Persuasive Writing

1. Persuasive Writing Planning, Drafting, Composing, Editing, Revising, Finalizing, Presenting

2. Selecting Topics for Persuasive Speech Find an Arguable Topic: • Not all topics are suitable for argument • Brainstorm possible topics • Two kinds of argument – Position & Proposal

3. Selecting Topics for Persuasive Speech Position: • Define the issue • Take a clear position • Make a convincing argument • Acknowledge opposing views

4. Selecting Topics for Persuasive Speech Proposal: • Define the problem • Propose a solution or solutions • Explain why the solution will work and is feasible

5. Selecting Topics for Persuasive Speech Topics not easily argued and to avoid: • Statements of fact • Personal taste • Claims of belief or faith

6. Make an arguable claim • Slogan – short with no arguable claim Vote for candidate X • Arguable claim – includes a reason, typically linked to the slogan by “because” Vote for candidate X because she will lower taxes and improve schools.

7. Adoption Public smoking Graduation requirements Neutrality vs. involvement Homelessness/ poverty Community service as criteria for graduation Racial profiling Pollution/ environmental concerns Sweat shops Over population Olympics in Houston Student’s rights Immigration Animal testing Public shaming School security Banned books Political issues Underpaid civil workers (police, firemen, etc.) Community service v. jail time Hate crimes Assisted suicide Genetic engineering/cloning Stem Cell research Drug testing in sports, work place, etc. School vouchers Parental advisories – video games, movies, TV Gun control Animal Cruelty Censorship Violence in films, video games, TV College admissions Automatic admissions for top 10% Nuclear weapons bans Capitol punishment Prayer in school Punishment v. abuse Aliens: fact or fiction International Space Station, NASA SAT issues Possible Topics: TO DO: Select a topic and create an arguable claim statement

8. Claims must be specific and contestable: Specific: • Avoid broad generalities • Specificity restricts your claim and makes it manageable Contestable: • Must have more than one side to the argument • Sides must be addressed and rebutted • Sides must be reasonable

9. Think about your audience: Who am I writing for? What does my audience already know about the topic? What is my audience’s point of view about the subject? Does my audience already agree or disagree with my position? What are the chances of changing the opinions and behavior of my audience? Are there any sensitive issues I should be aware of? If my audience disagrees with me, why do they disagree? Possible lines of argument: Can you argue by definition – from “the nature of the thing”? Can you argue from value? Can you compare or contrast? Can you argue from consequence? Can you counter objections to your position? Develop and Organize Good ReasonsThink of reasons to support your claim.Think of how to relay the support to your audience.

10. Think about your organization: • Introduction: Captures the reader’s attention, defines the issue or problem, and expresses the writer’s thesis or indicates the writer’s stance. • Body: Supports the writer’s thesis in paragraphs that present reasons, facts, examples, and expert opinions. Opposing views are raised and discussed. • Conclusion: Presents summary or strong conclusive evidence – logically drawn from the arguments – that underscores the writer’s thesis.

11. Persuasive Outline 5 paragraphs – 750 – 1000 words I. Introduction a. clarifies topic b. capture’s audience’s attention c. states emphatically your position – Arguable Claim. II. Body paragraphs [8.2] (3 reasons –1 paragraph per reason) a. state reason b. one example of reason c. explanation of example’s relations to reason (2 sentences) d. second example of reason e. explanation of example’s relations to reason (2 sentences) f. transition sentence to next reason/conclusion III. Conclusion a. must not simply restate other paragraphs b. reminds reader of important reasons and examples c. asks reader to act upon the topic to solve this problem

12. Label one copy of your final draft Create a key which clearly identifies each of the following: • Label your arguable claim or thesis statement. • Label your reasons (3) in the body of the essay • Label your examples for each reason (2 per reason) • Label your opposition’s stance and your refutation. Highlight, underline, mark, color code, whatever, so that it is clear what’s what.

13. Expectations I. Introduction (10 points) A. Arguable Claim/Thesis Statement B. Introduces & Explains Topic II. Reason #1 (20 points) A. Clearly identifies reason B. 2 supporting examples C. Clarifies relation to thesis III. Reason #2 (20 points) A. Clearly identifies reason B. 2 supporting examples C. Clarifies relation to thesis IV. Reason #3 (20 points) A. Clearly identifies reason B. 2 supporting examples C. Clarifies relation to thesis [At least one paragraph must deal with the opposition.] V. Conclusion (10 points) A. Reinforces thesis B. Reminds reader of important reasons and examples C. Asks reader to act upon the topic to solve this problem VI. Mechanics [Grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.](20 points) Total Points - 100 Grading Rubric – Product – Final Draft Major Grade

14. Final draft formatted correctly Rough draft typed Lexicon Labels – nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, jargon, ultimate words Sentence marks – arguable claim/thesis, reasons, examples, opposition Notes & Arguable claim statement Any other stuff from this assignment (optional) 25 points 10 points 10 points 25 points 20 points 10 points Total – 100 Grading Rubric – Process – Double Daily Grade

15. Persuasive Essay Reading • For each essay read to the class identify the following: • The author’s name • The topic • The author’s stance • Two of the three reasons given • Two of the examples given in support of these reasons • Your position on this topic and why. • These are to be identified through listening only. The audience must not ask for clarification or repetition of information in the essay.