Pearson Adult Learning Centre HomePearson Adult Learning Centre: Writing a Persuasive Paragraph

 

October 7, 2004

This week, we will work to write a good persuasive paragraph, one that tries to convince another person to either change or at least consider changing an opinion about something.

Writing Good Persuasive Paragraphs


First: Write down at least one idea for BOTH SIDES of your topic. For example, if your idea is, "fast food is bad for us," then be sure to include:

a) It is a fact that fast food has higher fat than fresher, home made food.
b) It is ALSO a fact that fast food is convenient when a person is in a hurry. (other side)


Second: Make sure you have at least THREE facts to support your opinion.

Another fact on fast food is that it is higher in calories due to frying, use of sugar and so on.


Third: Be clear on the ACTION you wish the reader to take.

For a paragraph on fast food, we may wish to say, "People would be wise to eat less fast food every week to preserve their health."


Homework:

1. Write a 125 to 150- word paragraph on ONE persuasive topic.

2. Include at least one sentence with an opinion AGAINST you to show that your idea is more persuasive.

3. Include at least three FACTS with your opinions. Make sure each fact is true and can be checked by another person. Try to include one FACT from a newspaper, Internet, or other reference book to make your persuasion stronger.

Topics (Choose One):

Canadian cooking is better than (worse than) your country's cooking.

Children today are less healthy (more healthy) than 20 years ago.

People today drive their cars too much (too little).

It is a good idea (bad idea) for children to live with their parents until they marry.

The transportation system in Greater Vancouver is good enough (not good enough) for the public.


View the Teacher Sample Paragraph

Please also visit your Advanced Composition Class Page where you can access past lessons.

More Lessons (index of past lesson worksheets)