Module 1: The Keys to Persuasion
Module 1: The Keys to Persuasion
Welcome to ENG 123: English Composition II! In this course, you will uncover the foundations of persuasive writing and explore
the research process through analysis and evaluation of various sources.
In this first module, you will start by exploring problem identification and the keys to persuasion. Next, you will introduce yourself
and discuss problem solving and persuasion with your classmates. Finally, you will brainstorm and develop ideas for your
persuasive essay (due in Module Seven) by submitting an assignment to your instructor.
1-1 Video: Navigation
This assignment does not contain any printable content.
1-2 Reading: Problem Identification
Reading: Problem Identification
We encounter problems in every aspect of our lives. On a personal level, you are
constantly working on such things as mending relationships with friends and family
members, managing a hectic household, and addressing health concerns. In your future
professional life, you will encounter problems daily, both on a small and a large scale. For
example, if you become a teacher, you may spend one class period managing poor student
behavior and then spend the next class period scrambling to figure out how to finish your
lesson before the bell rings. Particularly if you were to teach in a public school system, you
might also deal with larger-scale issues, such as reconciling the tension between the
government-mandated initiatives and your own beliefs about what works well in the
classroom.
In response to these types of industry-specific problems, researchers are continually investigating ways to fix these issues. The
results of such research will impact the types and availability of careers in various fields while also impacting people's personal
lives. For example, in the fast-food industry, many companies are responding to society's ever-growing interest in "eating clean"
and "being green." Takeout containers are being made with recycled materials, and many fast-food chains are ceasing to use
artificial colors and ingredients in their food. Individuals in the food industry now feel the pressure to join the "clean and green"
Copyright © 2022 MindEdge Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication prohibited.
movement to attract and maintain customers. Also, as it does with all change, debate follows. There will always be dissenters
from every viewpoint.
Introduction to Persuasion
In this course, you will practice the art of persuasion. You will think about a problem in your field of study/profession with at least
two clear arguable sides and compose a persuasive argument that clearly states your point of view on the issue. Your goal is to
convince the audience to adopt your viewpoint. In order to accomplish this goal, you will make a claim—an assertion with which
your audience might disagree—and then support that assertion with evidence.
Argument in Everyday Life
The word "argument" has a negative connotation, or suggested meaning. When people hear the word argument, they often
assume it is a hostile conversation about a topic. But argument can also simply mean a well-reasoned point being made
about a topic, done so in a respectful, logical way. Arguments can occur between respectful parties who strongly disagree
with one another's argument, but it does not have to be hostile.
Let's say you are sitting at Thanksgiving dinner, and you are a bit nervous because your uncle, who feels very differently
about politics than you, will inevitably bring up the latest political hot topic. Knowing you have to be level-headed and
reasoned in your conversation with him, in order to avoid any hostility, you choose an even tone, respectfully acknowledge
what he is saying, but still hold your ground on your position toward the hot topic. Since it is different than his position, and
you want to hold your own in this argument, you present him with reasons that are clear and logical. Although he may not
agree with you, and you will likely not persuade him, he is more likely to at least listen to your point of view. Making sure you
do not slip into insulting language, eye rolling, or walking away when he disagrees with you are all important to having an
effective argument.
In all aspects of our lives, we present arguments to those around us: to car salespeople, to our children when they don't want
to do something we know is good for them, to our partners when they want to spend more money than we do, or to our
grandparents when we try to get them to see the benefits of using video chats. Whether we are writing or talking to people
who matter to us, argument is all about drawing people in and persuading them to at least see our point of view, if not to
adopt it.
The examples in the video show us how argument and persuasion can function successfully (or unsuccessfully) in everyday life.
Although the examples provided are in the first person (since they are examples from everyday life), the premise in persuasive
writing is the same:
Be respectful of potentially opposing positions.
Use logic to ground your stance.
Be clear, concise, and precise in the presentation of your argument by using indicator words such as "must," "should,"
"support," "because," or "oppose" to present your core argument.
Opposing Viewpoints
When making a persuasive argument, it is also important to factor in
any opposing viewpoints and to consider how to respond to them.
Most topics generate a variety of positions, not simply two stances
that directly oppose each other. In fact, it is helpful to picture the
potential positions on any given topic in a circular format rather than
imagining two distinct points at opposite ends of a straight line. Few
topics lend themselves to such an oversimplified black-and-white
division. As most topics are complex and layered, some of the most
potent arguments can be found in the gray, or the in-between, areas.
The more complex issues give rise to multiple points of view along a
continuum, which is something writers need to keep in mind.
Take, for example, the topic of sex education in public schools. One
position on the topic is the "absolutely not" position held by some
people due to their religious and/or moral ideologies. According to
this position, sex education should never be taught in America's
public schools under any circumstances. Opposing the "absolutely
Copyright © 2022 MindEdge Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication prohibited.
not" position is a range of positions, not just one. Here are only four of the many possibilities:
Yes, sex education should be taught in public schools, depending on what material is covered.
Yes, if it concentrates on abstinence.
No, if it concentrates on abstinence.
No, if it begins in elementary school.
If you write about sex education in public schools, you will have to be familiar with all the positions on both sides of the
argument. Additionally, you will need to understand the reasons people hold these positions. Refuting any opposing position is
impossible if you are unfamiliar with the issue as a whole.
The first step in composing a persuasive argument is to brainstorm topics for your written piece. The next few pages in the
module will help you get started.
1-3 Discussion: Persuasion in Everyday Life (GRADED)
This assignment does not contain any printable content.
1-4 Reading: Selecting a Topic
Reading: Selecting a Topic
The good news is that, as a writer, you are encouraged to choose what you are going to
research. The important thing to keep in mind is that you should choose a topic that
interests you and that you would like to learn more about.
Be wary of choosing topics that you know absolutely nothing about. For example, if you
choose a topic in the health sciences, you need to be prepared to read research material in
the health sciences, which can be quite intimidating to someone who is not familiar with the
language of the discipline.
You should use the tools, resources, and information from Week 1 as guidance when
selecting your topic, and if you are still unsure if the topic will work, please email your
instructor.
Selecting a Topic Based on Your Field of Study, Career, and Knowledge
As you are considering topics to research, you should consider your field of study, your
career, and your previous knowledge and experience. Read each of the examples below to
see how several students have chosen topics based on these factors.
Writer: Felix
Elie Wiesel speaking to the United
States Congress.
Interests: my children, health, diseases,
medicine
Career: nurse
Knowledge and experience: My sister's baby just got measles and nearly died
because her neighbor chose not to vaccinate her children.
Topic: vaccination of children
Thought process: I do not understand why people do not vaccinate their children.
I wonder what they are thinking. Maybe there is a good reason for not vaccinating
children. If I write about the topic of vaccinations, I will learn how to talk to
neighbors and future patients when the issue comes up.
Copyright © 2022 MindEdge Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication prohibited.
Writer: Janelle
Interests: real estate, Ernest Hemingway, the consequences of recessions, the
Chinese economy
Career: Something in business? Financial analyst?
Knowledge and experience: I have been adjusting to changes to my household
budget because of the recession.
Topic: family economics during the recession
Thought process: I know a lot about buying and selling houses and how families
can change their habits to make ends meet during the recession. I also know that
some financial service companies do not treat customers' money as carefully as
they should. Maybe I will write about how families should weather the recession by
making changes to how they spend their money.
Writer: Alister
Interests: nature, math, computers
Career: Studying to be an IT professional
Knowledge and experience: I fell in love with computers when my parents gave
me a robotic dog when I was 10, and I learned that I could program its behavior.
Topic: quality assurance processes
Thought process: I am very enthusiastic about solving problems with computers.
Sometimes I let my enthusiasm get the best of me and I do not check my work. I
wonder what the most important components of quality assurance processes are
when it comes to working on an IT team. My topic may help me improve in my
career as well.
Writer: Tabitha
Interests: children, teaching, technology
Career: Teacher, and eventually a principal
Knowledge and experience: I have been working as a teacher's aide in a private school for five years, ever since I graduated
from high school.
Topic: teaching with technology in elementary education
Thought process: I have been working as an aide for five years, and I love my school and I love working with kids, but I would
like to eventually be a teacher in a school where technology is used in the classroom. The teachers that I have talked to say that
Copyright © 2022 MindEdge Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication prohibited.
elementary kids are too young to really take advantage of technology. There must
be some ways to incorporate technology into elementary education in a meaningful
way. I wonder what they are...
1-5 Reading: Brainstorming Ideas
Reading: Brainstorming Ideas
Before you practice some brainstorming strategies, it might help to look at possible issues related to your field. In Module Two,
we will take a closer look at conducting keyword searches and gathering sources. However, for now, to prepare for
brainstorming and to construct your journal submission this week, you can take a look at some of the Shapiro Library's
databases: CQ Researcher – SAGE, Academic Search Ultimate, and Opposing Viewpoints in Context – Gale. These are not the
only library databases you can use, and depending on the issue you choose, you may need to use a different database from the
Library's A–Z Databases list that better matches your topic.
You can do a quick search for topics related to your potential field or degree to get a sense of some issues you might want to
write on. Then once you have done a preliminary search, take your ideas even further by using the following brainstorming
activities. Finally, if you get stuck or need help, review the ENG-123 Composition Research Guide.
Brainstorming is the first step in the writing process. It helps you to freely think about what you know about a topic and record
these ideas as they come to you.
Below you will find explanations of three specific methods for brainstorming ideas—freewriting, looping, and clustering.
Freewriting
The process of freewriting lets you just begin writing without feeling like the writing you do
at that moment needs to be effective, meaningful, or even good. Because you are not
creating finished writing, freewriting allows you to do the important work of exploring your
topic and your interests without worrying about creating a polished product. It is simply a
way to get thoughts down on paper.
As you freewrite, you choose a topic, set a time limit, and see where the topic leads you.
The most important part of freewriting is to ensure that you turn your editorial mind off. In
other words, spelling and grammar do not matter, and you do not have to worry about
writing a coherent piece with an introduction and a conclusion.
After you are done freewriting, you will read over your writing again and find the parts that
can be expanded upon or that hold your interest the most.
Remember that a freewrite is not a draft—it is part of the prewriting stage. In most
cases, you will not use a single phrase from your freewrite in any writing that you
turn in. Writing that you turn in should be polished and focused; freewrites work best
when they are not!
Instructions for Freewriting
Copyright © 2022 MindEdge Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication prohibited.
1. Decide whether you write faster when writing on paper or typing on the computer. If
When you freewrite, you
you use the text box on the assignment page, your freewrite will be recorded in your
acknowledge that there is a wide
range of thesis statements that you
notebook.
2. Decide on a topic before you start. The topic can be general ("driver's education") or it might settle on. Give yourself some
space to think through your topic.
might be more specific. An example of a more specific topic might be either of these
two topics: "how driver's education improves driving" or "why states should pay for
driver's education for all drivers, regardless of age or citizenship status."
3. Click the Begin Timer link.
4. Start writing and don't stop. Write anything that comes to mind about the topic. Let your ideas run free without worrying
about where the ideas are going or whether they are "right" or "wrong." There are no "bad" ideas at this stage. Don't
correct for grammar or sentence structure; this is not the time for your internal editor to take over! Write down bullet points
if you want. Then stop when your time is up (feel free to finish a sentence or two if you're in the middle of a thought). Be
sure to hit Save if you're using the provided text box.
5. Finally, read over your writing. This is the most important part! Look over your writing and ask yourself these questions
to see if you can find some idea that is worthy of more in-depth thought or research.
Now, read the example of freewriting below:
Freewrite Example
Freewrite Example
"War is hell." Fyodor Dostoyevki said this. It's not only hell for those fighting the war; it's also hell for people in the
countries being fought in and fought for. It's hell, too, for the taxpayers who have to finance the war. Think about what
war does to the mind of a soldier. It's estimated, for example, that a third of all homeless people are men who fought in
Vietnam. How do we ever repay their sacrifice? The price tag for the war in Iraq is $3 trillion. We've spent millions every
single day since that war began. What have we gained? We know what we've lost—lives and money and the goodwill of
countries that see us as an aggressor. Could the money be better spent? No doubt. It could be used, for example, to
build roads. Or spent to strengthen our crumbling infrastructure. The work would give jobs to thousands who are now
unemployed. With their earnings, people could pay their mortgages and buy things they couldn't afford before. This
would help prop up the sagging economy. Economy and Dostoyevski are linked in the subtitle of a book I had to read for
an economics paper. It's by Susan McReynolds. The title is Redemption and the Merchant God. Sometimes putting two
things together yields some really interesting results. You wouldn't think Dostoyevski had much to say about the
economy. I guess it's like the old saying, "Opposites attract." What else can I say about opposites? I guess they are
what makes life interesting. So, if you take an old maid like Emily Dickinson and have her write about something
passionate, like the poem "Wild Nights," that makes for an interesting combination because it is so unexpected. I'm sure
I'm not the only one who likes to be surprised by the unexpected. That's probably the basis of all the horror movies that
have ever been made. Speaking of which, the classic with Jack Nicholson about that old hotel was really frightening. I
remember screaming out loud in the movie theatre. It's not surprising that it was so scary because Stephen King wrote
the book that the movie was based on. And King, before he was rich and famous, used to dig graves in order to make a
living. There are a lot of things I'd do if I was starving, but I don't think I could ever dig graves, especially not in the
middle of the night. Beyond being dirty work, literally dirty work, it's so spooky.
Follow-Up Questions
Do I stay on topic in most of the writing, or do I shift to another topic? Am I more interested in my initial or my new
topic?
ANSWER: I talked a lot about war, which led me to the economy, which led me to talk about opposites and finally to the
creepiness of Stephen King. His story made me think about my own career, which is obviously pretty important to me.
What words are repeated in my writing?
ANSWER: I used "war" quite a bit, but that may be because my brother is in Iraq and I think about the war every day. I
also talked about the economy. Another repeated word is "opposites."
Which of my ideas can be backed up with research during the subsequent research process?
ANSWER: I can find tons of information about the war and also about economic conditions. I should also be able to do
a lot of research on the topic of getting a job and earning money.
Can I identify one or two questions that most of my freewrite responds to?
Copyright © 2022 MindEdge Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication prohibited.
ANSWER: Some questions that come to mind are: Are there indications the economy is turning around? I have to earn
a living in a few years. What kind of job am I going to have?
Looping
Looping refers to freewriting sessions performed in succession. The
purpose of looping is to take the ideas you discover in your freewriting
session that seem most worthy of exploration and freewrite again on those
ideas. The process allows you to refine your topic into a narrower and more
realistic topic.
To loop your idea, take the idea that emerged as most important in your
initial freewrite and do another freewrite—following the freewriting
instruction steps previously outlined—with that idea as your starting point.
Remember that the most important part of freewriting is reflecting on your
writing. So, after your loop, be sure to ask yourself the same reflective
questions you asked during your initial freewrite.
As you loop, it may feel as if you are going in circles,
but by asking the right questions, you'll find that you're
heading somewhere important.
If you would like to compare a freewriting session against a looping session,
compare the loops below to the freewrite from above.
Freewriting Questions
After you finish freewriting, read your writing carefully to decide which ideas are most worthy of exploration. As you read over
your writing, ask yourself these questions:
Do I stay on topic in most of the writing, or do I shift to another topic? Am I more interested in my initial or my new topic?
What words are repeated in my writing? Words that you repeat are likely to indicate an interest in that particular aspect of
the topic?
Which of my ideas can be backed up with research during the subsequent research process? Opinions can help point you
toward an interest, but if your freewrite consists only of opinion, you may need to conduct another freewrite that focuses
more on facts, you may want to conduct a preliminary search, or you may need to pick a new topic.
Can I identify one or two questions that most of my freewrite responds to? If you can, you might have found yourself a
research question.
Looping Example #1
Looping Example #1
Feeding America's poor won't be easy. Not with one out of seven of us living at the poverty level. It's especially bad for
kids. I mean, how can a kid concentrate on learning when they haven't eaten in two days? When you think about how
much food goes to waste every single day in this country, you'd think there wouldn't be a problem. Just think about the
food fights that go on in cafeterias all over the country. With that wasted food alone, we could probably feed all the poor
people. And I know a lot of people let vegetables sit in their refrigerators until they rot, and then they have to throw out
all that food. Also, just think about all the restaurants that throw away food every single day. You've probably seen
homeless people doing "dumpster digs." I know I have. At least they are getting some nourishment out of what's being
discarded, but who'd want to eat food that's mixed with garbage? I think we should have more public service
announcements to make people aware of what they are wasting. That would be the first step. Maybe parents could also
be advised not to put so much food on their kids' plates at suppertime. That would solve two problems—the food waste
problem and the obesity problem. Then we could use the money that is saved to help the hungry more than we do. It's
true that some celebrities like Sandra Lee have started a campaign, but not everybody watches her on the food network
channel. I guess we need more celebrities getting the word out. I know the President and First Lady are working on this
problem, which is helping a lot. But there's really a lot to do. There are food banks, of course. But we really need more
than famous people getting the word out. We need the average Joe thinking twice about waste.
Follow-Up Questions
Do I stay on topic in most of the writing, or do I shift to another topic? Am I more interested in my initial or my new
topic?
Copyright © 2022 MindEdge Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication prohibited.
ANSWER: I really did focus on the poor and how much food-waste there is in this country. I also talked about what
famous people and ordinary people can do to solve the problem of people going hungry.
What words are repeated in my writing?
ANSWER: "Poor" (poverty), "food," "waste," "celebrities."
Which of my ideas can be backed up with research during the subsequent research process?
ANSWER: There has to be a lot of data about poverty in America and also wasted food. I could also learn more about
Sandra Lee and what people like her are doing to help.
Can I identify one or two questions that most of my freewrite responds to?
ANSWER: What are celebrities doing to help the poor? What can the average person do?
Research Question
Topic: Feeding the hungry
Research Question: What are the characteristics of an effective anti-hunger program?
Looping Example #2
Looping Example #2
What will I do to earn a living? Right now, I'm studying liberal arts, and there are a lot of possibilities in front of me—
assuming I don't change my major. There are a lot of things I know I wouldn't do—no matter how much money I could
make. I also wouldn't do anything that would harm animals. And I would never steal from people the way Madoff did.
But, as a liberal arts generalist, especially a generalist with some computer skills, I could probably enter any field I
wanted to. There really are a lot of choices. Plus, I could always learn on the job. Most businesses have orientation and
training programs that help new hires learn what they need in order to do a specific job. And a lot of places will actually
pay for employees to take additional college courses. Of course, I could pay for further education myself if I had to. I
could get a master's degree or some other degree that would help me get promotions once I've started working. Plus,
there's always stuff I could learn about on my own by doing research on the internet or by taking some online courses.
Things are changing so fast that I'd probably have to take additional courses anyway. Take electrical engineers, for
example. I read that by the time they graduate, half their knowledge is obsolete. So maybe I shouldn't worry too much
about what I'm learning right now. Instead, I should concentrate on getting a good solid academic base rather than a
narrow or too-specific body of knowledge. Being able to communicate well is critical for career success, no matter what
field I choose, and I've always had A's in my written and oral communications classes. Being a good problem-solver is
important too. I like challenges and have often been complimented on my analytical skills. Another thing that's going to
serve me well is my people skills. Everybody tells me I'm both a good leader and a great team player. So, I guess, now
that I think about it, I won't have to dig graves. I should be able to get any job I want... assuming the economy is better
by the time I graduate.
Follow-Up Questions
Do I stay on topic in most of the writing, or do I shift to another topic? Am I more interested in my initial or my new
topic?
ANSWER: I did stay on the topic of my future--work I'd like to do and work I definitely wouldn't do.
What words are repeated in my writing?
ANSWER: "earn a living," "money," "job," "learning"
Which of my ideas can be backed up with research during the subsequent research process?
ANSWER: I should be able to research jobs in general, especially those available to liberal arts majors. I'd also have to
find out what skills are required for entry-level jobs in certain industries.
Can I identify one or two questions that most of my freewrite responds to?
ANSWER: What jobs does a liberal arts degree lead to? How soon does knowledge become obsolete?
Copyright © 2022 MindEdge Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication prohibited.
Research Question
Topic: Job economy
Research Question: What can one do with a liberal arts degree?
Clustering
Clustering is another method of brainstorming ideas. You can use it by itself, or you can organize some of the ideas you
discovered during your freewrite. Watch the following video to learn more about the clustering method.
1-6 Activity: Brainstorming Ideas (NON-GRADED)
Activity: Brainstorming Ideas (NON-GRADED)
Now it's time to put into practice one of the brainstorming exercises discussed in the previous page. Please select one of the two
NON-GRADED brainstorming activities below.
You may want to choose a topic that is related to your career or degree, since you will be completing an assignment on the next
page with that focus.
1-7 Assignment: From Issue to Persuasion (GRADED)
This assignment does not contain any printable content.
Copyright © 2022 MindEdge Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication prohibited.