Writing a Persuasive Essay

Title: Writing a Persuasive Essay

Subject: Writing

Summary: This lesson will teach eighth-grade students how to write a persuasive essay by exploring the structure, techniques, and strategies used in persuasive writing.

Learning Outcomes:

• Know the purpose and characteristics of a persuasive essay
• Understand the structure and organization of a persuasive essay
• Can use persuasive techniques and strategies effectively in their writing

Methodology:

This lesson will be delivered through a combination of direct instruction, group discussions, and individual writing activities. Students will engage in brainstorming, outlining, and drafting exercises to develop their persuasive writing skills.

Resources/Materials Required:

• Whiteboard or blackboard
• Markers or chalk
• Handouts with sample persuasive essays
• Writing prompts for practice

Instructions:

Introduction (10 minutes):

Begin the lesson by discussing the purpose of persuasive writing and its importance in various contexts, such as advertising, politics, and everyday communication. Explain that a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action.

Body (40 minutes):

1. Structure of a Persuasive Essay (15 minutes):

Explain the basic structure of a persuasive essay, which includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Discuss the purpose of each section and provide examples to illustrate their functions.

2. Persuasive Techniques and Strategies (15 minutes):

Introduce various persuasive techniques and strategies, such as emotional appeal, logical reasoning, and the use of evidence. Discuss how these techniques can be used effectively to persuade the reader.

3. Analyzing Sample Essays (10 minutes):

Distribute handouts with sample persuasive essays and ask students to analyze them in small groups. Encourage them to identify the structure, techniques, and strategies used by the authors.

Conclusion (20 minutes):

1. Brainstorming (10 minutes):

Provide students with a writing prompt and ask them to brainstorm ideas for their own persuasive essay. Encourage creativity and critical thinking during this process.

2. Outlining and Drafting (10 minutes):

Guide students in creating an outline for their persuasive essay based on their brainstorming session. Then, instruct them to start drafting their essays, focusing on incorporating the persuasive techniques and strategies discussed earlier.

Activities:

• Group discussions to analyze sample essays
• Brainstorming session for generating ideas
• Creating an outline for the persuasive essay
• Individual drafting of the persuasive essay

Assessment:

Assess the students' understanding and application of persuasive writing techniques through the following methods:

• Observation during group discussions and individual activities
• Reviewing the students' outlines and drafts
• Providing feedback on their use of persuasive techniques and strategies

Compliance: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1-3)