How to Write a Standard Four Paragraph Persuasive Essay

Florida's big day is just around the corner. In February, most schools will be taking the all important FCAT Florida Writes test. Children in grades 5, 8 and 10 will be taking the test. The students can be asked to write a descriptive essay, and persuasive essay or an informative essay. However, the majority of the essays on the writing portion of the FCAT are persuasive. This lists steps to writing the perfect FCAT persuasive essay.

There are generally four paragraphs in the standard essay. Some teachers teach for the student to write five paragraphs. The only difference is that the first includes two supports for your argument, while the second includes three supports for your argument. The standard persuasive essay simply asks students to take a side on a topic, and to prove their side. The latest practice FCAT Florida writes test for eight graders asked the following question. " The Florida Department of Education is planning to add computer and technology courses as a requirement for graduation. State whether you agree with the need for these courses, and include details as to why or why not." I must admit that most of the writing prompts are rather boring, but the whole idea is to pick a topic that is not biased and does not unfairly target any group of students. Some of the other recent writing prompts included topics such as "what would you add to your lunchroom area to improve it" and "do you think students should have a curfew?"

The first paragraph is the introduction paragraph. This states what the topic is, and basically states whether you do or do not agree. The people grading the test are looking for clearer and concise topic statements, and a conclusion within the first paragraph of the students position and how they will support it. For example, and good introduction paragraph for the last writing prompt might read," The Florida Department of Education recently considered adding a new requirement for students in order to graduate. The state is looking into adding computer and technology courses as a prerequisite to graduation. Some people agree with the states decision while other people disagree. I believe that this is an excellent addition to the state's curriculum. In the first place, it will increase students ability to use a computer. Also, students who learn computer skills are more hirable. " The above paragraph includes a clear main idea statement stating what the topic is about. It also includes some ideas that will be elaborated on to prove the writer's point that they do agree with the state';s idea.

The second paragraph looks at the first supporting idea. The graders of the writing portion of the FCAT are looking for a clear statement of the second idea, prefaced by a transition or introductory phrase. They are looking for support for the idea or personal story. Just stating the idea will not receive a good grade. The student should state why they feel the way they do, and give proof, further details or a personal story.Also, the students need to have a concluding statement, that more or less wraps up their viewpoint. A sample second paragraph follows.

" First of all, I believe the addition of a computer and technology class would be an excellent idea as students need to know how to use the computer in school. Most schools now require students to do on line research and to be able to type their paper using one of the word processing programs on computers. Without these skills,. a students grade might suffer. Recently, I had a teacher in a social studies class that required students to do on line research, write a paper on the computer about their topic and quote four Internet sources to support their paper. Luckily, I have good computer skills, but some students had problems due to the lack of computer experience. I think adding this course would greatly improve students grades in school"

The third paragraph would mirror the second, stating a clear idea, supporting details, proof or a personal story and a concise concluding statement. The third paragraph for this paper might read as follows. : " In addition, i feel that adding a required computer and technology course would be a good idea as future employers will require most employees to have extensive computer skills. Almost any job now requires employees to not only know how to work a computer, but to be able to use programs such as word or excel. Some jobs even have a brief computer test before hiring the person. My Mother recently applied for a state job, and was given two questions to answer on the computer. She was to chose which computer program to answer the question with, was asked to save the answers to a file and to name then, and then asked to print a copy for the interviewer. My motehr realized that the entire process wasn't about answering the questions, but was a test to see if the applicants knew how to use a computer. Without adding these required courses to the state of Florida curriculum students might find it difficult to get a good job in the future because of their lack of computer and technology skills."

The last paragraph would be the concluding paragraph. The graders are looking for a transition phrase or concluding statement. It basically would recap what the paper is about, why the student supported it, and and ending statement. The graders are looking for a rewording of the idea and supporting statement. A concluding paragraph would read as follows. " IN conclusion, I agree with the state of Florida's idea to add computer and technology classes to the state curriculum Without this necessary training students might find that their grades suffer and that they are unable to find a good job when they enter the job market. Without this training, a student will be left behind in the 21st century, and will not be able to succeed as well as a student who has this type of training. I truly hope the state considers adding this course in the near future, so me and my fellow classmates can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity."

After I wrote this "mock" essay, I had three of my fellow teachers grade this essay. I told them it was an anonymous writer and I wanted their honest opinion and grade. The state uses a rubrics to grade papers, scoring them from a 1 to a six on four different areas. Each of the graders gave my paper between a 5 and a 6, for an average grade of 5.5 A 3 is required for passing the Florida FCAT writing prompt. I would be a bit worried if as a teacher, I had not scored a 5.5 So my entire essay follows and hopefully can be a teaching tool for teachers , students and parents alike when trying to teach a student how to write a well rounded four paragraph persuasive essay.

Mock Sample Essay: Topic. The Florida Department of Education is planning to add computer and technology courses as a requirement for graduation. State whether you agree with the need for these courses, and include details as to why or why not.

" The Florida Department of Education recently considered adding a new requirement for students in order to graduate. The state is looking into adding computer and technology courses as a prerequisite to graduation. Some people agree with the states decision while other people disagree. I believe that this is an excellent addition to the state's curriculum. In the first place, it will increase students ability to use a computer. Also, students who learn computer skills are more hirable.

First of all, I believe the addition of a computer and technology class would be an excellent idea as students need to know how to use the computer in school. Most schools now require students to do on line research and to be able to type their paper using one of the word processing programs on computers. Without these skills, a students grade might suffer. Recently, I had a teacher in a social studies class that required students to do on line research, write a paper on the computer about their topic and quote four Internet sources to support their paper. Luckily, I have good computer skills, but some students had problems due to the lack of computer experience. I think adding this course would greatly improve students grades in school"

The second reason I feel that adding a required computer and technology course would be a good idea is because future employers will require most employees to have extensive computer skills. Almost any job now requires employees to not only know how to work a computer, but to be able to use programs such as word or excel. Some jobs even have a brief computer test before hiring the person. My Mother recently applied for a state job, and was given two questions to answer on the computer. She was to chose which computer program to answer the question with, was asked to save the answers to a file and to name then, and then asked to print a copy for the interviewer. My Mother realized that the entire process wasn't about answering the questions, but was a test to see if the applicants knew how to use a computer. Without adding these required courses to the state of Florida curriculum students might find it difficult to get a good job in the future because of their lack of computer and technology skills.

In conclusion, I agree with the State of Florida's idea to add computer and technology classes to the state curriculum. Without this necessary training students might find that their grades suffer and that they are unable to find a good job when they enter the job market. Without this training, a student will be left behind in the 21st century, and will not be able to succeed as well as a student who has this type of training. I truly hope the state considers adding this course in the near future, so me and my fellow classmates can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity."