WOW Persuasive Style A Closer Look at Understanding

WOW! Persuasive Style

A Closer Look at Understanding A Writing Prompt ¨ When writing an expository essay, the writer will instruct, inform, or explain. (Key Word: EXPLAIN!) ¨ In a persuasive essay the writer tries to persuade the reader to agree with their point of view (Key words: CONVINCE or PERSUADE!)

Planning your essay… TOPIC: Define, Illustrate, Elaborate Reason #1: must include a verb. Reason #2: must include a verb. Reason #3: must have a verb.

Strong Word Choices for Persuasive Essays ¨ The fact is… ¨ The truth is… ¨ It will be clearly seen… ¨ I fail to agree… ¨ I am convinced that… ¨ I believe you should know that… ¨ Let me direct your attention to… ¨ I assume… ¨ I have no doubt…

Strong Word Choices for Persuasive Essays ¨ I have the impression that… ¨ I am convinced that it would do more harm ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ than good… It is not in the best interest of… I agree wholeheartedly… In the best interests of… I strongly oppose… I wonder if you are aware… I find it offensive… It would be a disservice… I fail to agree…

More… ¨ Apparently ¨ Boldly ¨ Clearly ¨ Crystal-clear • Outstanding • Plainly • Goes without saying ¨ Definitely • Needs no explanation ¨ Evidently • Speaks for itself ¨ Glaringly ¨ Self-evident ¨ Noticeably ¨ Obviously • Stands to reason • Strikingly • Unmistakably • Visibly

Introduction to the Persuasive Essay ¨ Define the issue. ¨ Explain why it is ¨ Acknowledge the OPPOSING VIEWPOINT. ¨ Propose that your arguments are stronger. IMPORTANT. ¨ What are the consequences of the issue? ¨ How does the issue affect you or ¨ WORD CHOICE others? gives the essay a persuasive tone. ¨ State your position.

Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 ¨ DETAILS ¨ OBSERVATIONS ¨ EXAMPLES ¨ FACTS ¨ Include strong words along with details, observations, examples, and facts in your paragraphs. ¨ WORDS SET THE TONE!!

Conclusion Paragraph ¨ This paragraph should be very strong, alerting the reader again to the writer’s SIDE of the issue. ¨ It might suggest a call to action. ¨ Since this is the final chance to convince the reader, a special appeal could be made by use of a quote, inspirational thought, or a thought provoking question (nonexample: “Now, do you see why I think we should not have school all year? ”)

Practice Prompt: ¨ Many parents and authorities are concerned about the issue of book bags due to the possible medical and security problems they present. They believe that book bags should be banned. ¨ Think about how you feel about carrying book bags. ¨ Directions for Writing: Now write to convince the reader whether or not book bags should be banned.

Make a Pro and Con List: PRO’S: ¨ Not worrying about illegal drugs or weapons in the class ¨ Does not hurt your back or cause other physical problems ¨ Will not take up space in the classroom CON’S: ¨ Have everything there at your fingertips ¨ Don’t have to go to your locker ¨ Keep personal items in there

Practice Prompt: ¨ Student attendance has been shown to be directly related to learning. Lawmakers have tried many ways to make students attend school. One law removed a student’s driver’s license if they had fifteen or more unexcused absences. ¨ Think about the positive and negative effects this would have on students. ¨ Directions for Writing: Now write to convince the reader whether this would be a good way to get more students to attend school. ¨ NOW: YOUR TURN!!