Non-fiction is factual writing that can take various forms, including persuasive essays. To write a persuasive essay, one must choose a topic, narrow it to a specific argument, and develop a clear thesis statement. Choosing a topic involves picking an issue you care about that has two reasonable sides and evidence to support it. Narrowing the topic involves deciding your position and framing the topic as a question beginning with "should." The thesis is then a statement of the main argument you will prove.

1. Non-Fiction Writing

2. Definition Nonfiction is an account or representation of a subject which is presented as fact.

3. Types of Non-Fiction

7. Persuasive essay Think of topics that we could persuade people to believe

8. First decide on the purpose of your essay Persuade someone to agree with you on an opinion or argument Change someone’s mind about something Urge someone to act

9. How to select a topic and develop a thesis: Choose a topic. Narrow the topic. Write a thesis.

10. How to choose a general topic for your persuasive essay: Consult the list of topics we created. Pick an issue or subject that you REALLY care about. Do you feel passionate about this topic? Do you care about it? Pick something that is extremely controversial. Are there two sides to the topic?Is there a reason to persuade people to think a certain way about this topic? Pick something for which there is evidence (facts). Can you find sources? (in the high school library? the public library?) Pick something that your audience will be interested in hearing. Pick something that is not overdone. Example: Year round school.

11. How to go from a general topic to a narrowed topic: Decide whether you are for or against your issue. Why do people need to be persuaded about this topic? Put your topic in a question form and answer it. Usually this question will begin with the word "should" and can be answered with a "yes" or "no." Example: Should the school year be extended year round? YES!!!!!

12. How to go from a narrowed topic to a thesis: (The thesis is the main idea of your speech/paper. It is the point you are going to prove.) Reword your question into a statement. If you want to, include your best support or an overall phrase about your ideas. Make it unique - it will make your topic more interesting and fun. Example: To ensure that students get the best education, the school calendar should be extended year round.