Write a five-paragraph persuasive essay on a topic of your choice. Remember to support your thesis with three main points. Support each of your main points with two or more specific examples.
Here are some links to dozens and dozens of possible topics:
Here is a great example of a persuasive essay:
Why Cats Are Better than Dogs: A Persuasive Essay
“A dog is man’s best friend.” That common saying may
contain some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend
whose companionship people enjoy. For many people, a cat
is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe,
cats make excellent house pets as they are good
companions, they are civilized members of the household,
and they are easy to care for.
In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats.
Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to
be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a
purring cat? If they’re not feeling affectionate, cats are
generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and
feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string.
They especially enjoy playing when their owners are
participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats
can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like
with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behaviour
or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!
In the second place, cats are civilized members of the
household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other
loud noises. Most cats don’t even meow very often. They
generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don’t often have
“accidents.” Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter
box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on.
Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown
the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and
owners must make provision for this. A tall scratching post
in a favourite cat area of the house will often keep the cat
content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of
course, cats can be declawed.
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as housepets
is their ease of care. Cats do not have to be walked.
They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and
they do their business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box
is a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care of their
own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never necessary
because under ordinary circumstances cats clean
themselves. Cats are more particular about personal
cleanliness than people are. In addition, cats can be left
home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets,
most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone.
They are content to go about their usual activities until their
owners return.
Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People
who have small living quarters or less time for pet care
should appreciate these characteristics of cats. However,
many people who have plenty of space and time still opt to
have a cat because they love the cat personality. In many
ways, cats are the ideal housepet.
Here are some examples of good persuasive essays:
