DEVELOPING CONTENT IN THE

BODY PARAGRAPHS

Persuasive Writing

What goes in my body paragraphs

Effective body paragraphs in a persuasive essay follow a precise structure.

A topic sentence that makes a claim to support the thesis

A fact or example that supports the claim of the topic sentence

An explanation of how the fact/example supports the claim

Another fact or example to support the topic sentence OR further extension of the first fact/example.

An explanation of the second fact’s connection to the claim OR a final statement or enrichment of the first fact/example

A transition sentence to smooth the way for the next claim

Sticking with our cell phone example, let’s look at a good paragraph.

Allowing a child to have a cell phone will help the child to learn to be responsible. Today’s mobile devices are somewhat delicate and can be expensive. Children will have to exercise responsibility to take care of their phone and be sure not to damage it. Additionally, most phone plans supply a limited amount of usage. Users must responsibly monitor their time spent talking, texting, and web browsing in order to avoid overage charges. As children grow accustomed to the demands of having a cell phone, this newly learned responsibility may even bleed over into other areas of his life.

Topic sentence that makes a claim

Fact that supports the claim and explanation of the connection.

Fact that supports the claim and explanation of the connection.

Transition sentence to smooth the way for the next claim

Claims FactsPresent an arguable

positionReflect a conclusion you

have madeShouldn’t be confused

with opinions or preferences. “Vanilla ice cream tastes

better than chocolate” is an opinion. You can neither argue nor prove it.

Are TRUEAre verifiableAre not disputable

Don’t confuse claims with facts

Facts Examples

Provide a strong support that is indisputable

Offer credibility to the argument and author

Create “real world” connections for your reader

Allow the reader to see himself in your argument

So, should I use facts or examples?

USE BOTH!

Suggestions for facts and examples

General knowledge Cell phones can be somewhat expensive and delicate

Personal experience My cell phone, like many others, was expensive and is

easily damaged.Historical or literary reference

The first mobile phones were about 10 inches in length, weighed a little over a pound, and came in a large, foam-filled, protective bag. As the mobile phone industry has evolved, phones have become smaller, and more delicate.

Statistical knowledge 25% of Americans lose or damage their cell phones each

year

Don’t Forget!As you plan your body paragraphs, don’t forget the persuasive techniques and rhetorical categories. You may want to review those techniques from the previous unit.

Once you have a handle on the classic body paragraph, you may want to turn up the heat on the

opposition with a

COUNTER-ARGUMENTIn a counter-argument, you will present an argument that opposes

your thesis. Ideally, this argument is the most powerful argument against your position. Once you have established the opposing view point, it is your job to discredit the argument. This technique is so powerful because it shows that you, the writer, are an objective thinker who has obviously considered both sides of the issue and come to a more than reasonable conclusion. The most important aspect of the counter-argument is the destruction of it. Make sure that you choose an argument that you can discredit effectively, or you will weaken your own argument, and thus, your essay.

Counter-argument structure

• Present opposing view point• Clarify the opposing argument• Offer rebuttal• Explain rebuttal• Further explanation of rebuttal (as needed)• Reassert your position and transition

AvoidCounter-argumentPitfalls

Make sure you are not negative

Avoid attacking your opponent

Insulting the opponent’s intelligence does NOT discredit his argument

Make sure your rebuttal is solid

Explain your rebuttal completely

End the paragraph with a reassertion of your position on the issue

Counter-argument example

There are those who believe young people should not have cell phones because the children will waste their time engrossed in the device. My opponent might say that the time spent with the cell phone detracts from family time and school work time. This argument, however, serves to highlight a benefit of cell phone use among young people. Parents who wish to reap the benefits of the cell phone will find numerous teachable moments related to time management. At first, the parent should be the responsible party, modeling the behavior the child should exhibit and monitoring the child’s time with the phone. As the child becomes more familiar with responsible cell phone habits, he will begin to monitor his own usage and will limit himself to a reasonable amount of time with the device. As with any educational tool, it is the responsibility of the adult to make sure the tool helps the child to learn the intended lessons. The cell phone is most definitely an invaluable educational tool when used as such.

Already have a draft? Haven’t started yet?

Make sure you have at least three body paragraphs.

Review each paragraph to be sure you have: a clear topic sentence that relates a

specific claim that supports your thesis offered facts to support your claims explained the significance of the

facts provided a transition sentence

Review your arguments to make sure you have used a variety of rhetorical techniques (ethos, pathos, logos)

Add a counter-argument if you feel comfortable doing so.

Review your prewriting to determine the order of your arguments.

Compose at least three body paragraphs that utilize ethos, pathos, and logos arguments and follow effective structure.

Add a counter-argument if you feel comfortable doing so.

Your turn: Write the body of your essay