essay
English W130 – Principles of Composition
Spring 2017
Frank Smith
Writing Project 3 – Persuasive Essay
Purpose: During this project you will learn how to write a persuasive essay based on the opinions and views expressed in an article. You must try to convince someone to consider your viewpoint. This writing project requires you to develop the following writing skills:
Choosing a topic and controlling ideas for individual paragraphs
Choosing a topic and controlling ideas for the essay in the form of a thesis statement
Using transitions that guide readers effectively from one supporting detail to another:
Within your paragraphs and
From one paragraph to another
Acknowledging and refuting a counter-argument
Writing persuasively
Writing effective introductions and conclusions
Write a 6-paragraph essay (outlined below) that answers a Focusing Question developed in class.
Paragraph 1 - Introduction: First, a summary of the key issues raised in the article. This paragraph should end with your thesis statement: a summary of your argument. Your argument will either agree or disagree with some of the article’s arguments. This thesis statement should provide a “roadmap” to where your essay will take the reader and serve as an answer to the Focusing Question.
Body Paragraphs 1 and 2: Each of these body paragraphs should use one main point of your argument (from your thesis statement) to persuade your audience to agree with your point of view.
Body Paragraph 3: A presentation of (or concession to) the strongest argument in opposition to yours. This is the counterargument.
Body Paragraph 4: A rebuttal (refutation) of the counterargument in Body Paragraph 3.
Paragraph 6 - Conclusion: A summary of your argument and an appeal.
Reading:
“Can you be pro-life and pro-death penalty?” (in Canvas/Modules)
Focusing question: Is it contradictory to be against abortion but pro-death penalty?
Format:
Heading in upper left corner (on first page only):
Name
W130, Writing Project 3
Date [Month date, year]
Submission Draft
Double-spaced, 12-point font
Page numbers in bottom right corner
Title centered over first paragraph
