Persuasive Essay

Choose a topic below, or come up with your own and get your teacher’s approval before writing.

• School lunches should (or should not) be healthier.

• Schools should (or should not) make students wear uniforms.

• Kids should (or should not) be allowed to have cell phones.

• Eating out is better than cooking at home (or the other way around).

• [Your favorite animal] makes the best pet.

• Video games are good (or not good) for kids.

• Everyone should (or should not) have a hobby.

• Students should (or should not) have homework.

• Kids should (or should not) have to do chores.

• Kids should (or should not) play a sport.

A persuasive essay is writing that tries to make the reader agree with your opinion. Follow these steps to write your essay.

Step 1: Choose a Topic

Pick something you care about and can explain with reasons.

• Topic we will use: “Recess should be longer.”
  
  

Step 2: Write Your Opinion Statement

An opinion statement is one sentence that shows what you believe. This is the most important sentence in your essay.

• Example: “Recess should be longer because it helps students focus, keeps them healthy, and builds friendships.”
  
  

Step 3: Write the Introduction

The introduction starts your essay. It has two parts:

1. Hook – A sentence that grabs attention. You can ask a question, share a surprising fact, or tell a short story.

   • Example: “Imagine a school day with no time to play outside. Would you feel ready to learn?”

2. Opinion Statement – A clear sentence that tells what you believe.

   • Example: “I believe recess should be longer.”

Step 4: Write the Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay gives reasons to support your opinion. Each reason should have details or examples.

• Reason 1: Longer recess helps students focus.

  • Detail: “Students who take breaks return to class ready to learn.”

• Reason 2: Longer recess keeps students healthy.

  • Detail: “Exercise during recess builds strong muscles and keeps kids active.”

• Reason 3: Longer recess builds friendships.

  • Detail: “Playing together gives students a chance to practice teamwork and problem-solving.”
    
    

Step 5: Use Persuasive Language

Make your writing strong and convincing. You can:

• Ask questions that make readers think:

  • “Wouldn’t you want more time to play and feel ready to learn?”

• Make comparisons to things people know:

  • “Just like adults need coffee breaks, kids need longer recess breaks.”

• Use powerful words:

  • Words like must, best, important, always, and never make your essay stronger.
    
    

Step 6 (Optional): Write About the Other Side

Sometimes people may not agree with you. Show that you thought about it, then explain why your opinion is stronger.

• Example: “Some people think longer recess takes away from learning time. But students actually learn better after a break.”
  
  

Step 7: Write the Conclusion

The conclusion finishes your essay. Restate your opinion and your best reasons. End with a strong final sentence.

• Example: “If schools want students to be healthy, focused, and ready to learn, they must make recess longer.”
  
  

Step 8: Revise and Edit

Good writers check their work before turning it in. Ask yourself:

• Did I write a clear opinion statement about recess?

• Do I have at least three strong reasons?

• Did I give details or examples for each reason?

• Did I use strong words to convince my reader?

• Did I check my spelling, punctuation, and sentences?
  
  

Writing a persuasive essay is like being a lawyer. Your job is to prove to the reader why recess should be longer.

Topic: Longer Recess

Introduction

1. • Hook: “Imagine a school day with no time to play outside.”

   • Opinion Statement: “Recess should be longer.”

Body Paragraph 1 – Recess helps students focus.

Body Paragraph 2 – Recess keeps students healthy.

Body Paragraph 3 – Recess builds friendships.

Conclusion – Restate opinion and end strongly.

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