ENGLISH 4 2021

ENGLISH 4 NEGA
Topic: Writing Persuasive Essays in English
Professor: Lorena Lores
OCTOBER 2021

WORKSHOP
The Writing Persuasive Essay Workshop has been divided in THREE PARTS. Part I introduces the basic concepts of writing. Part II
helps to practice writing the different paragraphs of the essay through different guided exercises. Part III facilitates the consolidation of
the first essay complete draft of a persuasive essay on a chosen controversial topic. In general, there are twenty (18) exercises within
the three parts of the workshop; students will find tips and additional links that will help to complete the workshop. A great number of
exercises will be discussed and completed while students participate in the three weekly web conferences.

TIPS TO COMPLETE THE WORKSHOP

1. The professor will explain the different parts of the workshop and respond to different questions during each class session.
2. The students will choose the members of their groups (4 students per team). Make sure to be in an active and committed group. The
final grade will depend on the participation of individuals.
3. The 4 students are expected to actively participate solving the workshop and participating in the plenary discussions.
4. Inside each team, there will be a sub-division of the group in 2 pairs who will produce an essay each (2 paired essays).
5. Take advantage of the Web Conference group work moments to develop the workshop. Professors will facilitate group work during the
conferences and students will have the opportunity to ask for clarification.
6. Both the workshop and the paired essay must be collaboratively worked in the platform TEAMS. The professor will be in constant
revision of your production making comments, so you must be revising and making corrections to guarantee success.
7. The topic is chosen from a list of controversial topics related to the units’ contents developed during this course .

Writing Persuasive Essays in English

WORKSHOP

PART I
PARTS AND CONCEPTS OF A PERSUASIVE ESSAY.
Aim: Understand the different parts of a persuasive essay and write a body paragraph with a suitable topic sentence stating
a clear main idea.

Instructions: Complete exercises 1 to 6 (PART 1)

Parts of a Persuasive Essay in English 4 at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali.

Exercise 1: Read the descriptions 1-4 and match the title on the right column with the paragraph description on the left.
PARAGRAPH TITLE

Designed by: Alexander Fernandez

Validated by: English 4 Professors 2020 - 1
 ENGLISH 4 2021

1. The Body Paragraph 2

The main purpose in this paragraph is to ratify your point of view, but also considering the opposite side of the
controversy. As in the previous part of the body, the first declaration should be the topic sentence. This sentence
must be an introductory contrast recommended to assure the articulation of this first sentence with the thesis.
Supporting sentences and the concluding one are to support this contrast. The intention of this contrast is to
recognize that there is another side, but to continue validating your point of you - the side of the controversy you
support. The concluding sentence is one more opportunity to express your grounded opinion.

2. The Introductory Paragraph

This paragraph in an essay does not need to be much more than four sentences in length. It should begin with a
"hook" that grabs the reader’s attention. After that, there must be a sentence, or two, called “the bridge” to help the
reader connect the intention of the hook with the incoming last sentence. This last sentence, also known as the
"thesis", is the foundation of your essay, and everything else you will say in the essay rests on it. The thesis should
be a clear, compound or complex, well-designed sentence stating your position that leaves no doubt in the
reader’s mind about which side you are on.

3. The Concluding Paragraph

Although the summing up paragraph comes at the end of the essay, it should not be seen as a postscript. As the
final paragraph, it represents the writer´s last chance to make the case. Many experts deal with this part as a
second introduction because it contains many of the same features: four well-crafted sentences should be enough.
At this stage, it is recommended to start with a concluding connector word, and to paraphrase the idea of the
thesis. Check the concluding sentences of the two paragraphs of the body by bringing a brilliant tied inference
stated in no more than two sentences. Finally, state a final sentence about your global opinion indicating that the
discussion has come to an end.

4. The Body Paragraph 1

The middle paragraphs of the essay are known as the body paragraphs. The main purpose of one of them is to
spell out in detail the arguments that support the controlling idea regarding your opinion about the controversial
topic. In this case, the first body paragraph is aimed at presenting arguments that support your side in the
controversy. The first statement of this paragraph should be the topic sentence that directly relates to the
statement presented in introductory paragraph (thesis).The other sentences in this same paragraph are
endeavored to providing arguments that support this idea. Additional sentences, in the form examples,
clarifications and facts, can support the arguments, but it is recommended not to over exemplify. The last sentence
should be aimed at concluding the paragraph by providing the opinion based on the stated arguments.

Example of a Persuasive Essay to Analyze: Consumerism

Designed by: Alexander Fernandez

Validated by: English 4 Professors 2020 - 1
 ENGLISH 4 2021
Exercise 2: Organize the paragraphs in the correct sequence. Follow the indications in Exercise 1 and cut and paste your choice the
Correct Sequence column.
Paragraph
The rise of consumerism has improved living conditions in today’s society.
First of all, this phenomenon called consumerism increases production, which
leads to more job offer. In other words, more goods are demanded by society,
so businesses have to work harder to provide, and more workforce is hired.
Furthermore, companies must compete to satisfy customers, and the
development of better products boosts creativity and innovation. For instance,
a simple accessory such as a watch that keeps track of time has evolved to
become a device that additionally monitors blood pressure and fitness. Finally,
consumerism encourages self-employment, which is helping individuals
escape the trap of working in a job, and allows them to turn their passion into
business. In fact, more than 90% of all business in the United States are
freelancing and entrepreneurship. In brief, for decades, consumerism has
been promoting employment, evolution, and satisfaction in our lives.
For many years, consumerism has made possible the world’s evolution by
turning human’s existence meaningful and gratifying. Employment,
transformation, and satisfaction are enhancing the quality of life in today’s
society. Communities based on a simple lifestyle are vulnerable to adversities,
while the progressive and capitalist ones benefit from innovating strategies to
guarantee social prosperity. If consumerism meets emotional, social,
technological and economic needs, what would society be like without the
product benefits?
“Consumers do not buy products. They buy product benefits” – David Ogilvy
“Memories take us back, dreams take us forward” - Anonymous. Old times are
always remembered with nostalgia, but we must look for the evolution of a
comfortable future for societies. Even though the consumer culture might be
questioned for causing a negative social impact, thanks to the purchasing
activity, entire nations have evolved in order to improve their people’s welfare.
Designed by: Alexander Fernandez
Validated by: English 4 Professors 2020 - 1
Correct Sequence
The Introduction
“Memories take us back, dreams take us forward” -
Anonymous. Old times are always remembered with nostalgia,
but we must look for the evolution of a comfortable future for
societies. Even though the consumer culture might be
questioned for causing a negative social impact, thanks to the
purchasing activity, entire nations have evolved in order to
improve their people’s welfare.
The Body 1 – My Point of View –
The rise of consumerism has improved living conditions in
today’s society. First of all, this phenomenon called
consumerism increases production, which leads to more job
offer. In other words, more goods are demanded by society, so
businesses have to work harder to provide, and more workforce
is hired. Furthermore, companies must compete to satisfy
customers, and the development of better products boosts
creativity and innovation. For instance, a simple accessory such
as a watch that keeps track of time has evolved to become a
device that additionally monitors blood pressure and fitness.
Finally, consumerism encourages self-employment, which is
helping individuals escape the trap of working in a job, and
allows them to turn their passion into business. In fact, more
than 90% of all business in the United States are freelancing
and entrepreneurship. In brief, for decades, consumerism has
been promoting employment, evolution, and satisfaction in our
lives.
The Body 2 – The Contrast Paragraph –
Even though consumer societies might experience setbacks
derived from the shopping activity, a more developed world has
emerged for the wellbeing of civilizations. To start with, an
increased demand for goods has led to degradation of the
natural resources in previous decades, but nowadays,
innovation and environmental concern is driving industries to
implement more and more sustainable alternatives.
Additionally, it is said that consumerism leads to depression
due to indebtedness, yet companies are being innovative with
production techniques to keep manufacturing costs down to
allow consumers to purchase without being indebted.
Moreover, although individuals without purchasing power might
be discriminated in some societies, thanks to the economic
growth, boost by consumerism, governments can invest more
in public services. In short, communities and individuals may
have experienced environmental and emotional issues from
materialistic practices. On the other hand, more countries are
definitely developed from sustainable innovation, and, at the
same time, have enhanced the quality of life of their citizens
 ENGLISH 4 2021

due to consumer lifestyle.

Even though consumer societies might experience setbacks derived from the
shopping activity, a more developed world has emerged for the wellbeing of
civilizations. To start with, an increased demand for goods has led to
degradation of the natural resources in previous decades, but nowadays,
innovation and environmental concern is driving industries to implement more
and more sustainable alternatives. Additionally, it is said that consumerism
leads to depression due to indebtedness, yet companies are being innovative
with production techniques to keep manufacturing costs down to allow
consumers to purchase without being indebted. Moreover, although individuals
without purchasing power might be discriminated in some societies, thanks to
the economic growth, boost by consumerism, governments can invest more in
public services. In short, communities and individuals may have experienced
environmental and emotional issues from materialistic practices. On the other
hand, more countries are definitely developed from sustainable innovation,
and, at the same time, have enhanced the quality of life of their citizens due to
consumer lifestyle.
The Conclusion
For many years, consumerism has made possible the world’s
evolution by turning human’s existence meaningful and
gratifying. Employment, transformation, and satisfaction are
enhancing the quality of life in today’s society. Communities
based on a simple lifestyle are vulnerable to adversities, while
the progressive and capitalist ones benefit from innovating
strategies to guarantee social prosperity. If consumerism meets
emotional, social, technological and economic needs, what
would society be like without the product benefits?
“Consumers do not buy products. They buy product benefits” –
David Ogilvy

The Paragraph to State your Point of View

The middle paragraphs of the essay are known as the body paragraphs. The main purpose of body is to spell out in detail the
arguments that support your controlling idea regarding your side of the topic. In this case, the first body paragraph is aimed at
presenting the point of view you support. The first statement of this paragraph should be the topic sentence that directly relates to
the statement presented in introductory paragraph. The following sentences in this same paragraph are endeavored to providing
arguments that support the idea of why you support this side of the topic. Additional sentences can support the arguments as
examples, clarifications and facts. The last sentence should be aimed at concluding the paragraph by providing the opinion
based on the stated arguments.
Exercise 3: Go back to exercise 2 and copy / paste your choice of Body Paragraph 1 on the left-side column. Then identify and
separate the elements from that paragraph that fit under the subtitles referenced in the right-side column.
Body Paragraph 1 (My side) Topic Sentence: The rise of consumerism has improved living conditions
The rise of consumerism has improved living conditions in today’s society. in today’s society.
First of all, this phenomenon called consumerism increases production, Argument 1:
which leads to more job offer. In other words, more goods are demanded First of all, this phenomenon called consumerism increases production,
by society, so businesses have to work harder to provide, and more which leads to more job offer.
workforce is hired. Furthermore, companies must compete to satisfy Supporting detail 1:
customers, and the development of better products boosts creativity and In other words, more goods are demanded by society, so businesses have to
innovation. For instance, a simple accessory such as a watch that keeps work harder to provide, and more workforce is hired.
track of time has evolved to become a device that additionally monitors
blood pressure and fitness. Finally, consumerism encourages self-
Argument 2:
employment, which is helping individuals escape the trap of working in a Furthermore, companies must compete to satisfy customers, and the
job, and allows them to turn their passion into business. In fact, more than development of better products boosts creativity and innovation.
90% of all business in the United States are freelancing and Supporting detail 2:
entrepreneurship. In brief, for decades, consumerism has been promoting For instance, a simple accessory such as a watch that keeps track of time
employment, evolution, and satisfaction in our lives. has evolved to become a device that additionally monitors blood pressure
and fitness.
Argument 3:
Finally, consumerism encourages self-employment, which is helping
individuals escape the trap of working in a job, and allows them to turn their
passion into business. In fact, more than 90% of all business in the United
States are freelancing and entrepreneurship.
Designed by: Alexander Fernandez
Validated by: English 4 Professors 2020 - 1
 ENGLISH 4 2021

Supporting detail 3:
In brief, for decades, consumerism has been promoting employment,
evolution, and satisfaction in our lives.
Concluding Sentence:
In brief, for decades, consumerism has been promoting employment,
evolution, and satisfaction in our lives.

Practicing Producing the Topic Sentence

Exercise 4: Check the picture, identify the topic, and write suitable topic sentence that best represents the main idea. List 3 concrete
arguments that support that general statement.
Topic: the big family
Topic Sentence
Having a big family is an exhausting and fulltime job.
Concrete Arguments:
1. Parents dedicate long time to entertain kids.
2. Taking kids to different tasks can be a stressing
3. Raising and educating children is a demanding responsibility.

Topic: The impact of social media / Social networking

Topic Sentence: Social networking consumes us.

Concrete Arguments:
1. First of all, users spend too much time. Indeed, studies have reported that regular
users waste about 5 hours a day following others.
2.
3.

Exercise 5: NOW, IT IS YOUR TIME TO PRODUCE THE BODY 1 OF YOUR OWN ESSAY - GO TO THE FORMAT “PAIRED ESSAY” -
TEAMS

Review the parts of an Essay

Exercise 6: Identify the parts of the essay. Write the part that best correspond to the description. Write your response in the Part
of the Essay column.
Description Part of the Essay
1. A nickname of sentence that is used to gain the readers interest on the essay. hook
2. The closing paragraph is a great opportunity for the writer to present his or her…
3. A part of an essay that usually deals with one subject that begins on a new line, Concluding paragraph
and that is made up of four sentences.
4. The second sentence in the introductory paragraph that connects 2 ideas is … The bridge
5. The first sentence in a paragraph that indicates what this paragraph is about.
6. The advantage and disadvantage paragraphs are part of the ______ in the essay.
7. In our English 4 course, the aim of the second paragraph of the body is to discuss controversy
the ____________
8. This is the sentence that tells what the paragraphs is about. Topic sentence
9. Words which combine words, phrases and sentences together. FANBOYS

Designed by: Alexander Fernandez

Validated by: English 4 Professors 2020 - 1
 ENGLISH 4 2021

10. Words which help establish a logical relationship between sentences or thoughts. Transition words

END OF PART I

Designed by: Alexander Fernandez

Validated by: English 4 Professors 2020 - 1