The growing number of foreign-trained attorneys in U.S. law schools underscores the need for targeted support in mastering U.S. legal discourse. This article proposes a five-paragraph essay and oral argument exercise to strengthen their persuasive skills, often underemphasized in their home countries. The assignment, created for first-semester students in Boston University School of Law’s Two-Year LLM program, focuses on the controversy surrounding excise taxes on sweetened beverages in U.S. cities. Students must write a 1200-word essay arguing for or against a proposed sweetened beverage tax in a fictional city. The essay, which encourages a five-paragraph format, helps students develop clear, concise, and well-structured arguments. In addition to the written component, students prepare and deliver oral arguments, gaining practical experience in argument organization, delivery, and courtroom protocol. This dual focus on written and oral advocacy not only improves their persuasive skills but also increases their confidence in legal settings. The assignment’s integration of comprehensive reading, writing, and speaking exercises ensures that foreign-trained attorneys are prepared for success in U.S. legal contexts.