Austin

English 11

Attempts to convince you to change the way you think or behave

The DENOTATIVE meaning of a word is the meaning given by a dictionary.

The CONNOTATIVE meaning of a word is the feeling or tone associated with it.

CONNOTATIVE: POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE CONNOTATION

People who enjoy the playful softness of young cats have positive feelings.

People who are deathly afraid of cats or who have severe allergies to them have negative feelings.

Emotion-charged words are calculated to have an effect on the reader or listener.

Be aware of how such use of language affects your feelings and behavior, so that you are not manipulated into making decisions on the basis of your emotions alone.

Consider the following list of words, all of which have approximately the same denotative meaning.

slim skinny thin slender bony gaunt

Which of these words would you consider complimentary if applied to you? Which would you be insulted by? Which, if any, are neutral?

Be aware that persuaders—people who use language to try to change your thinking or behavior—can trigger emotional reactions by using words with powerful positive connotations. Most people would like to have possessions that are elegant and luxurious.

Or politicians who are fair, honest, and sincere, who want every citizen to achieve the American Dream.

It is important to recognize when emotional appeals are being used and to know why they are being used.

Advertisers often use words and photographs to associate their products in your mind with the fulfillment of certain basic human needs.

Everyone needs food, shelter, and warmth, but here are EMOTIONAL NEEDS that are almost as important as the physical needs: the need to be loved, the need to be respected, the need to feel attractive, the need to enjoy life, and the need to be free of anxiety.

Who can resist buying a soap if the advertisement practically guarantees that someone attractive will love you if you use it?

OTHER BASIC NEEDS: TO FEEL FINANCIALLY SECURE TO FEEL SUCCESSFUL TO REMAIN YOUTHFUL-LOOKING

OTHER APPLEALS: CONCERVING ENERGY PERSERVING ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS SUPPORTING MEDICAL RESEARCH REDUCING POLUTION

Argument is any speech or essay whose aim is to sway or persuade the reader or listener.

Argument differs from expository writing in purpose: expository writing SHOWS while argumentative writing PROVES.

Argument may show up anywhere: political speeches, newspapers, advertisements, conversations, etc.

A logical appeal to the reader based on facts, details, examples, authorities, or other proof.

EXAMPLES: Although Hollywood does produce some good movies, most are ruined by excessive violence, bad language, and a predictable plot.

An emotional appeal to the reader that is likely to create interest in the reader. The reader feels emotions such as greed, love, fear, acceptance, guilt, anger, anticipation, disgust, joy, sadness, surprise, compassion, pity, empathy

EXAMPLE: When I was arrested for the third time for drug abuse, my thirteen children were left at home alone with nobody to care and provide for them.

An ethical appeal to the reader based on a shared sense of rightness and morality. The audience can believe and trust in the speaker/writer because he/she is an expert, has experience, is in the same situation, or has the good of the audience at heart.

EXAMPLE: The death penalty should be outlawed because the taking of one life does not justify the taking of life by another.

The following techniques appeal to emotional fears—fears that one might not be loved, happy, successful, or well-liked. It is important to learn to recognize these techniques and to avoid them in your own writing.

A nonspecific word or phrase with a powerful positive connotation. They usually appeal to patriotic feelings or family and group loyalties.

EX. If elected, I will work to make the American Dream a reality for every one of our citizens in America.

Says: “Everyone else” The bandwagon appeal may be disguised

by using statistics. EX. Eighty-five percent of all doctors

surveyed use this brand of aspirin for their own families.

Appeals to the tendency people have to like and trust others who are “just like” themselves.

An ad for a soft drink might show ordinary-looking people dressed in everyday clothes.

A politician wears work clothes, kisses babies, and eats ethnic food.

Appeal to be like wealthy, carefree people Opposite of the plain folks appeal EX. Jordan watches are for the privileged few. Women who wear Cabaret perfume stand out

from the crowd. Slogans like these appeal to a desire to be

superior to most people, to achieve the highest possible status.

People transfer feelings for a person to the product.

Elegantly dressed people, movie stars, and sports figures, for example, help to sell products.

Writing the Persuasive Essay Choose a topic – one that is current,

controversial, and restricted Define your views – do some research Develop a PROPOSITION

The thesis statement of a persuasive essay is always called a PROPOSITION.

IT IS WORDED AS A POSITIVE STATEMENT OF OPINION:

Smoking should be banned in public places. Paddling should be prohibited as punishment in public

schools. Women should be drafted.

If you have a negative position on an issue (Junk food should not be sold in public schools.), reword your opinion so that

it is a positive statement: The sale of junk food should be prohibited

in public schools.

Support the Proposition The proposition should be supported by

reasons that explain the writer’s opinion. You should have at least 3 reasons. Each reason should be developed with

SUPPORTING DETAILS and EVIDENCE. EVIDENCE should include:

Facts and figures Examples Personal experience Statements by authorities

Proposition (thesis)At least 3 reasons to

support the propositionAt least 3 pieces of

supporting evidence

Meanings must be clear. Vagueness has no place in a persuasive essay.

Abstract words (such as loyalty, patriotism, happiness, success, community, and responsible) are especially important to define, since they mean different things to different people.

You must get your audience on your side. Decide beforehand the level of usage that

is most appropriate for your audience. EX. In a formal persuasive writing such as

a letter to the editor of The New York Times, you would not use slang, but if you were writing for Seventeen magazine, you could use words such as guys and teens.

INTRODUCTION: First, capture your readers’ attention.

Think about how to make the readers want to read your essay. Why is the topic relevant to their lives? Use an anecdote, question, quote, etc.

Give background information Imagine that your audience knows nothing about the issue.

What information do you need to include in the introduction so that they can follow your argument?

State the proposition. Use clear wording. Avoid vague or abstract language.

A = ASSERTION - Write the TOPIC SENTENCE – one reason

B = BACK IT UP Give a quote as evidence

Introduce the quote Quotation Document the quote

C = COMMENTARY 1. = 1ST STATEMENT 2. = 2ND STATEMENT 3. = 3RD STATEMENT

LASTLY, write the concluding sentence.

The conclusion of any essay should leave the reader with a SENSE OF COMPLETENESS. Here are 3 ways:

1. If the essay is long, a summary of the argument to remind the reader of important points can be an effective conclusion.

2. A second way to end the essay is with a CALL TO ACTION. Tell readers what they can do if they agree with your viewpoint.

3. A third way is to consider possible solutions to the problem. Warning readers what will happen if they do not support your opinion can be very beneficial.

1. The topic is both CURRENT and CONTROVERSIAL.

2. The introductory paragraph contains the PROPOSITION (THESIS).

3. The opening paragraphs of the essay capture the interest of the reader and provide necessary background information.

4. The content of the essay is designed to appeal to the audience; the language is appropriate for the audience.

5. The proposition is sufficiently supported with REASONS to be convincing to the reader.

6. Each paragraph in the essay is developed with examples and details that support its topic sentence.

7. Emotional appeals are used for a positive purpose; they are not appeals to emotional fears.

8. The opposition’s main arguments are stated (and refuted).

9. The essay has a concluding paragraph.