writing persuasive and expository essays

i made this tip a while ago on my other account, but i use it all of the time, so i thought you guys would enjoy this tip.
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Prewriting-
- Start with your topic/thesis. Make sure it can be supported easily (if you have a choice,) and that you can elaborate on these supports.

- Have an outline for your paper, the one below is what I use:

- Introduction:
○ Interesting fact, thought provoking question, or a statement to “reel” the reader in.
○ Go into detail about what you are writing your essay about, but do not state your thesis, opinion, or supports yet.
○ Put your thesis/opinion about the topic here. It should be the last sentence.

- The 2 or 3 Body Paragraphs Should Include:
○ Topic/ main point about each support of the paragraph.
○ Put in a fact. (A true statement about the support.)
○ Put in a statistic. (A fact with numbers that are usually percents. [%])
○ Put in a quote. (Something a person says.)
○ Put in an anecdote. (A short story that pertains to your topic.)

- Rebuttal (Persuasive Only):
- If you are writing a persuasive paper, your 3rd paragraph should have a rebuttal. This is an argument against what the opposite position would say to disprove your opinion.
○ Counter Argument
○ Put in a fact. (A true statement about the counter argument..)
○ Put in a statistic. (A fact with numbers that are usually percents. [%])
○ Put in a quote. (Something a person says.)
○ Put in an anecdote. (A short story that pertains to your topic.)

- Conclusion:
○ Restate your thesis in different words.
○ Talk about your opinion, but make sure it doesn’t repeat anything.
○ Put in a call to action (Since I say _________, you should do this :________,) or a clincher (Something that keeps the reader’s mind reeling after reading the paper.)

- After you finish your prewriting, you need to write a rough draft. Just put all of your words down on paper. Take all of the ideas from your prewriting and make them into sentences. That is all you need to do.

- Once you finish your rough draft go back and revise it!
○ Look at the first words of each sentence, and circle them. Make sure that every sentence starts off with a different word. (per paragraph.)
○ Make your sentence more interesting! Have your sentence structure vary.
* Subject + Verb= I went to her house to pick up my flowers.
* Modifier+ Subject+ Verb = As I walked by her house, I realized I needed to pick up my flowers.
* Verb+ing + rest of sentence= Walking to her house was the easy part, on the other hand getting my flowers back wasn’t that simple.
○ Make sure you have three supporting details, a thesis statement, and a conclusion.
○ Read over it to check for simple grammatical errors like: incorrect use of there, their, and they’re or to, two, and too.
○ Make sure there aren’t any contractions in a formal paper; it makes it seem more casual.
○ Find the words that you use the most and look up synonyms for them. It will make your paper more interesting.
○ Make sure you haven’t repeated phrases or words, like: The the cat walked into my house.
○ After you have finished revising, have someone else read it, and check for any other errors.

- Now it is time to write or type your Final Draft. Type or write it with all of your corrections put into place. If you are typing, use the teacher’s specifications for font, size, and spacing. (It is usually Times New Roman, 12 point font, and double spaced. Check with your teacher to confirm this.)

- After your final draft is finished, proofread it. Check for any simple mistakes and change them before you turn in your paper; don’t forget to save it in two places, so if you lose it in one place, you can still find it!

- Now, put your name on it, and turn it in! You are finished!
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well, there you go; i hope i helped you guys with all of your writing troubles!
 
- sarah