HSPA Section: Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Writing Task

Types of Prompts:

• Interpersonal controversies- when two or more individuals disagree about choices, decisions, behaviors, or ideas. Example: A student has a decision to make about attending a party with his friends.
• School/Community controversies- when two or more groups of people disagree about rules, behaviors, procedures, conditions, or ideas. Example: Proposition of including a HSPA Class as a requirement for all students.
• Societal controversies- when people disagree about laws, conditions, and ideas. Example: Mandatory curfew for teenagers.

Before You Begin:

Read the “Directions For Writing” and figure out what MODE (format- for example, a letter) you should be writing in.  Then decide on a position- you should choose whichever will be easier to write about, even if you do not necessarily agree with it.

Brainstorm:

The more you plan, the easier it is to execute your essay.  It is tempting to start right away, because it is a timed assignment.  However, it will save you time, in the long run, if you put aside 15 minutes to plan.  I like to use the 3 and 3 method.  Plan out your 3 main ideas.  Then think of 3 support comments for each. When planning, think about WHO is affected by the problem or HOW it would affect someone.

Introduction- RANT:

• Restate the problem / scenario,
• Agree or Disagree with the proposed solution,
• Name your 3 main ideas,
• THESIS STATEMENT (your overall point of view).

Body Paragraphs- TEST:

• TRANSITION (to move from the previous idea). 
• Explain your main idea in a general statement. 
• Support idea with at least 3 ideas (facts, examples, evidence).
  
• Tie up with a general concluding sentence.

Conclusion- RATE:

• Restate the problem / scenario,
• Approach your 3 examples by REPHRASING (not restating) them,
• Thematic Clincher,
• Edit work using the only tool you have, the writer’s checklist.

BACK TO HSPA HOME PAGE