Effective 1 Paragraph Structure for Reading & Writing

Persuasive Text

I. Engaging Beginning 

II. Author’s Stance/Argument/Strong Opinion 
(Paragraph’s Topic Sentence)

III. Background Information (about topic being argued) 

IV. Details/Facts to support stance/argument/ strong opinion 
(can include opponent’s point­of­view)

V. Illustrations/Examples to support stance/ argument/ 
strong opinion (can include opponent’s point­of­view)

VI. Closing
Analyzing Structural Components of an Effective
Persuasive 1 Paragraph
Engaging Beginning
a. Anecdotes
b. Question
c. Startling statistics/statement/fact
d. Incident

Topic Sentence
a. This sentence tells the reader what the author’s 
stance/argument/strong opinion is about…it is the main idea of 
your paragraph.

Background Information about Your argument
a. Providing history of topic to give reader a reference point
b. May be in the form of compare/contrast 
c. General statement relative to topic

Details/Facts/Statistics
 a. Provides credibility to the author’s argument 

Illustration
a. Sentence starters like for an example/for instance, imagine…
helps readers visualize what you are saying.
b. Can include opponent’s point­of­view

Closing
 1 Paragraph Rubric

Score Indicators Teacher Effective Commentary

5  Topic Sentence is clear
 Evidence of Relevant details/facts
Relevant examples help reader to
visualize
 Transitional words help bridge
sentences
 Overall writing is proficiently
clear and concise
 Evidence varied sentence structure
and punctuation
4  Topic Sentence is clear
 Evidence of Relevant details/facts
Relevant examples helps reader
to visualize
 Transitional words help bridge
sentences
 Overall writing is clear and
concise
 No evidence of varied sentence
structure and punctuation
3 Lack of evidence or weak demonstration
in at least 3 of the indicators below:
 Topic Sentence is clear
 Evidence of Relevant details/facts
Relevant examples helps reader to
visualize
 Transitional words help bridge
sentences
 Overall writing clear and concise
 Evidence of varied sentence
structure and punctuation
2 Lack of evidence or weak demonstration
in at least 4 of the indicators below:
 Topic Sentence is clear
 Evidence of Relevant details/facts
Relevant examples helps reader to
visualize
 Transitional words help bridge
sentences
 Overall writing clear and concise
 Evidence of varied sentence
 structure and punctuation

Effective Paragraph Writing

Students, you are to write a five- to seven-sentence paragraph. This

paragraph must include an engaging beginning (attention grabber); two
sentences that support the main idea; a sentence that gives a reason,
explanation, or vivid description; and a clinching conclusion.

Use this Rubric below to ensure that your paragraph has the above elements.
Be Metacognitive. If you are satisfied with each rubric field, place a check
mark in each required field below.

Topic Sentence Sentence 2 Sentence 3 Sentence 4 Conclusion

What type of Does it help Does your Does this Will the
engaging develop the sentence sentence give readers know
beginning did you Topic Sentence provide an example, this is the end
use? (Main Idea) another detail explanation, without you
with a related or present a quote, or literally using
detail? fact? Don’t reason? those words?
forget to use a
transitional
link.
Check Mark_____ Check Mark_____ Check Mark_____ Check Mark_____ Check Mark_____
 Structure of a Persuasive Essay

I. Introduction

• Engaging Beginning
• Background Information of Topic
• Details/facts
• Thesis Statement (which is your stance/argument/strong opinion)

II. Body Paragraph 1

• Topic Sentence (first point to make … aligns with Thesis)
• Details/Facts to support point
• Examples illustration to make pt. stronger
• Closing ( transition to set-up next paragraph)

III. Body Paragraph 2

• Topic Sentence (next point to make … aligns with Thesis)

• You can include your opponent’s point-of-view
• Details/Facts to support point of your opinion
• Examples illustration to make pt. stronger
• Closing (transition to set-up next paragraph)

IV. Body Paragraph 3

• Topic Sentence (final point to make … aligns with Thesis)

• You can include your opponent’s point-of-view
• Details/Facts to support point
• Examples illustration to make pt. stronger
• Closing (transition to set-up next paragraph)

V. Summary
• Restate main points
• Restate, paraphrase thesis ( reminds reader of your opinion)
• Call to action (optional)