Prewrite for a five paragraph essay - one introduction, three body paragraphs and one conclusion paragraph. Your thesis, or claim, will be in the introduction paragraph, three supporting reasons will compose the body paragraphs and your conclusion will tie everything together.
Develop a thesis, or claim from the issue. Decide what it is you want to persuade people to do, using the prompt as your guide, and take a stand on one side of the issue. Write an introduction that catches your audience's attention and end your introduction paragraph with your thesis. This paragraph will be at least three sentences long.
Provide three strong arguments. These will make up your body paragraphs. Support each of the three arguments with logical statements, solid evidence and examples that your audience can relate to. Each paragraph should be at least five sentences long, ending with a transitional sentence.
Close the argument. Tie everything you have written up into a nice package with a strong closing paragraph. Restate your thesis, restate your three strong points and end with impact. There should be at least three sentences in your conclusion paragraph.
Use persuasive language. Be very vivid in your descriptions, concrete language, and figurative language to really emphasize what you want to impress upon your audience. Use words and phrases that your audience will understand.