Write a five-paragraph persuasive essay on a topic of your choice.  Remember to support your thesis with three main points.  Support each of your main points with two or more specific examples.

Here are some links to dozens and dozens of possible topics:

• https://sites.google.com/a/pgcps.org/mrs-carson/dashboard/1a/2nd-quarter-project–persuasive-research-paper/list-of-persuasive-topics
• http://www.mesd.k12.or.us/si/WritingWorkSamples/HighSchoolPracticeWritingPrompts.pdf
• http://www.misd.net/languageart/grammarinaction/501writingprompts.pdf
• http://homeworktips.about.com/od/essaywriting/a/100-Persuasive-Essay-Topics.htm

Here is a great example of a persuasive essay:

Why Cats Are Better than Dogs: A Persuasive Essay

“A dog is man’s best friend.” That common saying may

contain some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend

whose companionship people enjoy. For many people, a cat

is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe,

cats make excellent house pets as they are good

companions, they are civilized members of the household,

and they are easy to care for.

In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats.

Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to

be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a

purring cat? If they’re not feeling affectionate, cats are

generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and

feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string.

They especially enjoy playing when their owners are

participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats

can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like

with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behaviour

or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!

In the second place, cats are civilized members of the

household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other

loud noises. Most cats don’t even meow very often. They

generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don’t often have

“accidents.” Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter

box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on.

Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown

the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and

owners must make provision for this. A tall scratching post

in a favourite cat area of the house will often keep the cat

content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of

course, cats can be declawed.

Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as housepets

is their ease of care. Cats do not have to be walked.

They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and

they do their business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box

is a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care of their

own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never necessary

because under ordinary circumstances cats clean

themselves. Cats are more particular about personal

cleanliness than people are. In addition, cats can be left

home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets,

most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone.

They are content to go about their usual activities until their

owners return.

Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People

who have small living quarters or less time for pet care

should appreciate these characteristics of cats. However,

many people who have plenty of space and time still opt to

have a cat because they love the cat personality. In many

ways, cats are the ideal housepet.

Here are some examples of good persuasive essays:

• http://www.pljulianhs.net/ourpages/auto/2009/3/15/58332975/sample%20persuasive%20essay_Uniforms.pdf
• http://www.teenink.com/hot_topics/health/article/223089/Persuasive-Essay-on-High-Schools-and-Fast-Food/
• http://misterroe.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/8/5/24855993/why_cats_are_better_than_dogs.pdf