1. Constructing a 5-
Paragraph Persuasive
Essay
Turning Points in WWII

2. Step 1
Using the notes you made in class last
time, build an outline/idea map for your
essay
Your essay will answer the question,
“What was the most important event/
battle/campaign of WWII?”

3. Facts &
Background TOPIC
Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3

4. Sample

5. Step 2
Refine and complete research of your
topic and arguments
Find facts to back up each of your
arguments

6. Step 3 - The Thesis
Statement
The thesis statement declares what you
are going to ‘prove’ in your essay.

7. Sample
“The Battle of the Bulge was the most
important battle of WWII as it both ensured
and sped up Germany’s eventual defeat.”

8. Formula
A specific subject (your event) + a specific
condition, feeling or stand = an effective
thesis statement
SUBJECT
e.g. “The Battle of the Bulge was the most
important battle of WWII as it both
ensured and sped up Germany’s eventual
defeat.”
SPECIFIC FEELING
Adapted from Writer’s Inc.

9. Write your thesis
statement!
Take a few minutes now to construct your
thesis statement.
Even though others are doing the
same subject, your thesis should be
unique

10. Thesis Statement
It should be only 1 or 2 sentences
Have at least two classmates proofread
your thesis.

11. Peer Proofread
exchange your thesis statement with a
classmate
proofread the thesis based on the
following checklist...

12. Thesis Checklist
identifies a specific, limited subject...
focuses on a particular feeling or feature of the
subject
is stated in a clear, direct sentence (or
sentences)...
can be supported with convincing facts and
details..
meets the requirements of the assignment
Adapted from Writer’s Inc.

13. Final Thesis
Statement

14. Final Thesis
Statement
Once you have your thesis statement back
from your peer proofreader, make any
necessary changes to refine it.

15. Final Thesis
Statement
Once you have your thesis statement back
from your peer proofreader, make any
necessary changes to refine it.
Now... we’re ready to write an
introduction...

16. Step 4 - The
Introduction
1. Topic sentence
2. Thesis statement
3. Preview of arguments
4. Background & context

17. Introduction
Write your introduction paragraph
When you finish writing your
introduction, have at least two classmates
read it and make suggestions or
corrections in a different colour pen
Be sure the proofreader puts their name
on the page!

18. Checklist for
Introduction
Clearly indicates the subject
Shares some thought-provoking or
interesting detail(s) about the subject
Previews the three main points of the essay
Has a clear thesis statement
Provides some background information
about the subject

19. Re-write your
introduction
Using the feedback from your classmates...
make any necessary changes to fix your
introduction

20. Step 5 - The main
body
3 paragraphs
1 for each of your arguments

21. Main Body
Paragraphs
1. Topic sentence
2. One argument per paragraph!
3. Use facts to justify your position
4. Transitions

22. Step 6 - The
Conclusion
“See? I told you so!”
Refer back to thesis statement
Summarize main points

23. Final Steps
Peer proofread (at least one)
Adult/teacher proofread (at least one)
Final product - all drafts handed in, stapled
together & final essay typed double-spaced
and submitted via turnitin.com
Due date will be set on Friday :)

24. turnitin.com

25. using turnitin.com
create an account if you don’t have one
already
joining the class
uploading your assignment

26. CHECKLIST
1. To be turned in as hard copy:
1.1. Idea map/outline
1.2. All drafts, proofs and revisions of thesis statement
1.3. Proofread draft introduction
1.4. Rough draft of essay with proofreading notes from 2
proofreaders (at least one adult or senior)
2. To be turned in on turnitin.com
2.1. Final essay in MLA format.
★ DUE FRIDAY DECEMBER 10