3.3 Writer's Workshop: Persuasive Letter

You've completed some research and made a plan. What is next? Now you will “connect the dots” and write out your ideas as full sentences and paragraphs.

Draft:

    1. First, you will draft the body of your letter.
    2. Second, you will draft the opening of your letter. (Yes, you will write the beginning AFTER you've written the body of the letter.)
    3. Third, you will draft a conclusion. 

Then, you will revise, edit, and proofread your letter.

So, let's get started. Download the template here:

UNIT 3 WRITER'S WORKSHOP TEMPLATE 

The following are suggestions when you write your first draft. There is a basic, one paragraph option for the body of your letter. If you'd like extra challenge, there is an advanced, three paragraph option (further down this page) for the body of your letter. Choose one or the other; either way, be sure to check out the tips at the end of this online page.:

Basic, One Body Paragraph:

Write one paragraph. It will contain:

  • Topic sentence
    • Reason one - one sentence telling reason, one - two sentences adding an example, fact, statistic, quote, or emotional appeals that supports the reason. 
    • Reason two - one sentence telling reason, one - two sentences adding an example, fact, statistic, quote, or emotional appeals that supports the reason.
  • Save your best argument for your final reason:
    • Reason three - one sentence telling reason, one - two sentences adding an example, fact, statistic, quote, or emotional appeals that supports the reason.

Advanced, Three Body Paragraphs:

Write one paragraph for each of three your main ideas. Each paragraph should clearly support your position. Save your best argument for your final paragraph. 

Paragraph One:

  • Topic sentence - First big reason to support your idea or opinion
  • Supporting details: examples, research, facts, statistics, quotes, and/or emotional appeals that support the topic sentence
  • May include a related counter argument and rebuttal (but this doesn't need to be in every body paragraph)

Paragraph Two:

  • Topic sentence - Second big reason to support your idea or opinion
  • Supporting details: examples, research, facts, statistics, quotes, and/or emotional appeals that support the topic sentenc
  • May include a related counter argument and rebuttal (but this doesn't need to be in every body paragraph)

Paragraph Three:

  • Topic sentence - Biggest reason to support your idea or opinion
  • Supporting details: examples, research, facts, statistics, quotes, and/or emotional appeals that support the topic sentence
  • May include a related counter argument and rebuttal (but this doesn't need to be in every body paragraph)

Additional Tips (for both one or three body paragraphs)

  • Try to use facts wherever you can, rather than just opinions. Facts are powerful persuaders.

  • Connect your arguments with transition words like however, furthermore, and in addition. Or you could number your points, e.g., firstly, secondly, etc. Here’s a list of commonly used transitional words and phrases:

and

unlike

in contrast

in other words

sometimes

but

however

furthermore

to sum up

in addition

or

yet

on the other hand

consequently

besides

while

unless

similarly

first

likewise

although

therefore

because

next

for instance