Your REPORT Must Have the Following Sections

Persuasive Report:

In FIVE Paragraph Form – A GUIDELINE

Your REPORT must have the following sections:

I. An introduction -- one paragraph

II. A body – minimum of THREE paragraphs

III. A conclusion -- one paragraph

A. Introduction:

Your introduction must have the following components:

1. A hook to engage your reader + An introduction to the topic that you have chosen to write about;

2. Your thesis (what you intend to prove);

3. Your “map” or directional statement (list the three areas that you intend to discuss in your report – the 3 points you will use to prove your thesis). Your second strongest point should be listed first, your weakest point listed second, and your strongest point listed third; and

4. A reworded restatement of your thesis.

B. Body x 3:

There should be three body paragraphs. Each one will develop one of the three areas from the directional statement in your Introduction. The body paragraphs will be in the same order as your directional statement. Each paragraph must have all of the following components:

1. A topic sentence that indicates the focus of that paragraph;

2. A specific example which includes a paraphrase or quotation (use a source here), introduced with context;

3. An explanation of how that example supports/proves your thesis;

4. A concluding sentence that wraps up your paragraph and also provides a link to your thesis.

You may choose to use more than one example, but, if you do, you must still follow the same paragraph format.

C. Conclusion:

This is the final paragraph that must conclude your overall speech. It must have the following three components:

1. a restatement of your thesis;

2. a restatement of the three areas that you have discussed; and

3. a final overall concluding statement to wrap up your speech and make it “feel” finished.

The final report must be a minimum of 500 words in length.

Please keep in mind…

1. This is a FORMAL persuasive report à make sure you stick to the rules of formal essay writing.

2. You need to incorporate what you’ve learned in class in this speech:

· Categorize your thoughts and ideas effectively;

· Make sure there is unity and coherence in your statements!

3. Don’t ramble à make sure you are proving your point!

4. Briefly summarize your 3 main points in the conclusion and introduce them in your introductory paragraph à it should be clear to the reader exactly what your thesis is and exactly what the 3 main ideas/points are after reading your introductory paragraph.

5. Topic sentences à for each of your main points, you need a topic sentence that clearly indicates to the reader what that paragraph is about; this should be the first sentence of each of your body paragraphs.

6. Make sure each of your points proves your thesis! à EXAMPLE: after each of your 3 points, ask yourself: “does this help prove that MMA should be legalized?”

7. Use the outline to guide you in writing your speech.

8. If you need help, guidance or have any questions at all, come see me before your good copy is due!!

9. MLA format: Use it!!!!