Created by Cindy Farnum

Students use persuasive writing to argue logically with reasons, to present another viewpoint, to sway opinions, and to convince someone to their way of thinking. It is crucial that students have a clear sense of audience and

that they adapt the writing and reasoning they use to their audience. Forms of persuasive writing include essays,

letters, letters to the editor, advertisements, and commercials. Created by Cindy FarnumCreated by Cindy Farnum

1. Based on reason. Use facts, strong possibilities, cause and effect conclusions. (for example: healthy living would be supported by medical research)

2. Appeal to character. Make your audience trust you and your facts.

3. Appeal to emotions. Appeal to your audience’s concern for the well-being and rights of others.

Created by Cindy Farnum

4. Repetition. The more your audience hears the argument, the better the chance they will remember it.

5.Tell stories. Make your topic interesting.

6. Address the counter-argument. Make sure your audience knows that you understand both sides.

7. State the benefits of your argument. Teach your audience about how they will benefit or gain from siding with you.

Created by Cindy Farnum

8. Be clear, simple and direct. Don’t confuse your topic trying to use intimidating vocabulary.

9. Order your argument most effectively. Do you want to use your best argument first? Or last? Think about the amount of material you’re sharing.

10. Give lots of evidence. Share details that will support your argument.

11. Make your audience feel privileged to receive your information.

Created by Cindy Farnum

Propaganda . . . .• Suggests something shady or underhanded•Uses techniques to distort, conceal, exaggerate the facts, or confuse the audience.• Uses deceptive languagePersuasion . . . .• Tells the truth• Uses legitimate facts• Reasoned or logical appealBoth . . . .• The purpose of both is to influenceThe difference is . . . .• ethics/ values

Buy my product and live forever!

Buy our genuine imitation leather products! Guaranteed!

Created by Cindy Farnum

Persuasive/Propaganda Techniques in Advertising

• Loaded Words: Using words that appeal to the emotions, rather than facts. The sporty new design of our car will make you feel like a teenager again.

• Plain Folks Approach: Using words that appeal to common people instead of the rich or privileged. As a homemaker like you, I want a product like Easy Glow that makes my floors shine.

• Testimonial: Using a famous person to endorse a product. Michael Jordan uses it … so should you!

• Bandwagon: Trying to persuade someone to join the group. Don’t be the last person in your neighborhood to get a Lawn Happy Mower.

• Opinions as Facts: Using the personal opinion of the speaker or writer as fact. Vita Vitamins is the best brand on the market.

• Unsupported Generalities: Making bold claims and empty promises without supporting them with facts. We are the best at what we do!

Created by Cindy Farnum

Created by Cindy Farnum

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