillance cameras were to
be installed on school grounds
it would ensure student safety,
prevent vandalism to school
property, and help reduce the
number of students cutting
class.
Closing Statement
This sentence should finish up your
introduction and lead into your
following body paragraphs.
“I strongly believe that the parents of
students at JFK would be greatly
appreciative of the heighten security
on school grounds.”
Introductory Paragraph
It has been proven that 90% of school crimes go
unsolved because of the lack of surveillance on
school grounds. Recently the Board of Education
has been discussing whether or not to install
surveillance cameras in all of the schools in
Woodbridge Township. After much consideration, I
firmly believe that JFK should install surveillance
cameras on school grounds. If surveillance cameras
were to be installed it would ensure student safety,
prevent vandalism to school property, and help
reduce the number of students cutting class. I
strongly believe that the parents of students at JFK
would be greatly appreciative of the heighten
security on school grounds.
Three Body Paragraphs
Each Body Paragraph Needs:
To begin with a Transitional Phrase
Clearly state the main point
Give supporting details
Have a specific example.
Stay focused to prove your thesis
statement.
Sample Body Paragraph
To begin with, having surveillance cameras installed
here at JFK will ensure student safety. With crimes rates
up 20% in Woodbridge Township it is important for you to
truly consider the safety of the students. Since crimes
rates are at an all time high, it is imperative for school
officials to begin protecting their students. A perfect way to
heighten security here at JFK is by installing new
surveillance cameras. By having surveillance cameras, the
people that enter school grounds can be monitored. For
instance, imagine if a strange man has been recently
lurking around campus. This man is unknown and seems to
be following a group of students home every day. By using
the new surveillance cameras police officials will be able to
identify the man and take him downtown for questioning.
It turns out that this man had bad intentions and in fact
was carrying a loaded gun around with him. BUT, because
JFK opted to install surveillance cameras, what could have
been a tragedy was prevented.
Conclusion Paragraph
Your Conclusion needs to:
Begin with a transition!
Restate the original topic
Restate your position on the topic (thesis
statement)
Restate your three main ideas
Have a concluding statement that relates
back to your hook!
Sample Conclusion
To summarize, I strongly advise for JFK to
install surveillance cameras on school grounds.
In my opinion, there is no other option but to
have these cameras installed. By having these
surveillance cameras student safety would be
ensured, school vandalism would decrease, and
the number of students cutting class would be
lowered. It has been proven that 90% of
school crimes go unsolved due to lack of
security. Do you really want to be a part of
that shocking statistic? Do the necessary, and
have surveillance cameras installed here at JFK
before you have a chance to regret it.
Time for Practice!
Persuasive Writing Task
Writing Situation
Some of the parents at your school have started a
campaign to limit the homework that teachers can
assign to students. Teachers at your school have
argued that the homework is necessary. Teachers
have been told to give at least 30 minutes of
homework per night. Parents find this to be
overwhelming and excessive.
Directions for Writing
What is your position? Write a persuasive letter to
your principal stating your position. Give at least
three reasons to support your suggestion. Support
your position with reasons, facts, examples, and other
evidence.