Supporting Details & EvidencePersuasive Essay

Supporting Details Build a strong case for your position by

choosing the best methods of elaboration. Consider these types of elaboration:

Facts: information that is objective and can be proved – names, dates, data, background info.

Statistics: Cite numbers that prove your position. Give information that shows what percentage or how many.

Supporting Details Cont’d Comparison: Show your readers how your topic

matches others they may already know. Personal experience: Explain how the topic you

are addressing has personal meaning for you. Expert opinion: Cite outside sources who are

experts on your topic and whose opinion will strengthen your argument.

Interview: Interview people who study or work in an area related to your topic. Be sure you choose a credible source.

Organizing a Persuasive Essay Once you have gathered sufficient supporting

information and elaboration, organize it in a logical and persuasive format. Introduction:

Introduce your topic. Explain necessary background information. Establish common ground with your audience, especially if they

need to be persuaded. End with a strong thesis statement – your stand on the issue. NO QUESTIONS!

Organization Body paragraphs:

Start with your weakest reason/argument first. End with your strongest reason/argument. Show and argue against opposing views (counter-argue)

within the body paragraphs or as a separate paragraph. Conclusion

Sum up your arguments (remind the reader). Tell the reader what opinion they should reach as a result

of reading the essay (without saying you).

When to Cite Sources Some persuasive essays require outside sources of

information to add credibility to the argument. Cite a source:

If the topic is one that requires technical explanation. If the topic requires an expert opinion to strengthen your

argument. If the topic requires statistics or data to quantify the

argument. Do not cite a source:

If the information you provide is common knowledge, information that you found in at least three sources. It is widely known and accepted as fact.

How to Cite a Source Use the library!

MLA style guide Librarians are experts

In-text citations In the set-up of the sentence, provide the author and his/her

credentials, title, and date of the work in which you found the info. Include an in-text citation: author and page number (if available).

Peggy Harmon of the National Center for Disease Control states in a 2007 article titled “The Spread of the Flu” that … (Farino 217).

Works Cited Include as an additional, final page of essay.

Should You Cite a Source? Consider the following topics. Should the

writer include an outside source? Which type of source should the reader research? School policy changes (athletic code) Later start time for high school A community-wide policy (dog leash laws) Exam exemptions