Persuasive essay
a persuasive essay is one in which the writer attempts to convince or persuade the reader to believe, act, or support the writer’s viewpoint. it might be considered that the writer is the “salesperson” and the reader is the “buyer”. the subject may be controversial but not necessarily. it is designed to convince the reader.

below is a handout that explains how to organize this type of essay and specifically what you need to do in each paragraph. read through the below information on how to organize a persuasive essay. in bold, before each paragraph, you will see instructions on what you are supposed to do for each of the five paragraphs when you write your own essay. you will see an example essay, broken down into the five paragraphs, that does as the bold directions state for each paragraph.

title: waimea bay

introduction: 1st paragraph

first, start off with the general topic (the general topic for this example is: surfing).

for example: i have been surfing since i was a little kid. i learned right here in our very own south bay beaches. but, over the years, i have surfed many other surf spots in california, from san diego to santa cruz. it has been my passion to find the best surf spots out there.

second, move to the specific (the specific is: surfing at the north shore of hawaii)
fourth, briefly mention the three reasons you believe what you do.
body: 3 paragraphs

body paragraph #1: talk only about your first reason. use specific examples.

for example: i am sure you have heard about the beauty of hawaii. waimea bay is the best spot to surf because of its beautiful location. although it is located along kamehameha highway, it actually sits below the highway so once you are on the beach, you are no longer aware of the black pavement of the highway. it is like you have been instantly transported to your own little paradise, with wide stretches of white sand and crystal clear water that is clean from debris. enjoy sunbathing, picnicking or if you are feeling especially adventurous even climb the rocks in the bay and jump off the perfectly positioned “big rock” into the cool, refreshing waters. be sure you stick around for sunset as the vibrant orange, yellow and red sky is a breathtaking view.

body paragraph #2: talk only about your second reason. use specific examples.

for example: the size of waves is important to any serious surfer. no one wants to get out there to 2 feet waves. at waimea bay, on any given day, you are guaranteed to surf waves at least 6 feet high. but, be careful, because waves have been known to reach 30 feet. many surfing contests are held here throughout the year, drawing the best professional surfers in the world. the waves are largest in the winter months because of the winter storms so you won’t be disappointed when you paddle out.

body paragraph #3: talk only about your third reason. use specific examples.

for example: finding a surf spot that is not crowded is often difficult to do, especially on the weekends when i am out surfing. although waimea bay does have many people surfing at this spot, and it’s often difficult to even find a parking spot, don’t let the parking scare you away from a visit because it is definitely worth the extra patience. the surfers are often more advanced and so you do not have to worry about beginners getting in your way or taking a wave from you. if you are more of a beginning surfer, you will even enjoy sitting on the sand and watching the pro surfers catch their waves. you are sure to learn a thing or two. but, beware; the mere fact that this is waimea bay, brings out a bunch of tourists, so be prepared for large beach umbrellas, brightly-colored towels laid out all over the sand, and a bunch of “wanna be” surfers. i like a little energy on the beach so the more the merrier, just as long as they don’t snag my wave.

conclusion: last paragraph (#5)

tie all three reasons and relate it to your thesis statement and/or general topic.

for example: although waimea bay is crowded, this is an once-in-a-lifetime spot to surf and you will enjoy the beauty of its location and always be able to catch a great size wave. i may not have many opportunities to surf waimea bay, but when i do get the chance, i always prefer it over any other spot in the world. as soon as i leave, i’m counting the days until i’m back on the white sand of waimea bay. even if i have a bad surfing day, i’m never disappointed. i’m fine just sitting back and drinking in the beauty of waimea bay.
the essay must include 5 paragraphs with a minimum of 5 sentences per paragraph.
proper punctuation appears throughout the essay with minimal errors.
the essay is in size 12 times roman font.
summarization of a story is avoided.