Persuasive Writing

2008-2009

GPS

Clear position Support of position Reader interest; answering reader concerns

(What is the reader thinking?) Relevant arguments Details, reasons, and examples

Types of Arguments

Position with three supporting points Counter-argument Extended Narrative (introduction) Plan Alliance (bond with the audience)

Why the audience should do or believe your position?

Persuasive words/transitions Direct Address/Acknowledge the audience Authoritative tone (“I expect you…” or “You

are the solution…” Appeal to emotions Figurative Language

Persuasive Signals

While I respect your opinion… While there is value in what you are

proposing… Nevertheless… On the other hand Some believe that…. While others

Persuasive Signals

Although Even though On the contrary In spite of Despite Furthermore For example Yet

More…

In the same way To demonstrate For instance To illustrate

GOOD words to USE Approve Authorize Believe Change Encourage Maintain Permit Endorse Consider recommend

Compliment the audience

I accept your position I admire you for wanting to I commend you for your efforts

Show respect

I would like for you to consider If you could see it from my point of view If you give it a chance Please be reasonable

Persuasive Appeals

Compliment the audience Confess that you are not perfect Make the reader laugh Share a bonding story

Voices that do not persuade

Insulting Threatening Rude Indifferent

What a writer says to show they are persuading

You might find a reason to disagree… We all know that… It is my belief… Research shows… I would like to argue… It is important to keep in mind…

Direct Address to Audience

…and I hope that you …I might have the answer if you continue to

read my letter… Trust me… I know that I am just a child, but I know that

… You and I both know…. A lot of people including me…

Genres: Persuasive Writing 15

What Persuasive Writing Is and Is Not

An effective persuasive composition . . . An effective persuasive composition is NOT:

Clearly establishes a position on the issue Copying words or information from the writing topic

Fully develops an argument with specific details and examples

Formulaic writing or a repetitive, standard five-paragraph formula that repeats the writer’s position and supporting reasons

Defends the writer’s position with relevant evidence that is appropriate for the audience identified in the writing topic

A list of irrelevant ideas or supporting ideas that are inappropriate for the audience identified in the writing topic

Demonstrates that the writer can anticipate and counter the audience’s position on the issue

Writing that fails to consider the audience’s position on an issue

Uses specific facts, personal experience and knowledge, and/or statistics to support the writer’s position

A list of facts, a story, and/or personal anecdotes that are unrelated to the writer’s position

Includes appeals to logic and/or emotion A chance for the writer to simply vent about a topic

Contains an organizational structure appropriate for persuasion

Genres: Persuasive Writing 16

What Persuasive Writing Is and Is Not

An effective persuasive composition . . . An effective persuasive composition is NOT:

Contains an organizational structure appropriate for persuasion

Writing in which ideas are presented in an illogical or confusing order

Is multi-paragraph writing that supports a specific side of an issue

A single paragraph

Uses appropriate writing voice to engage the reader Flat, uninteresting writing

Uses precise language and varied sentences An essay that contains imprecise language and little sentence variety

Introduces the reader to the issue, fully develops a position, and provides a sense of closure

Writing that presents ideas without introducing, developing, and/or providing closure

May contain a short narrative in the introduction or a skillful extended narrative that supports the writer’s position

A story that does not address the persuasive purpose of the topic

Contains correct sentences, usage, grammar, and spelling that make the writer's ideas understandable

Incorrect sentences, usage, grammar, and spelling that distract the reader from the writer's ideas