EN8 Q2W6D4: Writing an Outline for a Persuasive Text

Day 4: Writing a Persuasive Essay Using C-E-R

English 8 • Quarter 2 • Lesson 6 • Theme: Pastel Blue with doodles

🎯 Learning Goals

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Outline a persuasive essay using the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C-E-R) framework with at least 80% accuracy.
• Draft a persuasive essay of at least three paragraphs on a given issue, ensuring each paragraph includes a clear claim, evidence, and reasoning.
• Evaluate and revise their persuasive essays based on a checklist of clarity, logical flow, and strength of evidence.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms

• Persuasive Essay – a type of writing that aims to convince the reader to accept a point of view or take action.
• Introduction – the opening paragraph that presents the topic and thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs (C-E-R) – the main section where each paragraph includes a Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning.
• Conclusion – the final paragraph that restates the thesis and summarizes main points, leaving a strong impact.

🔄 Prior Knowledge Activity (Day 4)

Task: Recall what you learned in Day 3 about the C-E-R framework. Answer these in your notebook:

1. What is a Claim? Give one example.
2. Why is Evidence important in supporting a claim?
3. How does Reasoning connect evidence to a claim?

Show Answer

- Claim: A debatable statement. Example: “Teenagers should limit social media use.”

- Evidence: Provides facts or data that support the claim. Example: “Studies show heavy social media use reduces sleep and increases anxiety.”

- Reasoning: Explains why the evidence supports the claim. Example: “With less social media, students can rest better and focus on schoolwork.”

📖 Explore the Lesson – Day 4: Writing a Persuasive Essay Using C-E-R

🧭 0) What you will produce today

You will draft a 3 to 5 paragraph persuasive essay that uses the C-E-R structure inside each body paragraph:

• Claim - the point of the paragraph that supports your thesis
• Evidence - facts, data, examples, or quotes that prove the claim
• Reasoning - the 1 to 3 sentences that explain how the evidence proves the claim

You will also write a clear introduction with a thesis and a strong conclusion that leaves impact.

🎯 1) Understand the task: what is a persuasive essay

A persuasive essay convinces a reader to accept a position or take action.
It is built around a thesis statement and supported by body paragraphs that follow C-E-R.
It ends with a conclusion that synthesizes ideas and calls the reader to think or act.

Quick check: If someone could reasonably disagree with your main idea, you have a persuasive topic.

🔍 2) Choose a focused topic and audience

Pick a school or community issue that matters to you. Then decide who you are writing to.

Examples of focused topics:

• Ban single-use plastics in school canteens
• Keep online learning as a backup option for emergencies
• Add more trees around campuses to improve air quality

Audience examples: classmates, school head, barangay council, parents

Tip for slow learners: Write your topic and audience on a sticky note and keep it on your notebook page while drafting.

🧱 3) From topic to thesis using the Claim + Reasons formula

1. Topic - School canteen choices
2. Position - Schools should offer healthier lunch options
3. Reasons - better focus, improved health, fewer absences
4. Thesis - Schools should offer healthier lunch options because they improve focus, protect student health, and reduce absences.

Test your thesis:
- Debatable? yes
- Specific? yes
- Focused? yes

🗺️ 4) Plan your essay structure

Minimum structure

• Introduction - hook, brief context, thesis
• Body 1 - C-E-R supporting reason A
• Body 2 - C-E-R supporting reason B
• Body 3 (optional) - C-E-R supporting reason C or a counterargument + rebuttal
• Conclusion - synthesize, echo hook, call to think or act

Graphic organizer (draw this):
[Hook] → [Background] → [Thesis]
Body P1: Claim | Evidence | Reasoning
Body P2: Claim | Evidence | Reasoning
Body P3: Claim | Evidence | Reasoning or Counter-Rebuttal
[Conclusion: Restated thesis + Synthesis + Call to action]

✍️ 5) Write an effective introduction

Hook options:

• Surprising fact - “Metro Manila traffic costs billions of pesos daily.”
• Vivid scenario - “Imagine studying with traffic noise outside and no trees to soften the heat.”
• Rhetorical question - “Should learning stop during typhoons?”
• Short relevant quote - from a credible source

Bridge: 1 to 2 sentences that link the hook to your thesis.
Thesis: one clear, debatable sentence with main reasons.

Model intro (topic: online learning as backup):
During storms and sudden closures, many students lose class time. Some schools used online platforms to keep lessons going. Schools should keep online learning as a backup because it protects learning during emergencies, supports absent students, and builds digital skills.

🧩 6) Build body paragraphs with C-E-R

Template:

• Claim - first sentence states the point of this paragraph
• Evidence - 1 to 2 sentences with data, examples, or quotations and source
• Reasoning - 1 to 3 sentences that connect evidence to the claim using signal words like therefore, because, this shows that, as a result

Sentence frames for support:
- Claim - One reason is that __________.
- Evidence - According to __________, __________.
- Reasoning - Because __________, this shows that __________, therefore __________.

🧪 7) Sample C-E-R paragraphs you can imitate

Body 1 - Claim: Keeping online learning as a backup protects learning during emergencies.
Evidence: During closures, schools that used online platforms continued lessons and assessments.
Reasoning: Because students could access materials remotely, class momentum continued, so fewer topics were missed.

Body 2 - Claim: Online options support students who are absent.
Evidence: Recording or posting materials lets absent learners review lessons.
Reasoning: With access to missed content, students can catch up faster, which prevents learning gaps.

Body 3 - Claim: Digital learning builds essential skills.
Evidence: International agencies highlight digital literacy as a key competency for modern learners.
Reasoning: When students practice researching, fact-checking, and communicating online, they develop skills needed for future study and work.

🛡️ 8) Add a counterargument and a respectful rebuttal

Counterargument: Some say online learning reduces interaction.
Rebuttal: When teachers include short discussions, polls, and group tasks, interaction remains strong.
Why include this: It shows you understand other views and can respond with logic.

Frame:
- Some people argue that __________. However, __________ because __________, therefore __________.

🔗 9) Use transitions for cohesion

• Start a claim: first, one reason, another key point
• Add evidence: according to, for example, research shows, in a report by
• Reasoning signals: because, this shows that, therefore, as a result, which means
• Counter and rebuttal: while some believe, on the other hand, however, nevertheless
• Conclusion moves: in summary, overall, ultimately, for these reasons

🧭 10) Write a clear conclusion

Your conclusion should:

1. Restate the thesis in new words
2. Synthesize your reasons
3. Leave impact - a call to think or act

Model conclusion (online learning as backup):
Overall, keeping online learning as a backup protects learning, supports absentees, and strengthens digital skills. When schools maintain a simple plan for remote lessons, students keep pace even during disruptions. Schools should keep a ready online option so learning continues in any situation.

🧰 11) Style, tone, and common fallacies to avoid

• Keep tone respectful and formal but clear.
• Avoid fallacies that weaken reasoning:
  • Hasty generalization - drawing a big conclusion from one example
  • Ad hominem - attacking a person instead of the idea
  • False cause - saying one thing caused another without proof
  • Either or - pretending only two choices exist

📎 12) How to integrate sources simply

• Prefer credible sources - education departments, universities, recognized research groups.
• Paraphrase in your own words and name the source in the sentence.
• Keep quotations short and relevant.
• Example: According to a 2018 transport study, heavy traffic costs the economy billions of pesos daily.

🧱 13) Full annotated mini-essay model

Prompt: Should the school keep online learning as a backup option?

Introduction
Hook - “When typhoons cancel classes, many lessons are lost.”
Bridge - “Some schools used online platforms to keep learning going.”
Thesis - Schools should keep online learning as a backup because it protects learning during emergencies, supports absent students, and builds digital skills.

Body 1
Claim - Online learning protects learning during emergencies.
Evidence - During closures, schools that used online platforms continued lessons and assessments.
Reasoning - Because students could access materials remotely, class momentum continued, so fewer topics were missed.

Body 2
Claim - Online options support students who are absent.
Evidence - Posting materials allows absent learners to review content and submit tasks.
Reasoning - Access to missed work helps students catch up quickly, which prevents learning gaps and stress.

Body 3
Claim - Digital learning builds essential skills.
Evidence - Education groups identify digital literacy as a key competency for modern learners.
Reasoning - When students practice researching and communicating online, they develop skills needed for future study and work.

Counterargument and rebuttal
Some say online learning reduces real interaction. However, when teachers include short discussions and group tasks, interaction remains strong, so learning goals are still achieved.

Conclusion
In summary, keeping an online backup protects learning, supports absentees, and strengthens digital skills. For these reasons, the school should maintain a simple plan for remote lessons so education continues in any situation.

🧪 14) Build your own essay now - step checklist

1. Choose your topic and audience.
2. Draft a thesis with the Claim + Reasons formula.
3. Outline 2 to 3 body paragraphs with C-E-R each.
4. Add a counterargument and rebuttal in one body paragraph or before the conclusion.
5. Write the introduction - hook, bridge, thesis.
6. Draft the body paragraphs using your outline.
7. Write the conclusion - restate, synthesize, impact.
8. Revise using the checklist below.

✅ 15) Revision checklist before submitting

• Thesis is one sentence, debatable, specific, focused.
• Each body paragraph starts with a clear claim.
• Evidence is accurate, credible, and relevant to the claim.
• Reasoning clearly explains how the evidence proves the claim.
• Transitions guide the reader smoothly.
• Counterargument and rebuttal are respectful and logical.
• Conclusion synthesizes ideas and leaves impact.
• Spelling and grammar checked.

🧩 16) Instructional supports for students needing extra time

• Use color coding - highlight Claim in blue, Evidence in green, Reasoning in yellow.
• Use frames - “One reason is that __________. According to __________, __________. Because __________, this shows that __________.”
• Start with one strong body paragraph. Then add the second.
• Practice with short C-E-R cards before writing full paragraphs.
• Pair with a classmate to read aloud and spot unclear reasoning.

📚 References

• Purdue OWL. 2024. Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements.
• Purdue OWL. 2024. Establishing Arguments.
• Regents of the University of Minnesota Writing Center. 2024. Argument.
• Urban, J. and Boyd, N. 2023. Claim, Evidence and Reasoning Writing Strategy. Study.com.
• Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center. 2015. Stemming the Tide.
• National Center for Education Statistics. 2019. Student Reports of Bullying.
• Japan International Cooperation Agency. 2018. Transport study on Metro Manila traffic costs.
• UNESCO. 2021. Media and Information Literacy guidance.

💡 Example in Action – Day 4: Writing Persuasive Essays

📝 Example 1: School Uniforms

Claim: Schools should require uniforms.

Evidence: A 2019 study by the Department of Education found that uniforms reduce peer pressure and promote equality among students.

Reasoning: Because students wear the same clothing, there is less pressure to compete in fashion, which allows them to focus more on academics.

Mini-Task 1:
Topic: Homework load – Write a claim, one evidence, and one reasoning.

Show Answer

Claim: Teachers should reduce homework load.

Evidence: Stanford University (2014) reported that excessive homework causes stress and poor sleep.

Reasoning: Because stress and lack of sleep harm students’ health, reducing homework improves learning.

📝 Example 2: Ban on Plastics in Schools

Claim: Schools should ban single-use plastics in canteens.

Evidence: Ocean Conservancy (2015) reported that the Philippines is one of the top contributors of ocean plastic waste.

Reasoning: By banning single-use plastics, schools reduce waste, protect the environment, and encourage responsible behavior.

Mini-Task 2:
Topic: Canteen food – Write a claim, one evidence, and one reasoning.

Show Answer

Claim: Schools should provide healthier food in canteens.

Evidence: Research shows that students with balanced meals perform better academically.

Reasoning: Because healthier meals improve focus and health, students learn more effectively.

📝 Example 3: Digital Literacy Programs

Claim: Schools should include digital literacy programs.

Evidence: UNESCO (2021) emphasized that digital literacy reduces misinformation and promotes critical thinking.

Reasoning: Because students who know how to verify information are less likely to share false content, digital literacy makes them responsible citizens.

Mini-Task 3:
Topic: Social media – Write a claim, one evidence, and one reasoning.

Show Answer

Claim: Teenagers should limit social media use.

Evidence: Studies show heavy social media use reduces sleep and increases anxiety.

Reasoning: Because sleep and mental health are essential, reducing social media supports student well-being.

📝 Example 4: More Trees in Schools

Claim: Schools should plant more trees around campuses.

Evidence: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and lower temperatures, creating a healthier environment (JICA 2018 study).

Reasoning: Planting trees improves air quality, reduces heat, and creates a better learning atmosphere.

Mini-Task 4:
Topic: School sports – Write a claim, one evidence, and one reasoning.

Show Answer

Claim: Every student should join at least one sports activity.

Evidence: Research shows that sports improve teamwork and physical health.

Reasoning: Because sports build discipline and health, they prepare students for both study and life.

📝 Example 5: Online Learning as Backup

Claim: Schools should keep online learning as a backup option.

Evidence: During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools that used online platforms ensured continuity of education.

Reasoning: Because online learning allows flexible access to lessons during disruptions, it ensures learning never stops.

Mini-Task 5:
Topic: Bullying prevention – Write a claim, one evidence, and one reasoning.

Show Answer

Claim: Schools should strengthen anti-bullying programs.

Evidence: NCES (2019) reported that 1 in 5 students are bullied.

Reasoning: Because bullying harms safety and learning, stronger programs protect students and improve school environments.

📝 Try It Out – Day 4: Writing Persuasive Essays Using C-E-R

Directions: For each topic, write one Claim, one Evidence, and one Reasoning.

1. Topic: Junk food in schools
   Show Answer

   Claim: Schools should ban junk food in canteens.

   Evidence: Research links junk food consumption to obesity in teenagers.

   Reasoning: Because junk food harms health, banning it protects students.

2. Topic: Recycling programs
   Show Answer

   Claim: Schools should have recycling bins in every classroom.

   Evidence: Recycling reduces school waste by up to 40% (EPA, 2020).

   Reasoning: Because recycling keeps schools clean, it promotes responsibility among students.

3. Topic: Daily reading
   Show Answer

   Claim: Students should read daily.

   Evidence: Reading improves vocabulary and memory.

   Reasoning: Because stronger vocabulary helps in speaking and writing, students do better in academics.

4. Topic: Tree planting
   Show Answer

   Claim: Schools should organize tree planting activities.

   Evidence: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and reduce pollution.

   Reasoning: Because clean air improves health, tree planting benefits students and communities.

5. Topic: Sports participation
   Show Answer

   Claim: Students should join sports activities.

   Evidence: Sports improve teamwork and fitness.

   Reasoning: Because teamwork builds cooperation, students develop life skills.

6. Topic: Social media use
   Show Answer

   Claim: Teenagers should limit social media use.

   Evidence: Studies show excessive use causes anxiety and loss of sleep.

   Reasoning: Because mental health is vital, reducing social media supports well-being.

7. Topic: Free Wi-Fi in schools
   Show Answer

   Claim: Schools should provide free Wi-Fi for students.

   Evidence: Many students lack internet access at home, limiting their learning.

   Reasoning: Because equal access to internet means equal opportunity to learn, free Wi-Fi supports fairness.

8. Topic: School uniforms
   Show Answer

   Claim: Students should wear uniforms.

   Evidence: Research shows uniforms reduce peer pressure and bullying.

   Reasoning: Because uniforms create equality, students focus more on studies.

9. Topic: Online learning
   Show Answer

   Claim: Schools should keep online learning as an option.

   Evidence: During the pandemic, online classes allowed education to continue.

   Reasoning: Because emergencies can happen anytime, online learning ensures continuity.

10. Topic: Anti-bullying rules
    Show Answer

    Claim: Schools should have stricter anti-bullying rules.

    Evidence: NCES (2019) found that 1 in 5 students experience bullying.

    Reasoning: Because bullying harms safety and learning, stricter rules protect students.

✅ Check Yourself – Day 4: Writing a Persuasive Essay Using C-E-R

Directions: Answer the following items.

Multiple Choice (1–5)

1. Which of the following is the BEST definition of a persuasive essay?
   a) A story written to entertain readers
   b) A text that informs without expressing opinion
   c) A text that explains a process step-by-step
   d) A text written to convince readers to accept a point of view
   Show Answer

   d) A text written to convince readers to accept a point of view

2. What part of a persuasive essay contains the thesis statement?
   a) Introduction
   b) Body
   c) Conclusion
   d) References
   Show Answer

   a) Introduction

3. Which of the following shows a correct C-E-R body paragraph structure?
   a) Claim → Conclusion → Evidence
   b) Evidence → Claim → Reasoning
   c) Claim → Evidence → Reasoning
   d) Thesis → Hook → Claim
   Show Answer

   c) Claim → Evidence → Reasoning

4. Which transition is MOST suitable for showing reasoning?
   a) For example
   b) According to
   c) Therefore
   d) First
   Show Answer

   c) Therefore

5. Which is the BEST example of a thesis statement?
   a) “Students like sports.”
   b) “Fast food is bad.”
   c) “Schools should ban junk food because it harms health and reduces focus.”
   d) “Education is important.”
   Show Answer

   c) “Schools should ban junk food because it harms health and reduces focus.”

True or False (6–10)

6. The conclusion of a persuasive essay should only repeat the thesis.
   Show Answer

   False – it should restate the thesis, summarize, and leave impact.

7. A counterargument shows the opposite viewpoint of your claim.
   Show Answer

   True

8. Reasoning explains WHY the evidence supports the claim.
   Show Answer

   True

9. In persuasive essays, using only personal opinion without evidence is enough.
   Show Answer

   False – strong evidence is always needed.

10. A thesis statement should be specific, debatable, and focused.
    Show Answer

    True

Short Answer (11–15)

11. Write one hook you could use to begin a persuasive essay about banning plastic in schools.
    Show Answer

    Example: “Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean, harming marine life.”

12. Give one reason why a counterargument is important in a persuasive essay.
    Show Answer

    It shows that the writer considered other views and makes the essay more convincing.

13. Identify the claim in this sentence:
    “Schools should provide free Wi-Fi because it ensures equal access to learning.”
    Show Answer

    Claim: Schools should provide free Wi-Fi.

14. Provide one piece of evidence to support this claim:
    “Students should exercise daily.”
    Show Answer

    Evidence: WHO (2020) recommends 60 minutes of daily exercise to reduce health risks.

15. Write a complete C-E-R paragraph on this topic: Bullying prevention in schools.
    Show Answer

    Claim: Schools should strengthen anti-bullying rules.
    Evidence: NCES (2019) reported that 1 in 5 students are bullied.
    Reasoning: Because bullying harms safety and learning, stricter rules protect students and create a positive school environment.

🚀 Go Further – Day 4: Writing a Persuasive Essay Using C-E-R

Directions: Choose the activity as assigned by your teacher.

Activity 1: Hook Challenge

Your teacher will give you 3 topics. Write one hook for each using different styles (question, fact, or vivid scenario).

Show Answer

Example (Topic: Junk food in schools):

• Question: “Should schools serve food that harms students’ health?”
• Fact: “Teenagers who eat junk food daily are more likely to be overweight.”
• Scenario: “Imagine walking into a canteen and only seeing chips and soda on the menu.”

Activity 2: Outline Builder

Create an outline for a persuasive essay on the topic: School uniforms. Include:

• Hook, thesis
• 2 body paragraph claims
• One counterargument with rebuttal
• Conclusion idea

Show Answer

- Hook: “Every day, students compete not just in academics but in fashion.”
- Thesis: Schools should require uniforms to promote equality and reduce distractions.
- Body 1 Claim: Uniforms reduce peer pressure.
- Body 2 Claim: Uniforms increase focus on academics.
- Counterargument: Some say uniforms limit self-expression.
- Rebuttal: Students can still express themselves in activities and behavior.
- Conclusion: Equality and focus are more important than clothing choice.

Activity 3: Strengthen the Weak

Your teacher will give you 2 weak thesis statements. Revise them to make them stronger, specific, and debatable.

Show Answer

Weak: “Exercise is good.”
Revised: “Teenagers should exercise daily because it reduces stress, improves health, and builds discipline.”

Weak: “Education is important.”
Revised: “Governments should increase funding for education because it reduces poverty, develops skilled workers, and supports national growth.”

Activity 4: Peer Review Partner

Exchange your draft with a partner. Use this checklist:

• Is the thesis clear and debatable?
• Does each body paragraph follow C-E-R?
• Is the evidence credible and relevant?
• Is reasoning explained well?
• Is there a conclusion that leaves impact?

Show Answer

Students should mark YES/NO for each question and give 1 suggestion for improvement.

Activity 5: Write Your Own Mini-Essay

Write a 3-paragraph persuasive essay on one of these topics:

• Reduce plastic waste in schools
• Add more sports programs
• Ban junk food in canteens
• Promote tree planting in communities
• Strengthen anti-bullying policies

Show Answer

Sample outline (Topic: Ban junk food):
- Intro: Hook (fact about obesity), Thesis (ban junk food in canteens).
- Body 1: Claim – Junk food harms health. Evidence – Studies link junk food to obesity. Reasoning – Healthy students perform better in school.
- Body 2: Claim – Junk food distracts from focus. Evidence – Poor nutrition reduces energy. Reasoning – Without focus, students cannot learn well.
- Conclusion: Schools should ban junk food to protect health and learning.

🔗 My Reflection – Day 4: Writing a Persuasive Essay Using C-E-R

3–5 Sentences Reflection

Instruction: Write 3–5 sentences in your notebook. Reflect on what you learned today.

Prompt:
“Today, I practiced writing a persuasive essay using the C-E-R framework. I learned that ___________________. I realized that ___________________. I now understand that ___________________.”

Checklist Reflection

Instruction: Check the boxes in your notebook to reflect on your learning.

• [ ] I can write a clear and focused thesis statement.
• [ ] I can organize body paragraphs using Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning.
• [ ] I can include a counterargument and rebuttal in my essay.
• [ ] I can use transitions to guide readers smoothly.
• [ ] I can write a strong conclusion that summarizes and leaves impact.