Part 1: Select a Topic

Choose a topic for your Persuasive Essay from the list below. If you would like to write about a topic that is not on the list, contact your instructor via email to request approval.

· Gun control

· Legalization of marijuana

· Abortion

· Euthanasia

· Banning books (censorship)

· Mandatory military service

· Separation of church and state

· Charter schools

· Same-sex marriage

· Flag burning (Does someone have the right to burn the flag of the country? Who gives them that right?)

· Death penalty

· War

· Prostitution

1) What is the topic you have chosen for your persuasive essay?

2) Begin thinking about the different issues associated with the topic you have selected, narrow your focus, and take a pro or con position for the subject of your essay. Present a simple statement of your position here.

Section II: Identify your Audience

Answer the following questions regarding the audience for your essay.

1) Who do you intend to read your essay?

2) Are there clues in this particular assignment about who your audience is?

3) Do you have more than one audience? If so, how many do you have?

4) What is the appropriate way to address this audience (professional, familial, friendly)? Why?

5) What about your topic is important to your audience? What about your topic is not important to your audience?