Persuasive Writing Step 1 Background It is widely

Persuasive Writing

Step 1: Background: It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Drinkingrelated illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction (although there are laws about the exact hours that bars and shops are allowed to sell alcohol, and laws against drinking and driving). This is in contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering (or ‘psycho-active’) drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. Consider: What are the advantages or disadvantages of banning alcohol altogether? Task: Write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not banning alcohol would solve the social problems caused by drinking.

Step 2: Ponder Think about what you opinions are of the proposal that alcohol should be banned. One way to navel gaze!

Step 3: Prepare Your Notes. Fold your paper into 4 squares.

Step 4: Further Prepare Your Notes. Unfold the paper and draw a box in the centre. In the central box write a sentence to convey your stand.

Step one 3: It is Complete the graphic Write another Example: In many countries alcohol reason you organizer. just as addictive is a contributory factor think drugs. alcohol inthink 60 -70% of violent as other crimes. should be banned. The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. It is important that we take action to Example: We need Write another make alcohol illegal now. It is just consistency in our drug laws. If Summarize as harmful and addictive as illegal cannabis, which is not very reason you drugs, such as heroin. If it was addictive and which results in your 3 mean that we banned, it would virtually no violent crime or public think alcohol would be more consistent in our disorder, needs to be banned reasons. to mind-altering drugs. because of itsbe mind-altering effects, approach should then how much more so should Finally, it contributes to all manner alcohol be banned. of crimes, which otherwise might be banned. prevented.

Example : graphic In many countries Step 3: Complete the Write 3 details Example: It is just as alcohol is a 3 contributory Write detailsfactor in 60 -70% of violent crimes. addictive as this other drugs. about organizer. about this • Heroin reason. • Child abuse reason • Cocaine • Domestic violence • Murder. • Cannabis The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. Write 3 details • We recognise the destructive effect of about this heroin on families by banning it. • Cocaine is used recreationally, like reason. • Cannabis is banned. alcohol, yet is banned. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mindaltering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Summarize your 3 reasons.

Example: It is 3: just. Complete the Step Elaborate as addictive as organizer. other on drugs. one graphic detail. ELABORATE • Heroin • Cocaine • Cannabis The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Step 3: Complete the graphic Elaborate organizer. Example: In many countries Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the Statistics show that alcohol is a contributory factor in 60 release of dopamine - a chemical which -70% of violent crimes. plays a direct produces feelings of satisfaction. It alsoalcohol increases the production of the brain's part in about a quarter of • Child abuse natural painkiller - endorphin - which • Domestic violence domestic violence cases. scientists think could be the means by • Murder. which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. ELABORATE on one detail. The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Statistics show that Step 3: Complete the graphic alcohol plays a direct organizer. part in about a quarter of Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. domestic violence cases. The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. Cannabis almostinno Example: We causes need consistency our drug laws. social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. • Cannabis is banned. ELABORATE Alcohol, on the other hand, • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banningin it. 6, 541 was directly involved • deaths Cocaine in is used recreationally, England alone like in alcohol, yet is banned. 2007. Elaborate on one detail.

Step 5: Add transitions. Firstly, Moreover, Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. • Cocaine • Cannabis Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 6070% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. • Murder. Furthermore, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. For these reasons, Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal • Cannabis is banned. now. It is just as harmful and Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. addictive as illegal drugs, such Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly as heroin. If it was banned, it involved in 6, 541 deaths in England alone in 2007. would mean that we would be • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on more consistent in our approach to mind-altering families by banning it. drugs. Finally, it contributes • Cocaine is used to all manner of crimes, which recreationally, like alcohol, otherwise might be prevented. yet is banned. A list of transition words is online!

Step 6: From your notes to the paper. Firstly, Moreover, Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. • Cocaine • Cannabis Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 6070% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. • Murder. Furthermore, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. For these reasons, Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal • Cannabis is banned. now. It is just as harmful and Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. addictive as illegal drugs, such Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly as heroin. If it was banned, it involved in 6, 541 deaths in England alone in 2007. would mean that we would be • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on more consistent in our approach to mind-altering families by banning it. drugs. Finally, it contributes • Cocaine is used to all manner of crimes, which recreationally, like alcohol, Each square will become a paragraph.

Step 6: From your notes to the paper. • The introductory paragraph (the centre box) sums up each reason. It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Teenagers create disturbances in the street and intimidate law-abiding passers-by. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction. This is in direct contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mindaltering drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Step 6: From your notes to the paper. • Begin the introductory paragraph with a hook. Samples of hooks can be found in your booklet. In the UK, 24% of people are considered to be “hazardous drinkers”. How can we let such a large percentage of people devastate their health, their society and ruin the lives of others? It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Teenagers create disturbances in the street and intimidate lawabiding passers-by. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction. This is in direct contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, Moreove Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin Next Paragraph Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. • Cocaine • Cannabis Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 6070% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. • Murder. Furthermore, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. For these reasons, Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal • Cannabis is banned. now. It is just as harmful and Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. addictive as illegal drugs, such Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly as heroin. If it was banned, it involved in 6, 541 deaths in England alone in 2007. would mean that we would be • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on more consistent in our approach to mind-altering families by banning it. drugs. Finally, it contributes • Cocaine is used to all manner of crimes, which recreationally, like alcohol, otherwise might be prevented. yet is banned.

Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, alcohol is just as Next Paragraph addictive as other drugs. Heroin, cocaine and cannabis have all been shown to have very similar effects to alcohol. Why would we continue to keep alcohol legal, when it has the same mid-altering effects as many illegal drugs? Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of otherwise illegal drugs. It also makes it highly addictive. It seems absurd that anyone in their right mind would want to keep a mid-altering drug, which endangers the user and others, legal.

Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, Moreov Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. Next Paragraph • Cocaine • Cannabis Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 6070% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. • Murder. Furthermore, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. For thes reasons Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal • Cannabis is banned. now. It is just as harmful and Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. addictive as illegal drugs, such Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly as heroin. If it was banned, it involved in 6, 541 deaths in England alone in 2007. would mean that we would be • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on more consistent in our approach to mind-altering families by banning it. drugs. Finally, it contributes • Cocaine is used to all manner of crimes, which recreationally, like alcohol,

Step 6: From your notes to paper. Next Paragraph Moreover, alcohol significantly increases the chances of a violent crime being committed. Alcohol is a contributory factor in 65 -70% of violent crimes, such as child abuse and murder. For instance, statistics from the U. S. show that alcohol is a factor in around a quarter of domestic abuse cases. It is clear that if we want a more peaceful, more ordered society that alcohol has to be removed from it.

Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, Moreov Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. • Cocaine • Cannabis Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 6070% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. • Murder. Furthermore, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. Next Paragraph For thes reasons Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal • Cannabis is banned. now. It is just as harmful and Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. addictive as illegal drugs, such Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly as heroin. If it was banned, it involved in 6, 541 deaths in England alone in 2007. would mean that we would be • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on more consistent in our approach to mind-altering families by banning it. drugs. Finally, it contributes • Cocaine is used to all manner of crimes, which recreationally, like alcohol,

Step 6: From your notes to paper. Next Paragraph Furthermore, it is about time that we achieved some consistency with our laws on drugs. We recognise the damage heroin does to society by banning it. Cocaine, just like alcohol, is also used recreationally, yet is still illegal. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6, 541 deaths in England alone in 2007. This means that if we continue to allow people to drink alcohol, that we are nothing but hypocrites. We can’t ban one “bad” drug and not another. By not banning alcohol we risk great damage to society and show inconsistency.

Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, Moreov Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. • Cocaine • Cannabis Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 6070% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. • Murder. Furthermore, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. For thes reasons Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal • Cannabis is banned. now. It is just as harmful and Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. addictive as illegal drugs, such Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly as heroin. If it was banned, it involved in 6, 541 deaths in England alone in 2007. would mean that we would be • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on more consistent in our approach to mind-altering families by banning it. drugs. Finally, it contributes • Cocaine is used to all manner of crimes, which recreationally, like alcohol, Summary Paragraph

Step 6: From your notes to paper. Summary Paragraph Ending PUNCH For these reasons, it is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Ban alcohol and save our society from further ruin!

Step 7: Vocabulary Review your paragraphs. Can you add adjectives (describing words) and interesting adverbs (describing action words)? ADJECTIVES ADVERBS

Step 7: Vocabulary BEFORE: Many resources are used caring for those injured as a result of being drunk. AFTER: Many precious resources are exhausted caring for those seriously injured as a result of being stupidly and carelessly drunk.

Step 7: Vocabulary Remember: The more sophisticated vocabulary you use the better your writing. How can you “pull the heartstrings” of the reader? bad dreadful

Step 8: Visual Expression Use metaphors and similes to give your essay more visual expression. The cost of alcoholism to the health care system is health care system massive; it drains the is great. tank of our economy like a leaking tap.

Step 9: Use of Rhetorical Devices 1. Rhetorical question Can we really expect the school to keep paying from its limited resources? 2. Emotive language Imagine being cast out into the street, cold, lonely and frightened. 3. Parallel structures To show kindness is praiseworthy; to show hatred is evil. 4. Sound patterns Alliteration: Callous, calculating cruelty – is this what we must expect? Assonance: A fine time we all had, too. 5. Contrast Sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind. 6. Description and Imagery (i. e. using metaphor, simile and personification) While we wait and do nothing, we must not forget that the fuse is already burning. 7. The ‘rule of three’ I ask you, is this fair, is it right, is it just? 8. Repetition Evil minds will use evil means. 9. Hyperbole (using exaggeration for effect) While we await your decision, the whole school holds its breath. 10. Anecdote Using a story from your experience to illustrate a point or idea.

Step 9: Reread Your Work Reread your work to make sure you have: Taken a stand stay on the topic Given your reasons in the introductory paragraph Have paragraphs that support each reason Elaborate on a reason in each paragraph Have a summary paragraph that restates your reasons Begin each paragraph with a transition word Include adjectives, adverbs, similes, metaphors and other rhetorical devices.