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Copy of How to Write a Persuasive Paragraph
Warm-up
1. Get a handout from the podium
2. Read your independent reading book
Macs are better than PC’s because they are more resistant to viruses.
Smoking should be illegal because it can often lead to lung cancer.
Topic Sentence
Let's brainstorm a list of possible persuasive topics!
Students should be expelled for bullying because bullying is bad.
People should only buy organic vegetables because chemicals on non-organic produce can lead to sickness.
Bad or good?
Read each topic sentence and determine whether it is a good topic sentence or a bad topic sentence
Be sure you can explain why!
Toyotas are better than Nissans because more people like them.
Florida is the best state for vacationing because it was a lot of fun when I went there.
Hawaii is the best state for vacationing because the weather is always nice.
What is a persuasive topic sentence NOT?
School should only be half a day because it’s boring.
Smoking should be illegal because it is disgusting.
- too general
- too specific
- about something other than what's in the paragraph
- a sentence with a BAD reason
- a sentence without an opinion
How to Write a Persuasive Paragraph
A good persuasive paragraph...
Has a topic sentence
has explanations and logical arguments
Is clearly arguing for or against something
uses specific words to convince the reader
So What's a BAD reason?
Avoid reasons that are personal opinions or personal experiences or very general. Use facts!
"Because that's what I think"
"Because it's bad."
"Because it's stupid"
Choose 3 opinions from your handout and come up with a reason why for each one!
Decide Opinion
Once you have decided your opinion, you have to come up with a good reason WHY you think that.
Decide whether you agree or disagree with the issue
Choose one side of the argument and stick to it, even if you can see both sides!
Determine Reason
Don't be wishy-washy!
Let's practice!
Practice choosing a side by circling the option you think is best!
I like vanilla best most of the time, but sometimes I'm in the mood for chocolate
What IS a topic sentence, anyway?
A topic sentence is usually the first or second sentence of the paragraph
It tells the reader what the paragraph is about (the main idea!)
For a persuasion, it will include the opinion and the reason