Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer

Persuasive writing won't teach itself, but this graphic organizer will definitely help. Help your students write cohesive multi-paragraph arguments about any topic with this six-page organizer. When the student is done filling out the graphic organizer, they can simply type the sentences from each box into the computer, and they will have a complete essay!

HOW TO USE THIS GRAPHIC ORGANIZER:

Prerequisite skills: Students must be able to write in complete sentences. Students should also know the following content-specific vocabulary: topic sentence, conclusion, body paragraph, hook, thesis statement, transition sentence.

Before making copies, decide if everyone in your class is taking sides on the same topic or if they are each choosing their own topic. If they are all writing about the same topic, write a prompt and both sides of the issue under "Choose a side!" on page 1. You can handwrite this or use a program like Adobe Reader to type it on the PDF. If each student will choose her own topic, leave that portion of the organizer blank. The students will be responsible for writing both sides of the issue.

PAGE 1 is a pre-writing activity. Students should fill out this page before beginning the rest of the organizer. They will choose a side of an argument, write three sentences to support that argument, and acknowledge the other side of the argument.

PAGE 2 guides the students through writing an introduction, including a hook, a summary of the issue, a thesis statement, and a preview of their main points.

PAGES 3-5 guide students through the process of writing their body paragraphs. In the first box, students can re-copy their sentences 1, 2, and 3 (respectively, for Body Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3) from their pre-writing page. Then, they will write three detail sentences to elaborate on that point. They will finish each body paragraph with a transition sentence that sums up the body paragraph and leads them into the next paragraph.

PAGE 6 helps the students acknowledge the other side of the issue (with the help of their pre-writing page) and demonstrate why they believe that perspective is flawed. Then, page 6 leads the students through the process of writing a conclusion.