What do I need to know?

Persuasive Writing

Obviously, persuasive writing is designed to persuade or convince your audience to your point of view.

It is important to remember that the goal of a persuasive paper is not to show how mad or upset you are about something. Rather, you should formulate a rational argument in which you look at evidence, state ideas clearly, consider the claims of the opposition fairly, and justify your own position.

What is persuasive writing?

The goal of a literary analysis (what we’ve been doing all year) is to analyze a selection of literature. We’ve discussed format, etc., and the persuasive format is a little different.

How does persuasive writing differ from literary analysis?

Introductory paragraph: needs to clearly identify the issue with some context and background discussion. The last sentence of the introductory paragraph should still be your thesis, but in this case your thesis statement is where you clearly state your opinion about the issue.

Body paragraphs: the body paragraphs should include evidence to support your claim. You should also consider the other side of the debate and refute it within the context of these paragraphs.

Conclusion: a strong conclusion should reiterate your main points and end with a call to action.

Persuasive format

The local school board is considering the enforcement of a standard school uniform for all students. The requirement would go into effect at the beginning of the next school year. The board has provided several months for interested persons to react to the proposal.

Writing situation: Decide how you feel about the proposed requirement and write a letter to the school board stating your opinion and reasons.

Writing situation 1- this is an example of what you might see on the writing test.

Ask yourself: What is the issue here?Whether or not students should have to wear

school uniforms.

First: Identify the issue

I think uniforms are a great idea because….I think uniforms are a terrible idea because…

Next: decide, what is my opinion?

The board of education members. Look at the writing directions to see what you should write. In this case, you will write a letter to the board of education members.

Then, identify: who is your audience?

What is my thesis statement in a persuasive paper?

It is simply the place where you firmly state your opinion.

Well, what if I can see both sides? Can I write about both the pros and cons?

NO! You must pick ONE side and argue for it. So where does the thesis statement go?At the END of the introductory paragraph.

Thesis statement: YOUR OPINION

Thesis (claim)

Example: I am going to try to convince you that chocolate is a healthy snack.

State your argument.

You want to have solid reasons and evidence. “Because I think so” is not a good reason.

It’s good to use statistics and data to support your side.

Well, what if I don’t know what the statistics are?You can make them up! As long as it seems

reasonable. So what might be some good reasons/evidence for

why students should NOT have to wear uniforms? What about reasons why they SHOULD?

Once you have decided your opinion, brainstorm reasons and evidence to support your opinion.

Once you have identified the issue, identified your audience, and completed your brainstorm with reasons and examples, you are ready to begin writing.

Writing the essay

In your introduction, re-state the writing prompt. MAKE SURE you CLEARLY state your opinion in the introduction. DON’T BE WISHY-WASHY! Pick one side.

For example…Prompt: Some students drop out of school before

earning a high school diploma. There is a proposed law that would prevent high school dropouts from driving until they are 19 years old. Should high school dropouts be denied their license until they are 19 years old? Directions for writing: write a letter to your representative arguing your position.

Introductory paragraph

Example introduction (basic):Dear Representative,

I understand that there is a proposed law that would keep drop outs from getting their license until they are 19. I realize that the law is designed to keep kids in school, but there are several reasons why I think it’s a bad idea

Example introduction (better)Dear Representative Jones,

The issue around high school dropouts is certainly an important topic which deserves much thought and conversation. In the age of technology, it is more important than ever to have a society of educated people who can man technologically-based jobs. Certainly, a high school diploma is a minimum requirement. So how can kids be kept in school? I think that in order to answer that question, one must look at the reasons students are dropping out. Many students have personal, financial, or family issues that make dropping out necessary. Therefore, to create a law that would prevent dropouts from getting their license until the age of 19 would do nothing to deter these students, rather it would prevent many of them from being able to earn a living. I believe this proposed law is off-track and doesn’t get to the root of the dropout problem.

Introductory paragraph

In your body paragraphs you want to give your reasons to support your opinion.

You should have a minimum of two body paragraphs.

If you have completed a thorough brainstorm then you will have enough ideas to adequately complete the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

It is not enough to merely give your opinion.You MUST support your reasons.You can do this by giving examples in the form of stories or

statistics.For example:

I don’t think we should have a dress code. No one likes the dress code and everyone knows what is acceptable to wear to school. (This needs major support)

I don’t think we should have a dress code. Students are responsible enough to understand what is appropriate for school. Student council conducted a recent survey and found that 95% of students are not in favor of a dress code and believe they understand what appropriate school dress is.

****You should use a variety of rhetorical strategies in your body paragraphs. Here are some…

Body paragraphs, cont.

Big Names

Example: Former U.S. president Bill Clinton thinks that junk food should be taken out of vending machines.

Important people or experts can make your argument seem more convincing.

Logos (appealing to logic)

Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.

Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing.

Pathos (appealing to emotion)

Example: Your donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a good home.

Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument.

Ethos (author’s credibility)

Example: Believe me! I’ve been there before. I’m just like you.

If people believe and trust in you, you’re more likely to persuade them.

Kairos (call to action)

Example: This is a one-time offer. You can’t get this price after today.

Try to convince your audience that this issue is so important they must act now.

Research

Example: A recent study found that students who watch TV during the week don’t do as well in school.

Using reliable research can help your argument seem convincing.

RepetitionThe repeated use of a word or phrase to

emphasize an idea or image.We will rise; we will fight; we will defeat

our enemy!

Questions with obvious answers.Ex. With all the distractions of sports,

televisions, the Internet and more, is it any wonder kids don’t find time to study?

Rhetorical questions

This is simply where you sum it up and restate your strongest ideas. Don’t do it word-for-word; just reiterate the key ideas. End with a call to action (Kairos).

Conclusion

When writing a persuasive essay, REMEMBER:

- Introductory paragraph: re-state the writing prompt. MAKE SURE you CLEARLY state your opinion in the introduction. DON’T BE WISHY-WASHY!

- Body paragraphs: State your reasons. MAKE SURE to include stories/statistics/examples. AGAIN, DON’T BE WISHY-WASHY!

- Conclusion: sum up your STRONGEST points. DON’T simply copy your introductory paragraph. MAKE SURE your conclusion is a PARAGRAPH and not just a sentence!!

What are the strengths of this essay?Weaknesses?

Let’s look at an example

Complete a brainstorm for the following prompt. Remember, the steps:1. Break down the topic-identify the

issue2. Decide your opinion on the issue3. Identify your audience4. Brainstorm reasons/supporting

evidence (must have at least three strong reasons/evidence). Also, include in your brainstorm the other side of the argument—and refute it.

5. Write the introductory paragraph. Make sure your thesis statement is clear and is the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.

Practice

In recent years, pit bulls have injured or killed children and adults in the United States. A citizen action committee is launching a campaign to require all pit bulls to be registered by the county as dangerous animals. The county would also have the power to “put to sleep” any pit bull which bit a human. Would you support this law? Why or why not?Directions for writing: Write a letter to the citizen action committee in support or opposition of the proposed law. Try and convince the readers to support your point of view through reasoned argument.

Practice prompt