The persuasive essay

STUDENTS, IN this week’s lesson, we will focus on the persuasive essay. Believe me when I say that writing a persuasive essay does not have to be an overwhelming experience. We all have opinions about a variety of things and every day we express how we feel about them. Jamaicans are also well known for their debates. Now, what makes one person more effective than another? What does this person do differently? How does one person ‘stay winning’ by leaving the reader or listener impressed by how well he presented his information? Quite simply, it is what is said and how it is said.

In the examination, candidates are expected to write a 250- to 300-word essay in 30 minutes. I have observed that this is challenging for two main reasons. They are: 1. Some students have a limited knowledge of current affairs. 2. Some students struggle to express their ideas clearly as a result of poor language skills.

For those of you who may be daunted by the word limit, it may help to realise that you are only expected to write at least 50 words per paragraph. It is far less than the words we use per minute in speech.

Let me hope that you have been paying attention to what is happening nationally, regionally and internationally. CXC often creates questions based on recurring topics that they believe you should be aware of. Think about issues that have been quite popular in recent times. Pay attention to what has been happening in education, health care, technology, sports, music and the environment. You should also have been doing all you can to improve your written expression and your organisational skills.

Below, I have provided you with information that serves either to reinforce what you have already learnt or to expose you to what you need to know.

WHAT IS THE PERSUASIVE ESSAY? DEFINITON

The persuasive essay is a piece of extended writing in paragraph form that elaborates on someone’s stance on a particular topic. This stance is discussed using supporting points, evidence or other forms of persuasive devices. The persuasive essay is organised in parts so that the points flow coherently (clearly) and logically (sensibly).

Generally, an essay has three main parts: an introduction, body and conclusion. It is also recommended that you use the fiveparagraph essay format when writing your persuasive piece for CXC. The graphic organizer outlines this format.

INTRODUCTION

The introduction is the beginning of the essay. Here, the reader gains a general understanding of what stance has been taken and its supporting points. It has a/an:

Opening statement – Usually in the form of an attention grabber such as a hook, general statement, quote, definition or proverb or quote.

Thesis statement (a declaration of the position to be taken, that is, whether you agree or disagree with the topic to be discussed.) Summary of the supporting points. Important tip: Do not start your essay with the thesis statement. For example: I do not believe that cellular phones should be banned from the school environment.

SAMPLE INTRODUCTION

Much debate has surrounded the cellular phone and its place in the school environment. A popular belief that is often asserted is that it should be banned altogether. Why would anyone nurture such a backward belief? Cellular phones are important devices and should not be banned for several reasons. One, they are useful tools for the completion of assignments; two, they can be used in cases of emergency; and three, cellular phones can be used as learning aids in the classroom. In light of all these benefits, how can anyone consider banning cellular phones?

BODY

The body of the essay is where EACH of the supporting points is developed/discussed in a separate paragraph. In other words, more information is offered in the form of explanation, examples, statistics, quotes or other appropriate persuasive techniques. The body is also held together by the use of link/transitional words. Here are some basic examples: firstly, secondly, thirdly, lastly, also, additionally, furthermore, in conclusion or overall.

Also, each paragraph in the body begins with what is called a TOPIC SENTENCE. This sentence indicates the point that will be elaborated on in that specific paragraph. The topic sentence has been underlined in the sample body paragraph below.

Important tip: Ensure that each body paragraph develops a separate point and each paragraph is clearly shown by indenting from the margin at the start of each paragraph. Avoid skipping lines between paragraphs

SAMPLE

Firstly, cellular phones are quite helpful to students in the completion of their assignments. A wealth of information is literally at their fingertips and can be accessed quite easily. With search engines such as Google at their disposal, students can surf the Internet using their phones to find pictures for projects or online dictionaries to help with assignments that require them to know terms. Even during lunchtime, students can view a YouTube video that is designed to explain how to solve a mathematical problem or write a persuasive essay.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion brings the essay to a close by restating the stance and the supporting points in a fresh way. It serves as a reinforcement of the argument that has been presented.

In a nutshell, a persuasive essay has different parts and each serves a different purpose. You are expected to write an essay that demonstrate an awareness of the how the persuasive essay should be organised and manipulated to assert a specific stance.

When you are presented with the two essay options on the English A exam, do the following:

1. Decide which of the topics/issues you are more familiar with.

2. Choose a position. This means you are going to either agree or disagree with the topic/issue.

3. Brainstorm three strong supporting points that you will develop in the body.

4. Create an outline of the essay, paying particular attention to how you will open the essay and elaborate on your points in the body using the relevant persuasive techniques.

Let us explore the essay topic: ‘Young people spend too much time indoors these days surfing the Internet. Let them spend more time in outdoor activities. Ban the Internet! Do you agree or

disagree?’ Can you think of three points for your stance? Do you agree with the points I have presented below?

AGREE DISAGREE

The Internet exposes children to lewd material. The Internet is not only used by young people but by authorised individuals.

Constant use of the Internet has resulted in health concerns. The Internet is used by young people to do schoolwork.

Children have become quite antisocial as a result of the overindulgence in the Internet. Parents should monitor their children’s Internet use. In our next lesson, I will provide you with a sample essay that asserts the student’s disagreement with banning the Internet.

ACTIVITY

Instruction: Identify the different parts of the introductory paragraph below. More and more people are coming out in defence of marijuana. So much so that its legalisation is being considered. Although the support for marijuana has increased, legalising it would be wrong for several reasons. For one, it affects the brain, it can lead to the use of other drugs, and it can be more accessible to children.

Until next week, take care!