- •1. Writing Formal Definitions
- •Working with the model
- •Summary
- •Drafting
- •Composing
- •Revising
- •Proofreading
- •2. Writing Extended Definitions
- •Working with the model
- •Summary
- •Drafting
- •Composing
- •Revising
- •Proofreading
- •Challenge assignment
- •3. Using Classification to Explain
- •Hawaiian Type
- •Vulcanian Type
- •Drafting
- •Composing
- •Revising
- •Proofreading
- •Summary
- •4. Using Cause and Effect to Explain
- •Summary
- •Drafting
- •Composing
- •Revising
- •Proofreading
- •5. Planning a Persuasive Essay
- •Working with the model
- •6. Choosing Supporting Propositions
- •Working with model
- •Summary
- •Drafting
- •Composing
- •Revising
- •Proofreading
- •7. Organizing and Writing a Persuasive Essay
- •Working with the model
- •Summary
- •Drafting
- •Composing
- •Revising
Summary
The introductory paragraph of a persuasive essay presents the major proposition.
The second paragraph presents and refutes the most important argument in opposition to the major proposition.
The next paragraphs present the supporting propositions and develop them with evidence.
The concluding paragraph summarizes the supporting propositions and restates the major proposition.
Drafting
1). Reread the major proposition & supporting propositions you write for the previous lesson. Put a check mark beside the supporting proposition that you consider most important.
2). List the facts & details you will use as evidence to develop each of your supporting propositions.
3). Think about the arguments in opposition to your major proposition. Write a phrase that identifies the most important opposing argument. Then write another phrase that identifies your refutation argument.
Composing
Using your notes from the Drafting activities, write a persuasive essay. In the 1st paragraph of your essay, identify your topic & present your major proposition. In the 2nd paragraph, present & refute the most important argument against your major proposition. In the next paragraphs, present & develop your supporting propositions; the most important supporting proposition should be presented last. In the concluding paragraph, summarize your supporting propositions & restate your major proposition.
Revising
Read your persuasive essay carefully, & ask yourself the following questions:
What changes, if any, are needed to make the introductory paragraph clearer & more convincing?
How has the major opposing argument been refuted? What changes, if any are needed in that refutation?
What evidence develops each of the supporting propositions? What other facts & details, if any, should be added?
Which supporting proposition is the most convincing? Where is it developed?
What final impression does the conclusion make? What changes, if any, are needed to make that paragraph clearer?
Revise your essay so that it is clear & convincing. After you have made any necessary changes you may need to recopy your essay.