A persuasive essay tries to convince the reader to believe a certain way or do a certain thing. Students will have several choices as to what their essay will focus on (that comes later).

The files at the bottom of the page help the students learn about persuasive essays.

The "Banning Guns" files look at the controversial topic of gun control to learn about essays (the issue for our class is analyzing the essays, not spending time trying to convince each other that guns should/shouldn't be banned). We use the "3 Parts..." worksheet above to go through both essays and then have a discussion afterward.

Bicycle Helmet Safety - we look at the issue of wearing bicycle helmets and complete the "3 Parts..." worksheet above to analyze the essays.

• Bike Helmets - Pro - we will take each step of the essay writing process and write an essay persuading people to wear bike helmets. (mostly written together as a class)

• Bike Helmets - Con writing assignment - try to convince someone that wearing bike helmets is not a good idea (good luck). (mostly written individually)