Four Paragraph Persuasive Essay

Introduction Paragraph:  (Minimum 70 words)

• Your first sentence introduces the subject that you are writing about.
• Additional sentences give more information about your subject.
• Thesis statement: The last sentence of the intro paragraph is the thesis statement.  This states the point of your paper that you want to prove.  It contains the subject and your opinion and sets up the following paragraph where you will try to convince your reader to agree with you.  
• The introduction paragraph is ALL OPINION – NO FACTS!!!!
  

Two Body Paragraphs: (100 + words each)

        Jane Shaffer format: TS, CD, CM, CM, CD, CM, CM, CS.  

        TS:  Topic Sentence: Similar to your thesis statement but more detailed.  Must include the two points you intend to use as your two arguments (your two chunks).

        CD:  Fact relating to your first point.

        CM:  Opinion supporting your stand on the subject.  This explains how the fact supports your argument.

        CM:. Opinion supporting your stand on the subject.  This explains how the fact supports your argument.

        CD:  Fact relating to your second point.

        CM: Opinion supporting your stand on the subject.  This explains how the fact supports your argument.

        CM: Opinion supporting your stand on the subject.  This explains how the fact supports your argument.

        CS:  Closing sentence that relates back to your topic sentence.

Concluding Paragraph:  (Minimum 60 words)

        This is your final word on the subject.

• Sum up your points

(1-2 sentences)

• Make any general remarks (answers, solutions, or results)

(3-4 sentences)

• Clincher/final statement (quote, question, state belief, final observation)

The clincher should leave the reader thinking after they set down the essay.

(last sentence)

• The introduction and conclusion mirror each other.  You will present the same ideas but by using different words.  No new ideas can be brought in at this time!!!
  

Things NOT TO DO!!!!

Never, ever start any writing with “I”.

Keep away from personal pronouns, if possible.  Don’t refer to the reader as “you”.  Use “one” instead.  Keep statements general – students, people, teens, etc.  Don’t use should, could, would.