Persuasive Writing

1. Persuasive Writing

2. Argumentative/Persuasive Writing • Purpose is to PERSUADE your reader/audience to accept your viewpoint or opinion. Should have an end goal… suggested action! • Generally uses facts (research) and rhetorical devices to make the argument. • Usually written in the 3rd person. (Although 1st and 2nd person are sometimes used in Persuasive Speeches). • Will include quotes, paraphrases, and parenthetical references.

3. Persuasive Format • Introduction ( paragraph #1) • Thesis Statement at the end of Intro. …………………………………………………………………………………………. • 3 Supporting Paragraphs, each with a controlling topic sentence that relates back to the thesis. (paragraphs 2, 3, and 4) • Concluding Paragraph (paragraph #5)

4. Introduction • Introduction should capture your reader’s interest (start with a hook! See notes from last fall), give relevant background information, state your position, and delineate nicely to your thesis. • Rhetoric welcome!

5. Thesis Statement • Perhaps the MOST IMPORTANT part of your essay. • For a five paragraph essay it should be ONE SENTENCE. • Will be the last sentence of your introduction. • Must state your position/end goal, your three primary arguments/ideas in the order in which they will appear in the essay.

6. Example Topic: The standard school schedule should have a slightly longer school day, a slightly longer school year, but a shorter (4day) school week. End Goal: Changing the law in Ohio regarding time in school. Thesis: The state of Ohio should switch to a four days a week school schedule for grades kindergarten through 12th , with aslightly longer school day and year, as this schedule would allow students to be better rested, have a more positive attitude, and retain more knowledge.

7. The state of Ohio should switch to a four days a week school schedule for grades kindergarten through 12th , with a slightly longer school day and year, as this schedule would allow students to be better rested, have a more positive attitude, and retain more knowledge. • Body Paragraph #1 = more sleep (every weekend is a 3 day weekend!) • Body Paragraph #2 = positive attitude • Body Paragraph #3 = retention

8. Body Paragraphs • Body Paragraphs are the MEAT of your essay. This is where you present your research and rhetoric. • ONE MAIN IDEA/POINT per Paragraph. • Start with a topic sentence. (States your main idea!) • Close with a concluding sentence that summarizes/wraps up your purpose. • Include personal reflection/analysis (do not just list facts).

9. Types of Support for Body Paragraphs • Examples • Facts • Statistics • Quotes • Rhetoric

10. Brainstorm and Research • Information on how extra sleep and its benefits for adolescents. • Information on students and stress (and how having an extra weekend day could help to reduce stress) • Information on schools that have longer school years and their successes • Information on how much better students remember information when they do not have a 3-month summer break.

11. Transitions • Remember to move from one sentence to another (and one paragraph to another) using good transitions – words that connect your ideas!

12. Conceding a Point • In your Conclusion: • You can concede your point in your conclusion instead, should you wish. Be sure to do all that is listed in the box to the left, AND fulfill all requirements of a normal conclusion (see next slide ). • This will make your concluding paragraph long, but that’s OK! • As a 4th Body Paragraph: • Topic Sentences expresses your opposition’s point which you are acknowledging. • Include at least one properly cited fact or statistics on this point. • Include your analysis of why the information you have presented makes a stronger argument, nonetheless, over your opposition’s.

13. Conclusion • Your last paragraph is your conclusion. • IT MUST: • Restate your main ideas • Restate your position – strongly worded! • Reinforce an end goal/action. • Leave your reader with a bang! Especially in argumentative/persuasive writing! Hit your argument home!!!!! This is a good place for really convincing rhetoric! 

14. In other words, make your last sentence something memorable! It is the last thing your reader will read, and perhaps, the last thing he/she will remember!

15. Summary of Notes II. Body Paragraphs a. Topic sentence b. 4 – 6 supporting sentences c. Concluding sentence NOTE – Use ABAB (feature by feature organization) • Introduction a. Hook b. Information about the stories that leads to your thesis c. Thesis

16. Things to remember cont. • Use strong transitions throughout! (both between sentences and between paragraphs) • Vary your sentence structure. • Avoid run-ons and fragments. • Start by preparing an outline. This is your ‘Plan.”

17. Summary cont. • Conclusion a. Topic sentence b. 3-5 sentences summarizing your findings c. End hook – leave your reader with a good taste in his/her mouth

18. Things to remember…. • Indent each new paragraph. • Avoid using contractions (didn’t, they’ll, etc.) • Avoid “things” and “ a lot” • Avoid slang and colloquial expressions • Never write…”In this essay I will tell you about….” (nor anything similar to that!)

19. Things to remember cont. • Use third person point of view. Avoid “you” (unless asking a rhetorical question) and “I.” • Use quotes to support your ideas. Be sure to cite them. • Cite summaries and paraphrases too. • Organize your essay!