PERSUASIVE WRITING - Taking a stand on an issue and supporting it with
evidence
The focus of this exercise is on reading informational texts and then
responding with a well-organized, well-supported persuasive essay.
Assignment: Read Amendments one, four, and six of the United States
Constitution. Of these three Amendments, which do you believe is the most important
and why? Write a persuasive essay stating your position with three reasons to support
your thesis.
Components of a persuasive essay:
- Thesis statement that clearly states the issue and your position
- Body paragraphs organized with statements and support
- Types of support you can use:
include facts
cite authorities or experts
give examples
predict the outcome
* answer the opposition by addressing counterarguments
Persuasive essay organization, incorporating the above persuasive components:
Paragraph 1 - Introduction and thesis statement Tell what amendment is
Paragraph 2 - Reason 1 and argument Freedom of religion.
Paragraph 3 - Reason 2 and argument
freedom of spech
Paragraph 4 – Reason 3 and argument-freedom of press
-
3parts
of amendment
Paragraph 5-Conclusion - refers to introduction and thesis and summarizes
points of the essay
Amendments 1, 4, and 6 of the United States Constitution
Amendment 1: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press,
or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a
redress of grievances.
Amendment 4: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and
effects
, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no
Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and
particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment 6: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy
and public trial, by
an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have
been committed
; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be
informed of the nature and cause
of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses
against him; to have
compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have
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