Writing a Persuasive Essay
You are going to compose a persuasive essay on an approved subject of your choice. Your essay will demonstrate
elements of persuasion, rhetoric, and style that we have been studying.
This persuasive speech has Two Elements: Writing the speech and Analyzing your audience. Below, you will find
the Rubric for these separate components. ALL work that you do for this project must be submitted. Therefore, do
not lose this sheet! The Final Draft should be typed and in MLA Format.
Rubrics:
Due Date: _____________________________
A. Typed Speech:
Introduction:
 contains appropriate Rhetorical Question
 includes appropriate Details, Definitions, & Discussion
 includes Thesis with List of Arguments (in order)
Body Paragraphs:
 Arguments are well organized and Logical (Logos)
 At least one other reliable source is quoted (Ethos)
 Opposing Sides paragraph is logical & well-written
 Emotional Impact piece uses descriptive details in order
to persuade its audience
Conclusion:
 Restates Thesis & arguments
 Reviews major Points for Audience Consideration
 Gives an appropriate “Moral of the Story”
 Contains a Strong Closing Line
Rhetorical, Syntactical, & Grammatical Elements:
 There are at least 4 Rhetorical & Syntactical Elements
incorporated appropriately and labeled
 There are at least 3 Grammatical Elements
incorporated appropriately and labeled
 There are very few errors within the essay
 Essay demonstrates thorough understanding of audience
Total for Typed Speech:
B. Audience Analysis (Attached to Final Draft)
 Appropriate description of Demographics
 Appropriate description of Experience
 Appropriate description of Purpose
 Appropriate description of Adaptation
Total for Audience Analysis:
/5
/7
/3
/10
/5
/5
/10
/5
/5
/2
/3
/4
/3
/3
/5
/75
/5
/5
/5
/10
/ 25
Total for the Project: Final Draft ____ + Analysis ____ = _____ / 100
Prewriting
1. Brainstorm subjects with a partner or in a group. Pick two of them and briefly write a “Marathon
Speech” on it. A Marathon Speech is simply a quick speech using what you already know about the topic
to persuade others.
2. Select your one subject to develop into a persuasive speech.
 Write your Position below. What do you want to persuade the audience to think and do?

Circle and brainstorm ideas in your journal/ warm-up to support your argument. Select
your best 3 or 4 arguments.
 Use the chart below to develop your ideas to address all of the 3 rhetorical appeals.
Ethos: Your Credibility
Pathos: Emotions/ Identity
Logos*: Arguments
* While you are merely brainstorming, you can use your premises and arguments. Later, you will
supplement it with research from Internet articles or a book.
3. Audience Analysis: Write a paragraph or two describing your intended audience. This paragraph
must be attached to your final draft. Answer the following:
A. What is the age group, gender, type of residence, area of residence, political preferences, etc.
of your audience?
B. How much knowledge, experience, or training you can expect in your readers on this topic?
Are these people for whom you must define terms or are they educated? How will this impact
the way you approach your arguments & writing techniques?
Ex. If your audience is a group of college professors, defining simple terms may insult them.
Another example is if you are writing for students who are younger than you, if you do not
define terms, you may alienate them.
C. Imagine how readers will want to use your document; what will they demand from it? What is
the intended purpose of this document? To Inform? To Persuade? What feelings might you
want your audience to feel? What do you want your audience to go out and do?
D. What are some ways you might be able to adapt this speech for a different audience? How?
Pick one variable to change: what would you do differently?
Ex. A speech about abortion whose intended audience is Female might adapt their speech to a
Male audience.
4. Opposing Sides: What are the opposing arguments for this issue? It is a sign of strength to
acknowledge the other side of argument. List as many opposing arguments as you can below:
5. Rhetorical & Syntactical Elements: We have studied several rhetorical strategies including the ones
below. Select at least 4 besides Rhetorical Question to build into your speech. Label these in your Final.
 Alliteration
 Rhetorical Question*
 Imagery
 Sentence Types: Choose
 Inverted Syntax
from Interrogative,
 Parallel Structure/Syntax
Declarative Imperative, or
 Repetition
Exclamatory
 Tricolon
6. Grammar: We have studied several grammatical structures including the ones below. Select at least 3
to build into your speech. Label in your Final Draft.
 Appositive Phrases
 Participle
 Introductory/ Transitional Phrases*:
 Participial Phrases
For example, However, etc.
 Parallel Structure
 Prepositional Phrases
7. Your Final Typed Speech must follow this format:
 Introduction:
1. Rhetorical Question
2. Details, Definitions, & Discussion
3. Thesis with List of Arguments (in order)

Body Paragraphs (4):
1. Assertions (Verbal Cues for the Audience of your argument)
2. Evidence (At least 1 Paragraph must contain Quotes from another
source)
3. Explanation & Reasoning
4. Transition to other paragraphs & reasons
5. One paragraph acknowledging other side of Argument (adds to Ethos)
6. Two Paragraphs stating your opinion w/ evidence & logic (Logos)
7. One Paragraph describing an emotional anecdote (Pathos)

Conclusion:
1. Restates Argument
2. Reviews major Points for Audience Consideration
3. “Moral of the Story” – What we are supposed to get out of this?
4. Strong Closing Line: Quote, Witty Line, Call to Action, etc.