Persuasive Writing

1. Persuasive Writing Types of evidence Stake Your Claim (50 pts) in Section B, “Contemplation & Argumentation” unit Prove It (200 pts) in Section D, “Contemplation & Argumentation” unit

2. The scenario… A large group of homeless people has set up a camp near your home. Some people in your community want the town government and police to send these people away. Others feel the community should let them stay and help them. - You have a strong opinion on the matter and want to share it with the town council and people. - You must first submit a proposal in which you outline your argument.

3. Writing assignment #1Stake Your Claim • Take a stand. • Decide which side of the issue you’re on. • Do you support removing the homeless, or do you support allowing them to stay and be assisted? • Write an arguablethesis. • Part 1: The position statement • Directly state your opinion—not a belief, personal preference, or fact. • Part 2: The defense • Present your three main supporting reasons (often listed in a “because” clause). • Gather your evidence. • You need to be able to prove your claim.

4. Review this example thesis that a student formulated on saving his town library… The town should preserve the old library instead of tearing it down becausefixing it is less costly, keeping it preserves the town’s character, andthechildren in this community need a library.

5. Use the worksheet… • Claim: Thesis statement • Support: Three main supporting arguments • Examples: Supporting evidence • Conclusion: Thesis restated Write in complete sentences!

6. Review the Stake Your Claim rubric • All 14 boxes are filled in with complete sentences. • The thesis takes a clear side of the issue and is arguable. • Support statements are directly related to the thesis and provable with details, examples, or facts. • Example (evidence) statements are specific and directly related to the support. • The final statement restates the thesis and is brief and memorable.

7. Writing assignment #2Prove It • You have four options for expanding your “Stake Your Claim” proposal into a presentation for the meeting: • Five-paragraph essay • A mp3 audio file of a dramatic delivery of your presentation • PowerPoint presentation of 14-25 slides, with text and graphics • Multimedia presentation with audio, video, photographs, animation and/or art work Your proposal has been accepted by the town council! Now, you’ve got to get ready for the town meeting, in which you will convincingly present your side of the issue.

8. Review the Prove It rubric • An arguable thesis (in the introduction and conclusion) • An introduction (with a good hook) • 3 supporting sections • A conclusion (make it memorable) • At least 3 different types of evidence • All 2 types of appeals (logos, ethos, pathos) • Refutation • At least 3 rhetorical devices • Fewer than 5 obvious logical fallacies

9. Don’t forget the refutation! Anticipate your opponents’ argument and refute it. Prove that your opponent is wrong, either through logical argument or by providing evidence to the contrary.

10. Get it together! • What is going to prove your point? • You have a number of choices. • Facts • Statistics • Examples • Expert testimony • Public opinion • Testimonials • Anecdotes (stories) • Analogies (comparisons) • Scientific evidence • Case studies Use at least three types of evidence.

11. The town should preserve the old library instead of tearing it down becausefixing it is less costly, keeping it preserves the town’s character, andthe children in this community need a library.

12. Facts • Definition:Non-disputable pieces of information • Example:It would cost at least $500,000 to demolish the old library and build a new one.

13. Statistics • Definition: A collection of numerical data • Example: Demolishing the library would hurt more children than adults in this town because more than 50 % of the patrons are under 18.

14. Expert testimony • Definition: A quote expressing ideas or conclusions from an expert on the subject • Example: According to a professional contractor, the building requires nothing more than new plumbing and electrical systems and some work in the façade.

15. Testimonials • Definition: Oral or written statements from eyewitnesses • Example: Owners of neighboring businesses and homes have signed statements indicating they support preservation of the old building.

16. Public opinion • Definition: A view held by the general public, in the form of a poll or a generalization • Example: Everyone supports recycling, and by preserving the building we would be recycling many materials.

17. Examples • Definition: A demonstration of a thing or principal • Example: The best cities in the world have preserved their historic libraries and turned them into thriving cultural centers.

18. Anecdotes (stories) • Definition: A short narrative about an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident • Example: I remember 10 years ago, when our town lost several historic buildings to that fire that occurred on Main Street. Let’s not sacrifice another historic building.

19. Analogies • Definition: A comparison between two things that are similar in some way, often used to help explain something or make it easier to understand • Example: Unfortunately, building a fancy building does not guarantee new businesses will come. This not the “Field of Dreams.” What if you build it and they don’t come?

20. Case studies • Definition: An in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event • Example: According to a study at Princeton, children who go to the library at a young age are more likely to attend college.

21. Scientific evidence • Definition: Facts or theories produced from scientific tests or studies • Example: Social scientists have shown that kids who read a lot are more creative and score higher on intelligence tests.