Journals and outline

Outlining the Persuasive Essay

Intro

· Start with an interesting hook (as always, NOT a quote or a question). This time, begin with something that helps readers understand that this will be a persuasive essay, so something that is controversial or debatable.

· Give enough information that the reader knows what the topic is and what the sides of the issue are.

· The thesis should set up that this is a persuasive essay by clearly stating your stance on the issue and why (but just as before, the “why” should not just be a list of the arguments; it should encompass the overall gist of the arguments).

Arguments

· Launch right into the first argument; there is no need for information or background. Remember that if you absolutely NEED to include this, it should be given in the context of the argument you are making.

· Make four or five main arguments (or claims) and make sure that you are digging into each of the arguments by mixing up the appeals and strategies you use.

· One argument may look like this, for example:

· Claim/argument 1 (introduced as a topic sentence)

· Introduce credible source to back up the claim.

· Share this particular example to explain the source.

· Back all this up with a study that was recently done that confirms the claim.

· Paragraph 2 on the same argument (topic sentence transitions in such a way that it’s clear this is a continuation of the same main claim).

· Mention the study in a new light, perhaps hitting on the pathos of what the results mean to everyday people (very nice transition, yes?)

· You might then launch into an anecdote or a hypothetical situation about this.

· Credible source that sums this all up by using stats.

· Paragraph 3 on the same argument, again with a topic sentence that transitions.

· Maybe add a bit of ethos here, mentioning that of course this is the side of good and that even theses important and credible people have joined the cause.

· Include a visual that showcases why this stance is so important in the world.

· Sum everything up before going on to the next major claim/argument that backs up your overall stance.

Counterarguments

· Once you have taken your readers through all of the arguments you are making in favor of your argument, it is time to include the counterarguments.

· I do not suggest organizing your essay in more of a pro/con way. That setup is more for an informative essay, where you’re just showing what both sides have to say and you don’t give an opinion one way or the other.

· Explain in detail at least 2 arguments that the opposing side makes in favor of their position. It is fine to explain that you are being nice and fair in doing this.

· Make sure you don’t use any fallacies to simplify the issue. The people you are trying to convince will see through this.

· Your tone and voice should prove that you are arguing fairly rather than ranting or fighting.

· Use credible sources to back up the opposing view’s points to bolster their view and show that you don’t need to suppress that view.

· Take at least one paragraph, maybe more, to explain what the other side has to say. It will look pretty telling if you explain your own arguments in depth and yet give a fleeting sentence to the other side.

· Offer a rebuttal to each of the 2 counterarguments

· Make it clear that although these arguments have good points, they fail to make their claim because (whatever you are using to refute it).

· Use credible sources to bring in the facts to support these rebuttals.

· Again, take at least a paragraph per rebuttal.

· You should definitely set this up counterargument/rebuttal to that particular counterargument and then the next counterargument and then rebuttal to that particular counterargument.

· Conclusion

· Restate your position, emphasizing the importance of the issue.

· This is the time to use the ethical appeal, if this applies to your topic. It’s a good time to remind readers that if we want to make the world a better place, or if we want to have our children grow up healthy, etc. then we do these things. If not, then things could get grim indeed.

· Leave your readers with something that they can do to get involved and help evoke this change. That will help convince them that they need to act and will help get them on your side.

When you are outlining:

· Be as specific as possible: this will only help you. Include the specifics on your source rather than just say “add source here” or “put example here.” Take some time to describe what you mean.

· Try to have a working thesis and as close to functioning topic sentences as you can. That will make organizing your first draft a lot easier.

· Your outline should be around 1000 words and be posted to the Discussion Board by Friday, February 22 by 11:59 PM. Respond with helpful ideas and tips to at least three other classmates by Monday, February 25 at 11:59 PM.