THE PERSUASIVE ESSAY

1. INTRODUCTION PRE-WRITING PROCESS THE PERSUASIVEESSAY LANGUAGE PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES WHAT EVERY STUDENTS NEEDS TO KNOW BEFORE & During WRITING SAMPLE ESSAYS

2. What is a Persuasive Essay?

3. Persuasive Techniques are Everywhere! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaGJNxCxB-s&feature=related

4. What is the objective or goal of persuasive writing? • tostate the writer’s opinion • togivereasons why the reader should agree • toconvince the reader to take action Copying permitted

5. Reasons to Know How to Write a Persuasive Essay… • Every good speech, discussion or essay needs strong closure to force the reader or listener to think carefully about what you have just said or written. • Emphasizes critical thinking and analysis skills • Relativity: Writing to a newspaper on a local/national issue that concerns you • Or to sway a institution/company’s decision • Provides practice for college admissions/cover letter writing • Required to demonstrate this skill on the Standardized Testing Home Page

6. Bringing Life to Persuasive Writing Who CARES? That’s SO TRUE!

7. How to Begin: .

8. Read the prompt carefully before you begin. • Writing Situation: Many eighteen year olds who are old enough to vote, choose not to register, not participating in elections. Do you think it is important to register and exercise your right to vote? Consider the reasons one would want to register and participate in elections. • Write an essay in support of or against voting. • OR Writing Situation: For your annual seventh grade field trip, your principal has decided to allow the students to help decide where the trip will take place. The person who provides the best argument will get to decide where the students go. • Write a letter to your principal explaining where you want to go and why it is the best place.

9. Persuasive Essay: Ways to Brainstorm

10. FIRST ASK YOURSELF: • How will this situation/controversy affect me? • How will it affect my family? • How will it affect my school/peers? • How will it affect my community? • How will it affect our society? • How will it affect us physically, emotionally, financially, and socially?

11. T-Chart • Pick your position: which side of the problem/issue are you on? SUPPORT AGAINST • Phillies • Blackberry • Giants • Yankees • iPhone • Jets

12. Step 2: Take a stand OR choose what you will be persuading your audience about. • Think about the stand that will provide the three strongest reasons for argument. • Think about the idea that could help create the best AND most creative argument.

13. PERSUASIVE ESSAYNext Step • After Brainstorming it is important we clearly identify and understand who our audience is for this particular topic.

14. What am I doing? Identify in the “WRITING TASK” If you’re writing a letter and to whom. • “Write a letter to the newspaper” = Dear Editor, • “Write a letter to board members” = Dear Board of Education Members, • “Write a letter to your principal” = Dear Principal, • “Write a letter to the mayor” = Dear Mayor, • “Write an essay” = You do not need an opening salutation Home Page

15. INTRODUCTION REMEMBER: You must connect your HOOK to the writing situation. They can’t remain separate. There must be a sentence linking the two thoughts together. • Hook • Startling Statistic/Fact • Interesting Quote • Strong/Interesting statement • Example (explain in detail) or “Imagine If….” • Relate to everyday life • A thought provoking or rhetorical question • Anecdote (very brief, sometimes funny story relating to your topic.) •  State the Situation • What is the problem/situation? (You can pull from the prompt) • State your opinion with your 3 reasons • “I firmly believe….” = THESIS STATEMENT

16. First Body Paragraph ALWAYS NEED A TRANSITION WORD/PHRASE: State one reason why you agree or disagree can appeal to the audience’s logic, emotions, or morals Explain 3 supporting details to support/prove your reason: Supporting detail Supporting detail Supporting detail Include specific examples and allusions. BONUS POINTS!

17. Second Body Paragraph ALWAYS NEED A TRANSITION WORD/PHRASE: State one reason why you agree or disagree can appeal to the audience’s logic, emotions, or morals Explain 3 supporting details to support/prove your reason: Supporting detail Supporting detail Supporting detail Include specific examples and allusions. BONUS POINTS!

18. Third Body Paragraph ALWAYS NEED A TRANSITION WORD/PHRASE: State one reason why you agree or disagree can appeal to the audience’s logic, emotions, or morals Explain 3 supporting details to support/prove your reason: Supporting detail Supporting detail Supporting detail This is where you can acknowledge the opposition. Prove the other side is wrong. Choose one argument from the other side and prove it is wrong. Include specific, real-life examples and allusions. BONUS POINTS!

19. CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH Transition Phrase: “As one can see…..” 1. Restate your opinion and three reasons. • State a possible alternative {another option}. (Not in every essay) 2. Include a sentence or a question to bring closure. • Thought-provoking statement or question

20. Final Thoughts… Wrap up your final thoughts, and restate your opinions in the last paragraph on the essay. Home Page

21. PERSUASIVE WORDS A – ZPersuasive words motivate readers. Imagine the impact of persuasive words in your writing. Here are a few sparks for igniting the power of your persuasive essay.

22. PERSUASIVE WORDS A – ZPersuasive words motivate readers. Imagine the impact of persuasive words in your writing. Here are a few sparks for igniting the power of your persuasive essay.

23. TRANSITION WORDS

24. TRANSITION WORDS

25. Concluding Transitions CHEETTA • Clearly • Hence • Evidently • Ergo(a continuing thought) • Thus • Therefore • As one can see

26. NO SECOND PERSON PRONOUNS! “YOU” “YOUR “YOURS” SHOULD NOT BE USED IN FORMAL WRITING! “You” is sometimes acceptable in the introduction paragraph for your HOOK only, but nowhere else. It is considered informal. We should NOT write how we speak, put your tuxedo and best dress on when you write! Use “we, us, our, ours” or “one” or “students”

27. Having a Strong VOICE in your Writing • You feel a strong connection to the writer’s… • Emotion • Energy • Conviction • Integrity • …you feel SOMETHING!

28. Voice is… • Person behind the words • Reader Writer • Involvement • Awareness of audience • Individualistic • Expressive

29. Who’s Voice is This? 8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing! 9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing! 9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing! 10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing! 12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing! 1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing! 3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing! 5:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing! 7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing! 8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing! 11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

30. Who’s Voice is This? Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight.

31. Who’s Voice is This? I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage… Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow – but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously an idiot. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now… Home Page

32. SAMPLE ESSAYS • Be certain to: • Read each paragraph carefully more than once to see what makes this sample essay a good one. • Review actual graded NJ ASK persuasive essays on the class website. • Note the scores and understand WHY they received them. • Note the strengths AND the weaknesses!!

33. Summer: 15 Days or 2 1/2 Months?Student Example – INTRODUCTION paragraph The final bell rings. It’s the last day of school, and summer has finally come! Students don’t have to think about school for at least another 2 1/2 months. That is the way it should always be. Schools should continue using the traditional calendar and not a year-round schedule(position). There are numerous downsides to year-round schooling. It has no positive effects on education (1), it adds to costs (2), and it disrupts the long-awaited summer vacation (3). Student’s Opinion Student’s 3 reasons OPINION + 3 REASONS = THESIS STATEMENT

34. Paragraph 2 – Reason 1 =Student Example Reason 1 Supporting Detail 1 Contrary to the well-accepted belief, year-round schooling has no constructive impact on education. (1) Most year-round schedules use the 45-15 method: 45 days of school followed by 15 days off. Because of this, there are many first and last days of school. All those transitions disrupt the learning process. Also, (2) there is no evidence of higher test scores. Due to that, many schools that change to year-round schedules end up switching back. For example, (3) since 1980, 95 percent of schools that tried the year-round schedule changed back to a traditional calendar. It is obvious that changing to year-round schooling does not help students; therefore, why is the change necessary? Supporting Detail 2 Supporting Detail 3 Get the reader thinking with a thought-provoking question.

35. Paragraph 3 – Reason 2 - Student Example Reason 2 Like any other facility, keeping a school open requires a great deal of money. When a school changes to a year-round schedule, the costs skyrocket. (1) Keeping school open in the middle of summer requires air conditioning, and that adds significantly to the school’s expenses. The usual utility bills grow because of the additional open-school time. Finally, (2) teachers must be paid for all the weeks they are working. With all these factors, the cost of keeping schools open becomes immensely high. For example,(3) a high school in Arizona had a cost increase of $157,000 when they switched to year-round schooling. Some schools may not be able to handle such increases, and other schools that can handle these expenses could be doing better things with the money. Is year-round school really where the money should go? Supporting Detail 1 Supporting Detail 2 Supporting Detail 3

36. Paragraph 4 – Reason 3 - Student Example Reason 3 An important part of a child’s life is summertime. With year-round schedules, students would hardly have any time to relax. (1) During the 15-day breaks, they would be thinking about their quick return to school. (2) It would also be difficult to coordinate family vacations with parents’ work schedules. (3) Similarly, children would not be able to go to most summer camps. (4) One expert, Dr. Peter Scales, says, “The biggest plus of camp is that camps help young people discover and explore their talents, interests, and values. Most schools don’t satisfy all these needs. Kids who have these kinds of [camp] experiences end up being healthier and have fewer problems.” Obviously, the summer is crucial to a child’s learning and development. Why should this invaluable part of a young person’s life be taken away? Supporting Detail 1 & 2 Supporting Detail 3 & 4 Get the reader thinking with a thought-provoking question.

37. Counterargument – Could be part of your 3rd Body Paragraph (4th paragraph of your essay)Student Example Reason 1 But does this really make sense to everyone? (1) Teachers and other education professionals spend a lot of time at the beginning of the school year reviewing material from the previous year. These days and weeks of “review” could be used more effectively if the lessons continued to move forward , not backward. Also, By having their children in school with short breaks in between sessions, parents would not have to pay for additional, expensive childcare. Even if (2) there are no classes taking place during summer hours, the building is still being used, therefore utility costs remain consistent throughout the year. (3)And finally, there has been a significant increase in families staying home during the summer months due to the downturn in the economy. Because of this, travel and vacations have become practically nonexistent for families with school age children. According to AAA, last year alone, there was a 53% decrease in air travel. Reason 2 Reason 3

38. Paragraph 5 – Conclusion - Student Example Concluding transition phrase As one can see, it is evident that year-round schooling is not the best option for the school calendar. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the traditional school year. Why change something that works so well? The final bell rings. Let’s make sure this bell means that the “real” summer vacation has come. Home Page

39. PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES & TOOLS

40. In an episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Marie writes a persuasive letter to the FBI interviewer whom is interviewing Robert (her son)… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cThuaPUD_Q&feature=PlayList&p=16B069ABF7F24A36&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=15 What is the issue that Marie is arguing to the FBI boss? What reasons/examples does she use in her letter to persuade the boss?

41. Real-Life Examples & Allusions in Body Paragraphs • Allusion – Reference to something outside the text. • Including allusions in our writing can also enhance our essays. • Historical figures • A time period in history • Current event in the media • Literary character • Movie • Book • Poem • Song • Quote by another author

42. Real-Life Examples & Allusions in Body Paragraphs • It is also important that we try to include “real-life” examples in our body paragraphs. Including real-life examples will enhance your writing. • SAMPLE: • Topic: Athlete's are overpaid. • Real life example in body paragraph: • I remember my thirteenth birthday party like it was yesterday. It was a wonderful day until my father informed me that he could not afford to purchase the tickets to the Giant’s game I wanted so badly to attend. At first I became angry, but then I realized that the tickets were over $200 each for average seats. I then realized I could enjoy the game more with my family at home and big bowl of popcorn.

43. Get to Know Your Enemy! Explain and refute the opposite view within your essay… These newscasters argue that cell phones SHOULDN’T be allowed in schools. One newscaster tries to refute or negate their argument, but she doesn’t do a great job. What other argument could you use to “negate the opposition” (prove the other side wrong). How would you refute or negate the two newscasters’ opinion that cell phones shouldn’t be permitted in schools? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTKZ6jovfso

44. Types of Arguments • Logos (logic) means an argument based on reason. • Pathos (passion or emotions) is the use of emotional arguments to get the audience to accept one’s viewpoint. It is intended that the message inspire followers. • Ethos (ethics or morals)is a moral or ethical argument that appeals to the reader’s morals or values; what the reader believes is morally or ethically right. Aristotle called it the “moral rightness” of an argument.

45. Rhetoric = The Art of Persuasion The history of rhetoric and the concepts of ethos, pathos and logos began in Greece.

46. Who was Aristotle? Aristotle was a famous Greek philosopher who studied the art of persuasion. Plato, another famous Greek philosopher, was his teacher. Aristotle taught Alexander the Great how to properly argue and perform a public speech.

47. In approximately 300 B.C.E. Aristotle, who was a famous Greek philosopher, wrote a book entitled, “The Art of Rhetoric.” In his book, Aristotle identified the three methods of persuasion. He called them ethos, pathos and logos. Ethos, Logos and Pathos

48. Ethos = a MORAL argument • The word "ethos" came from the Greek word “ethikos” meaning moral or showing moral character.  • Aristotle contends (argues or says) that a speaker must establish moral credibility in the minds of the audience at the beginning of his or her speech.   • An “ethos” argument demonstrates a moral or ethical argument that appeals to the reader’s morals or values; what the reader believes is morally or ethically right. For example, when a trusted doctor gives you advice, you may not understand all of the medical reasoning behind the advice, but you nonetheless follow the directions because you believe that the doctor knows what she/he is talking about. 

49. Pathos = an EMOTIONAL argument • An effective use of “pathos” will alter the mindsets of the audience through the use of emotional appeal. • Appeals to pathos touch a nerve and compel people to not only listen, but to also take the next step and act in the world. • Those who wish to persuade you will play with your emotions. They may persuade you with fear, love, patriotism, guilt, hate or joy.

50. LogosLogos means logic • Logos refers to any attempt to appeal to the intellect OR, our brains. • Logos appeals to the left side of the audience's brain.  The audience relies on reasoning and facts to make its decision.  • Numbers, polls and statistics are also examples of the persuasive use of logic.