English 10-1

Personal Essay Information/Outline

Persuasive Essay
Persuasive writing attempts to convince the reader that the point of view or course
of action recommended by the writer is valid. To accomplish this, the writer must
develop a limited topic, which is well defined and debatable, that has more than one
side. It is important that the author understand other sides of the position so that
the strongest information to counter the others can be presented. However, in the
essay, only one side of the issue is presented.
Introduction
Your introduction should hook your reader right from the start. Some valuable
techniques writers use to do this are by including quotations, asking questions
(rhetorical, perhaps?!), citing vivid examples, anecdotes or imagery.
Ex. I probably do not fit into the preconceived notion of a rebel.
Typically, bridging sentences are then used to lead the reader from your hook to
your thesis. The intention is to gently guide your reader down the path of your
thoughts and opinions in such a way that they come to recognize your position as
natural and logical. Often, ending your introduction with your thesis is the most
powerful way to deliver an impact - But I dont want to tell you how to write your
essay. ;)
For examples see My body is my own business (p.51-52) in Sightlines.
The thesis statement cannot be a fact as facts cannot be debated. It should be a
statement of position. That position must be clear and direct. This statement directs
your reader to follow along with your logic towards the specific stated conclusion
that you want them to support. As this assignment is intended to be a personal
essay, personal pronouns are permitted.
Ex. The concept of the hijab, contrary to popular opinion, is actually
one of the most fundamental aspects of female empowerment.
Body
In the body of the essay, the writer uses specific evidence, examples, and statistics
to persuade the reader that the stated opinion is a valid one. Each argument should
begin with a clear topic sentence and be supported by evidence. Every additional
sentence (after the topic sentence) must closely relate to your topic so that the
logic of the argument is easy to follow.

Be sure to use adequate and appropriate transitions between paragraphs as they

make it easy for the reader to follow.
Conclusion
As you close your essay, it is most important to clearly redefine the topic and
restate your position. However, do so in a creative and impactful way. Dont be
boring. Remember, this is your last chance to remind your reader of your viewpoint
and convince him/her to accept your position. End strong. This paragraph, like the
first, must be strong as you are convincing the reader that your opinion is correct.
Go big or go home.
DO NOT introduce new material in the conclusion.
In a persuasive essay, your conclusion is very important. You must refocus the
reader on your position. You must do so without being repetitive and rewriting the
introduction. Be original.
READY TO WRITE??
Use a planner. This can simply be a blank page. Take your topic and define your
position. Then think of the three most important ideas that support your position.
Write them down. Now write down more. Eliminate those that are weaker. Organize
them. Do you want to place your strongest idea first? Last?
Now think of (find) facts, ideas, feeling that support each. This is your evidence. Do
not make up facts. Stick with the truth. Write from what you know or believe to be
the truth as you know it. Do not resort to name-calling as that just lessens the
strength of your position.
Feel free to bring up your feelings and that of your friends. This is a personal essay;
personal anecdotes strengthen your position.
When you have chosen your strongest arguments and decided on your thesis,
transfer them to the attached outline page. Be sure to hand this in before you leave
TODAY.
Now you may start the writing process.
As you are writing, think over each and every sentence. Be sure that they are strong
and valid. Be sure that you are not always using the same format for each sentence.
Varying structure creates interest and stops the paragraph from seeming like a
grocery list of facts. Be sure that your paragraphs do not become lists of reasons.
Vary your sentence structure. Use active voice for strength. Be sure to include
transitions to provide a path for the reader from one logical paragraph to the next.
When you are finished, be sure that you have no errors. Check for spelling,
punctuation, verb agreement, incorrect pronoun reference, and confusing tense

shifts. Do you have any sentence fragments? ELIMINATE them! Did you change your
sentence structure in each paragraph? If not, REWRITE. Do all of your verbs agree
with the subject? Are they in the same voice? FIX ALL THE THINGS!

Personal/Persuasive Essay Outline

Name: _______________________________
Topic: _______________________________________________________________________
Thesis (Make sure this is a statement of your stance/opinion on your topic):
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Introduction (Whats your hook?):
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Body:
Argument 1 (Topic sentence):
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Argument 2 (Topic sentence):

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Argument 3 (Topic sentence):

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Conclusion (Whats your Go big or go home moment?):

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