Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Writing What is persuasive writing? • A written work in which a writer presents a case for or against a particular position in order to try to convince readers to agree with his or her ideas • Well written essays convince others to agree with our facts, share our opinions, accept our arguments and conclusions, and adopt our way of thinking.

Persuasive Essays should have the following characteristics: • a clear position that is focused on that position • more than one argument to support a position (usually three) • specific, elaborated details, facts, evidence , examples, reasons, and quotations that support your position • insight/commentary that may be in the form of clarification, further analysis, interpretation, reactions, and thoughts • organization that makes the best case for a position (i.e. “save the best for last”)

Characteristics Continued • an introductory paragraph that hooks the reader and includes a position statement (thesis statement), • body paragraphs (usually three) that support the position • A conclusion that leaves an impression on the reader and may suggest a call to action • transitions that connect position, arguments, and evidence • a commitment to position by writing in a voice appropriate for audience and purpose. • powerful words and vivid language (charged language) • anticipation of the opposition (sometimes called concession)

Now for the persuasive writing “DON’TS” • Don’t apologize. Never suggest that you don’t know what you’re talking about or that you’re not enough of an expert in this subject that your opinion would matter. • Don’t announce what you are about to do in the essay. “In this paper, I will… The purpose of this essay is to…” JUST DO IT! • Don’t say “I believe, “I think,” or “In my opinion.” It weakens your arguments. State your opinions as FACTS.

Anticipate and Refute the Opposition • Concession is when you acknowledge or recognize the opposing viewpoint, conceding that it may have some merit. • Think about the arguments against your position. Anticipate and plan ahead to answer concerns. • Meet opposing ideas head on with persuasive arguments of your own that refute (disprove) the opposition. • A reader of your essay is more likely to pay attention if you show you can see his/her point of view before you counter that argument.

Example • TS- Next, even though there are some cons to the operation, the benefits of Charlie’s participation clearly outweigh the drawbacks. • It is true that Charlie’s increased intelligence was only temporary, and that he eventually regressed. However, Charlie knew from the very beginning that the surgery might not be permanent. In Progress Report 3 on page 184, Charlie says, “They said you know it will probly be tempirery. I said yes. Miss Kinnian told me.” Charlie’s one goal was to be smart like everyone else, and it didn’t matter to him if it was permanent or even if it hurt. He did achieve, and even exceed his life’s goal, to be smarter by becoming a genius even if it was only for a short time.Therefore, even if the increased intelligence was only temporary, Charlie was aware of this drawback

How to anticipate & refute the opposition: • Transition • Argument from opposing side (concession) • Transition • Refute the opposition • Transition • Summary statement

Persuasive Writing