Persuasive Essay Outline

I. Paragraph 1 (Introduction)

     A. Get the readers attention by using a "hook"- a sentence that grabs the readers attention and makes him/her want to listen to your speech

     B. Give your thesis or focus statement (what are you trying to persuade your audience to do, think or feel?)

      C. Give three arguments or reasons to support your position

II. Paragraph Two

     A. State your first argument (reason) to support your position

          1. Give a detail to support your first argument

          2. Give a 2nd detail to support your first argument

          3. Give a 3rd detail to support your first argument

III. Paragraph Three

     A. State your second argument (reason) to support your position

          1. Give a detail to support your second argument

          2. Give a 2nd detail to support your second argument

          3. Give a 3rd detail to support your second argument

IV. Paragraph Four

     A. State your third and final argument (reason) to support your position

          1. Give a detail to support your third argument

          2. Give a 2nd detail to support your third argument

          3. Give a 3rd detail to support your third argument

V. Paragraph Five

     A. Give an opposing viewpoint (This way, your reader will know that you have considered another point of view and have rebuttal to it.)

     B. Give your rebuttal to the opposing viewpoint (why it won't work).

VI. Concluding Paragraph

     A. Summarize your main arguments

     B. Restate your thesis or focus statement

     C. Give a final personal statement or call to action

REMEMBER: Use transitions in your paragraphs.

                   Use statistics and evidence from reliable sources.

                       You may print this page for your notes.