Convince the reader to agree with your opinion (claim)

Encourage action or a change in thinking

Identify who will read it (classmates, teachers, community)

Consider what the audience already believes and what they value

One clear sentence stating your position

Must be arguable (someone could disagree)

Stays consistent throughout the essay

2–3 main reasons that support the claim

Each reason becomes one body paragraph topic

Strong reasons are specific and logically connected to the claim

Facts, statistics, examples, experiences, observations, expert quotes

Evidence must match the reason and directly support it

Explain evidence with your own words (don’t just drop it in)

Restate claim in a new way

Summarize reasons

End with a strong final thought or call to action

Question: “Have you ever…?”

Surprising fact/statistic

Short scenario/story

Strong statement

1–3 sentences explaining the issue

Define key terms if needed

Help the reader understand why it matters

Clear opinion statement

Example frame: “I believe ___ because ___, ___, and ___.”

List the 2–3 reasons in the order you will discuss them

Keep reasons short and parallel in structure

“Many people think ___. However, I believe ___.”

“___ should/should not ___ because ____, ____, and ____.”

State the first reason clearly

Connect back to the claim

Provide 1–3 pieces of evidence

Types of evidence

Explain how the evidence proves the reason

Answer: “So what? Why does this matter?”

Add specific details, comparisons, or cause/effect

Clarify who is helped/hurt and how

Sum up the paragraph’s main point

Transition to the next reason

“First, ___ because ___.”

“For example, ___.”

“This shows that ___.”

“Therefore, ___.”

State the second reason

Make it different from Reason 1 (not repeated)

Use strong, relevant proof (1–3 pieces)

Choose evidence that the audience will find believable

Link evidence to the claim

Show logic: “Because ___, then ___.”

Introduce a fair opposing point

Sentence starters

Explain why the opposing view is weak, incomplete, or less important

Use evidence or reasoning to respond

Sentence starters

Connect to the next paragraph smoothly

Option A: Use a third reason

Option B: Use your strongest reason last for impact

Clearly state the reason and connect to the claim

Add proof that is new (not repeated from earlier)

Prefer the most convincing evidence here

Explain why this reason is powerful

Show consequences (what happens if we do/don’t follow your claim)

Wrap up the body paragraph and prepare for conclusion

“Most importantly, ___.”

“If ___ happens, then ___.”

“This matters because ___.”

Say your opinion again using different words

Keep it confident and clear

Briefly mention each reason (1 sentence or one clause each)

Keep the same order as the essay

Call to Action: Tell the reader what to do

Prediction: Explain what will happen if your idea is followed

Big Picture: Connect to fairness, safety, success, community, etc.

Closing Line: Strong, memorable final sentence

No brand-new reasons or evidence

Avoid “In conclusion” (optional) if your teacher prefers stronger wording

“For these reasons, ___ should ___.”

“Now is the time to ___.”

“If we ___, we will ___.”

Adding: “First,” “Next,” “Also,” “Furthermore”

Cause/effect: “Because,” “As a result,” “Therefore”

Contrast: “However,” “On the other hand,” “Although”

Example: “For instance,” “For example”

Conclusion: “Ultimately,” “In the end”

Topic sentence states the reason

Evidence is specific and relevant

Explanation connects evidence to claim

Closing sentence transitions or wraps up

Is my opinion clear in one sentence?

Could someone disagree (arguable)?

Do I have 2–3 different reasons?

Are they in a logical order (weak → strong)?

Do I have proof for every reason?

Did I explain the proof, not just list it?

Did I state the other side fairly?

Did I respond with logic/evidence?

Did I restate my claim in new words?

Did I end with a strong final message?