Should you believe everything you read? Of course you should. For example, Donna is perfect. There, you've read it, so it must be true!

Tips for writing persuasive essays:

1. There's a step by step guide on line that will prompt you through each step of writing a persuasive essay. Click here to check it out.

2. Use a 5 paragraph essay graphic organizer to help you plan and write your essay. You can review how to write a 5 paragraph essay by going to our How to Write Right: The Five Paragraph Essay page.

3. Your first paragraph should state the topic and give a little background information that will hook your reader into your essay. Be sure to state your position on the issue and your three main points within the last sentence of the paragraph.

4. The body of your essay should contain at least three paragraphs. Each paragraph must state a different point about your topic, examine the opposition to that viewpoint, provide evidence in favor of your viewpoint, and have a strong concluding sentence. Strategies for developing your body paragraphs include:

• Statistics: Use statistics or research, real-life experiences, or examples
• Hypothetical Example: Used particularly when creating an argument and you want the reader to see a different point of view. Use cues for the reader. (ie: suppose that, what if...)
• Clarify a Position: Think about what needs to be explained and what can be assumed.
• Think Through a Process: Think through the procedure from start to finish. Most often the sentence will begin with a verb. Provide background information a reader may need. Illustrate whenever appropriate. Define special terms used. Use cues for the reader. (ie: first, second, next, then etc.)
• Draw a Comparison: Choose something similar to what is being explained. Use one of two patterns: Opposing or Alternating. End with a conclusion. Use cues for the reader.
• Make an Analysis: You can analyze a problem by looking at the parts and therefore help the reader to understand.
• Draw an Analogy: Use an analogy to explain or elaborate and idea by identifying significant likenesses between two objects or ideas when otherwise they are quite different. This is helpful when the comparison is made to something that is familiar to the reader.

5. The conclusion should always restate the issue and then quickly tie in the three viewpoints examined in the body paragraphs. Close with a powerful personal statement relating to your originally stated issue.

Now that you know the basics, let's practice.

1. Remember that your first paragraph should include your point of view, acknowledge opposing points of view, state your three main points, and have a strong thesis statement. Click here and complete the lesson. about writing introductions for persuasive essays.

2. Use effective transition words to connect your ideas when writing your persuasive essays. Click here for a review of this skill.

2. Try this PSSA persuasive essay writing prompt. Here's a sample planning sheet that you can use to help you to organize your essay. If you like graphic organizers, here's one that may help.

3. Here's another PSSA prompt for you to try.

4. Here's a list of 17 topics to choose from. Select a topic and write a classic 5 paragraph essay. Be sure to include a strong thesis statement.

I'll use a rubric to evaluate your writing. Click here to check it out.