In many areas of the country, students in both private and public schools are required to wear school uniforms.

Suppose that the school board of your district is considering have all students wear a uniform that is to be selected by a group of PTA presidents.

Think of both the benefits and the things that you feel might be less than advantageous. Which one of those positions has the greatest positive advantages? That is usually the easiest position from which to write. However, choose whatever side suits your real feelings.

Use a planner.

Define your position. Then think of the three most important ideas that support your position. Write them down. Write down more if you would like, and then eliminate those that are less strong. Organize them by placing your strongest idea first.

Now find three facts, ideas, or feelings that support each. Be sure that they are specific. Do not make sweeping statements like, "Students will not want…." because there are obviously some that will want them or the opposite.

Do not make up facts. Stick with the truth. Write from what you know or believe to be the truth as you know it. Do not resort to name-calling as that just lessens the strength of your position.

Feel free to bring up your feelings and that of your friends. Explain why the people have those feelings. Why are they the same as or different from those of the school board?

As you are writing, think over each and every sentence. Be sure that it is strong and factual. Be sure that your paragraphs do not become a list of reasons. Vary your sentence structure. Use active voice for strength. Be sure to include transitions to provide a path for the reader from one logical paragraph to the next. Thinking at this stage of the writing really cuts down on the time and need for revision in your writing. Each sentence will fit well into the paragraph if you follow these suggestions.

In a persuasive essay, the summary ending is really important. You must refocus the reader on your position. You must do so without being repetitious and rewriting the original paragraph. Use originality and make the reader feel that your position is the logical one. Plan for that.

When you are finished, be sure that there are no errors. Check for spelling, punctuation, verb agreement, incorrect pronoun reference, and confusing tense shifts. Correct any that you find.