AICE GP/ 10Ms. Betances and Ms.

Avagliano

GP Persuasive Essays

Power of Persuasion

Persuasive essays must URGE someone to:Take action (DO something)Take a stance (make a decision)Take a hike (yes, literally talk someone OUT of doing something)

Power of Persuasion

In order to be this powerful, you need a balanced mix of the following:General Claims (Opinions)Specific Examples (Proof)Counterarguments (opinions/proof)Strong, biased tone (word choice,

style)

Unit Learning Goals

In this GP Persuasive Writing mini-unit, you will learn how to incorporate all of these into a tight-knit, EXPERT essay (aka Band 1)

At the conclusion of this unit, you will write a full GP Persuasive Essay on a prompt of your choice.

Let’s check out a Prompt:

On a blank piece of paper, write the following prompt in the middle of your paper:

“Should teens be more actively involved in politics?”

Persuasive Introductions

Expert writers have CAPTIVATING introductions

They use HOOKS to grab attention (facts, quotes, or short anecdotes).

They create a sense of urgency, fear, or intense emotion for the reader.

They also use strong verbs, adjectives, and pictures to engage their readers.

They use the “WOW” factor– something that makes the reader think “WOW, really?!”

Example Hook #1

Example #1 (Band 2)– Today’s teenagers can end war, save our environment, and protect our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

(uses Parallel Structure, Allusion, and the “WOW” factor)

Example Hook #2

Example #2 (Band 1)- Today’s teenagers are real-life superheroes; their powers can end war, save our environment, and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Uses Parallel Structure, Metaphor, and the “WOW” factor

The use of “superheroes” paired with actions helps the reader envision certain figures; ex– Captain Planet, Batman, Iron Man

Urgency Statement

After your hook, you then need to address the urgency of the issue at hand. In other words, ADDRESS THE KEY WORDS IN THE PROMPT.

EX--Although they may not realize their powers, teenagers are true instruments of preservation and change in our world because they are our future. In order for preservation and change to prevail, the power of politics on a local, national, and international level must be on our side .

Claim Statement

Once you have addressed the key words in the prompt and established urgency, you will allude to your CLAIM (opinion) on the prompt:

Ex– Unfortunately, many teenagers express political apathy, which only puts them behind in the world’s race to progress.

(This is what we call TONE– my word choice shows that I am disappointed in teenager’s participation in politics)

Last, but not, least---THESIS

Finally, it’s time for your THESIS statement!

THESIS=Topic+ assertion (reasons)

Ex- Teenagers should actively participate in politics more frequently in order to raise local, national, and international awareness amongst their generation so they can instill positive change in our future.

In Summary--

EXPERT writers compose Captivating Introductions that include the following:

1. Hook2. Urgency Statement3. Claim Statement4. Thesis Statement

HUNGRY?

HOOK

URGENCY STATEMENT

CLAIM STATEMENT

THESIS