Audience & Purpose
What question should you ask to determine who will read your persuasive piece?
"Who is my audience?" or "Who will read this?"
What is a thesis statement?
A sentence that states the main argument or position of the essay.
What are two types of evidence you can use to support a claim?
Facts/statistics, expert quotes, examples, anecdotes, research studies.
What is a counterclaim?
An opposing viewpoint to your claim.
What does "tone" mean in writing?
Tone is the writer's attitude toward the subject (e.g., formal, passionate, respectful).
Name one reason knowing your audience helps you choose the tone and vocabulary for your argument.
"It helps you choose vocabulary/level of detail/tone (formal vs. informal)."
Identify two characteristics of a strong claim in a persuasive argument.
Specific, arguable, clear, and focused.
Explain why facts and statistics are stronger than opinions when supporting a claim.
Facts/statistics are verifiable and less biased; opinions are subjective.
Why is it important to include and address counterclaims in a persuasive essay?
Shows you considered other perspectives and strengthens credibility when you refute them.
Give one persuasive technique (e.g., rhetorical devices) that is appropriate for 8th graders?
Ask a rhetorical question
Evidence and facts - logos
Repetition
Anecdotes (personal experiences)
Describe one difference between writing to persuade classmates versus writing to persuade a school principal.
Example: classmates might prefer informal examples and peer concerns; principal needs formal tone, policy-focused evidence.
Rewrite this weak claim into a stronger thesis: "School uniforms are bad."
Stronger thesis example: "School uniforms limit student expression and do not improve academic performance, so the school should not require them."
Given the claim "Homework improves learning," suggest one relevant statistical source (type, not an exact citation) and explain how it would support the claim.
Example: a peer‑reviewed educational study or district survey showing improved performance with manageable homework load; it would support the claim by providing measured outcomes.
Offer a brief counterclaim to "School should have later start times" and then write one-sentence rebuttal.
Counterclaim: "Later start times make after-school jobs harder." Rebuttal: "But studies show increased sleep improves grades and safety, and schedules can be adjusted for jobs."
Explain how word choice OR sentence variety can strengthen a persuasive argument.
Strong word choice makes arguments precise and convincing; sentence variety keeps reader engaged and improves clarity.
Give two strategies you can use to engage an audience at the start of a persuasive essay.
Examples: a hook (question, anecdote, startling fact), a relatable example, or a brief story.
Where in an essay should you usually place the thesis statement and why?
Usually in the introduction—often the last sentence—so readers know the main point early.
What is reasoning, and how does it connect evidence to the claim?
Reasoning explains why the evidence matters and how it supports the claim (shows causal/ logical link).
Explain one technique for refuting a counterclaim effectively. (What can you do after you state the counterclaim that will improve your argument?)
Technique: concede and refute — acknowledge a valid point, then explain why your evidence still outweighs it.
What will your audience think/do if you do not use proper grammar and punctuation in your argument?
Errors can distract or reduce credibility; e.g., incorrect comma use can change meaning—"Let's eat, students" vs. "Let's eat students."
LESS CREDIBLE
Explain how the purpose (to inform, to persuade, to entertain) changes the structure and evidence you choose for an essay.
Purpose affects structure: persuasive needs clear claim, reasons, evidence; informing focuses on balanced facts; entertaining uses narrative and voice.
Write a clear thesis that takes a specific position on: "Should the school extend lunch time?"
"The school should extend lunch by 15 minutes to improve student health and allow more time for nutrition and social breaks."
Provide a short example (2–3 sentences) showing a claim on physical fitness and one piece of evidence (you can make up the evidence, but be reasonable.)
Physical fitness improves your focus in school. One study found...
Write a claim and it's counterclaim. Subject: Extending lunch period
Example:"The school should extend lunch by 15 minutes to improve student health. Opponents say longer lunches reduce class time.
Revise this sentence to be more persuasive and formal: "You should totally let us have longer lunch because everyone's tired." Provide the improved sentence and a brief note on what you changed.
Revised: "The school should extend lunch by 15 minutes because students will have time to eat properly and return to class more alert." Note: removed slang, clarified reasons, used formal tone.