Informative, Descriptive, and Persuasive Essay

Two of the essays can follow the “3.8” paragraph essay pattern.

The 3.8 Paragraph Essay Pattern is:

     1 Topic

     3 Points

     8 Sentences

Sentence 1--the topic sentence introduces the topic that contains three points

Sentences 2 & 3--develop point one

Sentences 4 & 5--develop point two

Sentences 6 & 7--develop point three

Sentence 8--the clincher--restates the topic sentence.

For one (1) of these essays, you will need to fill out the “Essay Outline” that is included in this Module. For this essay, the OUTLINE AND THE ESSAY must be submitted together.

Structure of a five paragraph essay:

---Paragraph  1     (2-4 sentences)

              Introduction:  

                 Hook:  Grab the reader’s attention with a quote, scenario, question, vivid description, etc. Must be related to your topic. (1-2 sentences)

                 Thesis statement:     Simply and clearly state your position on the issue                (1 sentence )

                 Choose three arguments you can use to convince your reader of your position. Briefly state these arguments here.  (1-2 sentences)

 --Paragraph 2         (3-6 sentences)

                 Go back to paragraph one and find your first argument. Then write a paragraph about it.

                 Use specific examples to support your argument

                 Write a transition sentence.

-- Paragraph 3         (3-6 sentences)

                  Go back to paragraph one and find your second argument. Write a paragraph about it .

                  Use specific examples to support your argument. You could use websites to give facts, statistics, supporting quotations, studies, research...

                  Write a transition sentence.

--- Paragraph 4        (3-6 sentences)

                   Go back to paragraph one and find your third argument. Write a paragraph about it.

                   Use specific examples to support your argument

                   Write a transition sentence.

--- Paragraph   5       (2-4 sentences)

                    Conclusion

                    Summarize—restate your thesis statement and three arguments in different words

                    Make a closing statement. Tie your closing statement back to your opening hook.

Informative:

•        Think of some things you learned outside of school. For example, you learn from pet care, television, or grandparents. Explain what you learned.

•        If you had the opportunity to meet any person (living or dead) who would it be, why would you choose that person, and what would you want to say when you met?

•        Your teacher is going to allow your parents to come watch a movie with you in class. Think about one movie you can watch. Write to explain why you would want to watch that movie with your parents in class.

•        Think about shopping for milk. Explain what it would be like if there were no standard volumes of milk sold. Explain what you would have to do and how you would measure things.

• Descriptive:

Choose one of these topics:  

A rainy day

A natural disaster

One of the Seven Wonders of the World

Your ideal roommate

A good parent

A bad parent

A romantic day

Space travel

Meeting a famous person

A visit to a zoo

The first day of college

Leaving home for the first time

Persuasive:

•        Many people have a favorite place to go in their hometown or city. Think about the places you like to go in your town. Write a paragraph to encourage people from out-of-town to visit your favorite place in town.

•        Pretend that you have found out before anyone else about a hurricane or other storm headed to your area. You need to warn people and make sure they are somewhere safe. Write an emergency warning to be read on the radio that will convince people to find shelter.

•        Many junior high and high schools around the country now require students to spend a certain number of hours each term doing volunteer work or community service. Some people believe this is an excellent idea that promotes good citizenship and cultivates compassion. Others feel that forced volunteerism is not volunteerism at all. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

•        Many parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance regardless of their behavior because they believe an allowance teaches children to be financially responsible. Other parents only give children an allowance as a reward for completing chores or when they have behaved properly. Explain what you think parents should do and why.