Persuasive Writing Guide
Mr. Heidelberg
Paragraph 1 – 3 Sentences Sentence 1 – Grabber Ex. – Have you ever looked in your closet and saw nothing to wear? Ex. – According to a study, thirty-four percent of students liked wearing uniforms. Ex. – Mr. Jenkins says, “Uniforms are the best way to maintain discipline. Ex. – (RESTATE THE PROMPT) – Due to an increase in gang violence at our school, the board of education is going to require all students in Perth Amboy to wear uniforms. Sentence 2 – Thesis – Your main idea/argument Ex - I agree/disagree with the board of education’s decision to have all students in Perth Amboy wear uniforms next year. Ex - I think that the board of education’s decision to have all students in Perth Amboy wear uniforms next year is a good/bad idea. Sentence 3 – Three Reasons (all in one sentence) Ex – The three reasons that I agree with the board’s decision to have all students wear uniforms are; students have less pressure to buy expensive clothes, students will be more respectful, and it will be easier for students to get dressed in the morning. Paragraph 2,3,4 – Body (reasons) The three reasons from sentence 3 or paragraph one (in italics above) become the topic sentence for your each paragraph of your body. Then you support each of your reasons with evidence and examples. Ex – Another reason I support the board of education’s decision to have all students in Perth Amboy wear uniforms next year is that students will have less pressure to buy expensive clothes. If student have to buy a uniform at the beginning of the school year, for a good price, then the students will not have to worry about buying many different expensive outfits throughout the year. Also, everyone knows how important it is to have the “latest and greatest” cool fashions that are popular at the time. We can spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a year on the latest Roca Wear sweaters, Air Jordan sneakers, or Zcavvericchi pants. Families that don’t have to spend money on all those fashions can instead spend the money on more important things like saving for college or tutoring. Paragraph 5 – Conclusion Summary of Thesis and three reasons.