The POWER of PERSUASION WHAT IS PERSUASIVE WRITING

The POWER of PERSUASION

WHAT IS PERSUASIVE WRITING? • Persuasive writing tries to convince the reader to accept an idea, adopt a point of view, or take action on an issue.

ELEMENTS OF PERSUASIVE WRITING • The topic must argue FOR or AGAINST a DEBATABLE point • The writer must support his/her position with strong EVIDENCE to convince the reader • The writer addresses reader concerns and provides counterarguments

WHAT IS A COUNTERARGUMENT ? • In addition to providing evidence to support your position/opinion, you must also acknowledge and reply to reader objections. • Counterarguments are the replies that you provide to an opposing argument.

Know your audience • The audience is the person or group of people the writer is trying to convince. • The language the writer uses will change depending on who the audience is! • INFORMAL VS. FORMAL TONE

RHETORICAL DEVICES IN PERSUASIVE WRITING 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. THESE ARE WAYS FOR THE WRITER TO CONVINCE THE READER TO ACCEPT HIS/HER POINT OF VIEW ON A TOPIC Appeal to logic through reasoning Appeal to emotion Ethical arguments/beliefs Personal anecdotes (stories) Case study (research) Analogy (comparison) (remember the commercial “this is your brain, this is your brain on drugs”- eggs in frying pan)

SAMPLE RHETORICAL DEVICES TOPIC= Should animals be used for experimentation? POSITION: Animals should NOT be used for experimentation.

Appeal to logic • There are other methods to test products and achieve the same results.

Appeal to emotion • Have you ever seen pictures of mutilated animals in the name of research?

Ethical arguments/beliefs • Animals also have souls; shouldn’t all living creatures be treated humanely?

Personal anecdotes • Can you imagine your pet dog being locked up in a cage and being poked and prodded with chemicals just so we could find out about a new shampoo?

Case study • Over 5, 000 bunny rabbits were maimed or killed during the research process to develop Herbal Essence.

Analogy • Just because animals can’t verbalize their pain doesn’t mean they don’t have emotions. It’s like a hungry baby who wants food but he can’t tell you.

PERSUASIVE ESSAY FORMAT (5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY) 1. Introduction- give background information AND clearly state your position 2. Strong argument w/supporting evidence (choose the rhetorical devices that provide the strongest argument for your position) 3. Strong argument w/ supporting evidence 4. Address reader concerns AND provide counterarguments for objections 5. Conclusion- Offer a clear solution

ORDER OF ARGUMENTS • Your arguments should be organized in a logical manner • Some believe you should start with the strongest argument while others save it for last- it’s up to YOU. • However, remember to always address the counterargument and REFUTE

A-B-C Strategy A= ______ the prompt B= ______ ideas Do/What Chart + Pros/Cons Chart C= ______ the order of your response

Do/What Chart • With on-demand essays, use the “Do/What” chart • Practice using the chart with the following prompt: – Write a persuasive essay for your school paper in which you convince the readers of the importance of getting rid of the trash on campus to make the school more attractive. Persuade your readers through the use of specific reasons and examples. Do (Verbs) What (Objects of the verbs)

Sample Persuasive Prompts • Come up with a Do/What chart -> Pros/Cons chart + thesis for this prompt: Lawmakers would like to increase the driving age from 16 to 21. Write a persuasive essay explaining whether you believe the driving age should be changed. Be sure to provide reasons and evidence for your argument, address counterarguments, and provide a call to action.

Hooks- What to do! If you’re doing an on-demand essay and you’re stuck on a hook: 1. Rephrase the prompt 2. Use a general beginning such as “Everyone has…” or “Imagine being…” 3. If you’re REALLY stuck, then use a question… but that’s only if you’re desperate!

Linking Prompt to Hook • If you’re having trouble with the hook, reword the prompt! • Family stories play an important role in helping us understand our past. – “The past is important in helping us understand our family. ”