Okay—you've got a drafting plan and a working thesis statement. Those are the bones of your persuasive essay. Now let's add some meat (that'll be your argument)! Rest assured—if your thesis statem

Okay—you've got a drafting plan and a working thesis statement. Those are the bones of your persuasive essay. Now let's add some meat (that'll be your argument)! Rest assured—if your thesis statement or drafting plan changes as you begin shaping the argument, that's okay. Use the following guided walkthrough to get started on turning the work you've done so far into a persuasive essay that argues your claim and considers opposing viewpoints.

Constructing Your Persuasive Essay Draft

Answer the questions below to generate a draft of your persuasive essay. Before you begin, you should refer to the assignment guidelines and rubric (click here) to make sure you're fulfilling each aspect of the assignment. You can also download/print the rubric.

We'll be using the PIE method to structure supporting paragraphs, so feel free to look back over that material. Although this activity only requires five paragraphs, keep in mind that the first draft is only a starting point, and you may wish to expand your paper for the final submission in Module Seven.

I. Introduction

This is where readers will have a chance to get an idea of what your essay will be about and what you will prove throughout. Do not give all of your information away here, but give readers a sample of what is to come. Do not forget to review your writing plan to make sure you are hitting all of the points that you planned out, while also stating your argument.

Introduction Paragraph: What is the topic of your essay? How do you plan to grab your reader's attention at the beginning of your essay?

Introduction Paragraph: What is your thesis statement?

II. Body

The body is your opportunity to describe the support your argument in depth. Make sure your thoughts and evidence are clear and organized in a way that is easy for readers to follow and understand.

Supporting Paragraph 1: What is the first main point or reason of your paper?

Supporting Paragraph 1: What evidence have you found that supports your point?

Supporting Paragraph 1: Explain how this evidence supports your point.

Supporting Paragraph 2: What is the second main point or reason of your paper?

Supporting Paragraph 2: What evidence have you found that supports your point?

Supporting Paragraph 2: Explain how this evidence supports your point.

Supporting Paragraph 3: What is the third main point or reason of your paper?

Supporting Paragraph 3: What evidence have you found that supports your point?

Supporting Paragraph 3: Explain how this evidence supports your point.

Supporting Paragraph 4: What is the first counterargument you will respond to?

Supporting Paragraph 4: How do you respond to or rebut the counterargument described above?

Supporting Paragraph 5: What is the second counterargument you will respond to? (You may not have a second counterargument, and that's okay—make sure you address at least one, though.)

Supporting Paragraph 5: How do you respond to or rebut the counterargument described above? (You may not have a second counterargument, and that's okay—make sure you address at least one, though.)

III. Conclusion

Think of the conclusion as a review of your argument. Use this section to restate your argument and remind readers of your supporting evidence. Think of this as your last chance to persuade readers to agree with you.

Conclusion Paragraph: What were the most important points you made in the responses above?

Conclusion Paragraph: Reiterate your thesis statement. Be sure to state your thesis statement differently than you did in the introduction paragraph.