Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Writing

What is a persuasive writing? It is an essay or letter or editorial that expresses your opinion on a controversial issue.

What should I have in my writing to make it persuasive? • Exact words and specific examples (vs. weak details) This is Weak: Bicycling is a great way to exercise. People of all ages can bicycle. It doesn’t cost a lot. It doesn’t take too much work. You get outdoors when you bicycle. It’s good for your health. It’s fun too.

This is Exact and Specific: For many reasons recreational biking is a great way to keep your body fit. Children as young as three and adults in their 80’s can partake in this form of exercise with little to no cost once a bicycle is purchased. With just a little bit of leg action and a good sense of balance and coordination, one can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine of the outdoors. It certainly will keep the blood pumping and help maintain healthy bones and joint movement. Best of all, bicycling opens the door to all kinds of fun activities as you trail through woods, race with friends, or just peddle around the neighborhood.

What else could I have in my writing to make it persuasive? • Polite Language: Negative language creates very negative responses. Many people will dismiss what you are saying because you have made an attack on people (or an organization) who support the opposing side of the argument. You will lose their respect and/or lose the argument.

What otherstrategies can I use? • Cite a precedent: Explain what has already been done that has created negative or positive results. -What precedent could you cite in support of eliminating extreme violence in video games? -What precedent could you site to convince the school district to build a new middle school ? -What precedent could you cite to convince your readers that the government could never outlaw cigarette smoking.

Anticipate Objections: Use the opposition to your advantage. Let the reader know that you are fully aware of the positives or negatives on the other side of the issue. Be ready to answer or reveal possible objections before they are mentioned by the opposing side.

Explore Consequences • Consider what will happen if your opinion is supported or rejected.

Use Propaganda (is this a bad word?) Testimonial- *Michael Jordan says, “I wear Nike and I always win.” Bandwagon- Don’t be left out! Join the crowd at Macy’s. Faulty Cause and Effect- When I drove my car on Westward Way, I got a flat tire. I won’t drive on that road anymore. Hasty Generalization- Forever 21 is the hottest new store around. Its products are the best. Transfer- A dive in a pool is refreshing. Vitamin Water is too. EmotionalWords – A Gucci purse will delight you. *Not a real quote

How do I begin my Persuasive Writing?

Eight Steps to Success Step 1: Choose a topic that interests you or one that you know something about.

Step 2: Research a little, ask questions, talk to friends or family about the topic. Know both sides of the issue.

Step 3: Form an opinion; take a side.

Step 4: Brainstorm at least three reasons that will support your opinion. Collect lots of examples so that you can develop your reasons.

Step 5: Outline/ Arrange your reasons in order of importance. You can go from most important to least important or visa versa

Step 6: Lead: Your introduction must be strong. It should hook the reader. This is a great spot for developing voice and raising the interest level. Both the issue (topic) and the position you are taking should be very clear.

Step 7: Conclusion Your conclusion can be a separate paragraph or appear at the end of your final support paragraph. Here you should not repeat what has already been written. You should express a final thought or fact. There should be strong emphasis here and that is often created using a clincher sentence.

Step 8: Review the seven traits to produce a good writing. Use a check list to ensure that you are on your way to a 5 or 6 score.

Persuasive Writing