Writing the Persuasive Essay

The introductory paragraph has

Pre-writing exercise – Introductory paragraph three sections.
1. The hook.
2. The background information.
3. The thesis statement.
1. The essay question.
1.1.Write in the space provided the essay question your teacher gave you.
Living in Guayaquil has become difficult in the Last years. Deliquency is the biggest
challenge we all face. What do you think the new mayor of the City should do to make our
City safe again? Use reasons and examples to support your answers.
1.2.Write here the topic of the essay question. Deliquency
The topic of the 1.3.Write the question they are asking you in the space below.
essay question is
usually 1 or 2 What do you think the new mayor of the City should do to make our City safe again?
words.

2. The Hook
2.1.What kind of hook are you going to write? Circle one of the options below.

Question Statistics Quote

2.2.Write the hook for your essay in the space provided.

If you are using a question
Did you know that in Guayaquil, in recent years there has been an hook, remember to use a wh-
increase of 83% more crime than in 2021, making Ecuador one of the question and never a yes/no
question.
most violent countries in Latin America, according to the newspaper
“El Comercio”.

Write sentences Does your hook include the topic of the essay? Yes, the Statitics is
that are no more about the Deliquency.
than two lines 2.3.If your answer is no, go back to number 1.2. and make sure to include the topic in
long.
your hook.

3. The Background information

3.1. Write the three sentences of your background information in the space below.
Sent. 1: Economic inequality: Economic inequality can create social and economic gaps that
may lead to crime, particularly for those who lack access to resources and opportunities.
Sent. 2: Drugs and organized crime: Drug trafficking and the activity of organized criminal
groups can create an environment conducive to crime, which in turn can increase violence
and insecurity.
Sent 3: Lack of opportunities and employment: The lack of opportunities and employment
may lead some individuals to seek income through illegal means, which may include
criminal activities.
3.2. Circle the correct information.
a. Sentence 1 explains the topic of the essay. YES NO
b. Sentence 2 explains the topic of the essay. YES NO
c. Sentence 3 explains the topic of the essay YES NO

If you circle no to any of the above (a-c) go back and make the changes on 3.1.
4. The thesis statement.
4.1.Look back at 1.3. where you wrote the question of the essay. Answer the question in
the space below. Remember, your sentence cannot be any longer than two lines.

Economic inequality, drug trafficking, and lack of opportunities and employment contribute
to the rise of crime and its associated social issues.

4.2.On the space provided write three ideas giving reasons for your answer on 4.1.

Reason/Idea 1: Economic inequality creates social and economic gaps, increasing the
You will use these three ideas
likelihood of criminal behavior. when you write the topic
sentences of the body
Reason /Idea 2: Drug trafficking and organized crime contribute to violence and insecurity
paragraphs.
within communities.

Reason/Idea 3: The lack of opportunities and employment drives individuals to resort to

illegal means, including engaging in criminal activities.

4.3.Now put together (in one sentence) what you wrote in 4.1. and the ideas on 4.2.

Economic inequality, drug trafficking, and the lack of opportunities and employment
contribute to the rise of crime by creating social and economic gaps, increasing violence
and insecurity, and driving individuals towards illegal activities.

5. The introductory paragraph.

5.1.Write in the space provided the sentence you wrote on 2.2., 3.1., and 4.1. Write them
one sentence after the other.

Did you know that in Guayaquil, in recent years there has been an increase of 83% more
crime than in 2021, making Ecuador one of the most violent countries in Latin America,
according to the newspaper “El Comercio”? Economic inequality can create social and
economic gaps that may lead to crime, particularly for those who lack access to resources
and opportunities. Drug trafficking and the activity of organized criminal groups can create
an environment conducive to crime, which in turn can increase violence and insecurity. The
lack of opportunities and employment may lead some individuals to seek income through
illegal means, which may include criminal activities. Economic inequality, drug trafficking,
and lack of opportunities and employment contribute to the rise of crime and its
associated social issues.

If you have any questions or doubts when you are doing this exercise, send me a message on
Aula Virtual or an e-mail to destrell@espol.edu.ec. I will respond as soon as possible.