Persuasive Essay Notes

Persuasive Essay NotesMidterm Exam

Prewriting and OrganizingDo I have strong feelings about this issue or topic?Which of my reasons are most important in order to support my topic?A good thesis statement willstate your opinion and yours ONLYnot include the other side of the issuenot be stated as a question.sometimes begin with I believe so the reader will not be mistaken as to what you are supporting

Sentence structure shouldbe written in logical order of eventsinclude the proper punctuation such as commas to separate logical order of eventsExample: Once she decided to choose the book, it took a long time for the students to read it.

Supporting your reasons means you must include some of theseevidenceanecdotesstatisticsinterviewsexamplesresearch or survey results

Evidence/AnecdoteWhen schools were closed after a recent flood and the school buses were not running, my father had to leave his job early to pick us up from school.

Evidence/FactMy reasons for wanting an extended lunch period are not completely ridiculous. I am angry about not having enough time to eat my lunch due to the long line and wait time.

ReasonsTeenagers who spend excessive time on their iPhones playing games might miss out on personal relationships with friends and family.

Evidence/FactMemory loss is a real problem among older people. (evidence) Aging contributes to diseases such as Alzheimers Disease, a real disease that is diagnosed and can be treated.(fact)

Reaching the reader and acknowledging concernsIt is acceptable to me when kids use the computer for worthwhile purposes. There are worthwhile reasons for kids to use the computers. (addressing readers concerns)

Restatement of OpinionShould always say what you mean and mean what you sayShould not be stated the same way as introducedShould briefly summarize reasons for supporting opinion

Call To ActionThe reader should be reminded to do something or act on what you have persuaded them to do

Personal Narrative Essay NotesMidterm Exam

Prewriting and OrganizingDoes my topic contain a conflict or a surprise?Can I ask the 5W-How questions about the incident I plan to write about?Attention Grabbers!Grab your readers attention so that they will want to keep readingUse creative ways to entice your reader

My family takes a vacation to the beach every summer. The smell of the salty air lets me know we are getting closer to paradise.

DialogueWhen including dialogue in your essay dont forget to include proper punctuation and capitalization.Example: Hey, Dad, I said, they have free balloon rides at the fair.

Transitional WordsUse transitional words that fitReread the sentence so that you know the point in time Commas are used after transitional words and phrasesExamples: Finally, Then,Next,However,

Precise WordsUse precise words to make your feelings known so that the reader understands exactly how you feelWords like good, stuff, and got scared dont really represent a precise wordGood=ExcellentStuff=belongingsGot scared=panickedSensory DetailsUse sensory details to give the reader a better picture of what you are feeling, seeing, or touchingSensory details make the reader want to read more because he/she can visualize the writers feelingsExample: In an instant, I felt like I was slowly and softly floating above the puffy white clouds.

Meaning of ExperienceA meaning of experience must be included in the conclusion of a personal narrativeMOE gives the reader insight into the writers thoughts and feelings after experiencing an event that he/she has written about.MOE gives purpose to your personal narrative writing