Persuasive
Writing
What is a persuasive writing?
It is an essay or letter or editorial
that expresses your opinion on a
controversial issue.
What should I have in my writing
to make it persuasive?

Exact words and specific examples
(vs. weak details)
This is Weak:
Bicycling is a great way to exercise. People of
all ages can bicycle. It doesn’t cost a lot. It
doesn’t take too much work. You get outdoors
when you bicycle. It’s good for your health.
It’s fun too.
This is Exact and Specific:
For many reasons recreational biking is a great way to
keep your body fit. Children as young as three and
adults in their 80’s can partake in this form of exercise
with little to no cost once a bicycle is purchased. With
just a little bit of leg action and a good sense of balance
and coordination, one can enjoy the fresh air and
sunshine of the outdoors. It certainly will keep the blood
pumping and help maintain healthy bones and joint
movement. Best of all, bicycling opens the door to all
kinds of fun activities as you trail through woods, race
with friends, or just peddle around the neighborhood.
What else could I have in my
writing to make it persuasive?

Polite Language: Negative language creates very
negative responses. Many people will dismiss what
you are saying because you have made an attack on
people (or an organization) who support the opposing
side of the argument. You will lose their respect and/or
lose the argument.
What other strategies can I use?

Cite a precedent: Explain what has already
been done that has created negative or
positive results.
-What precedent could you cite in support of
eliminating extreme violence in video games?
-What precedent could you site to convince the
school district to build a new middle school ?
-What precedent could you cite to convince your
readers that the government could never
outlaw cigarette smoking.

Anticipate Objections: Use the
opposition to your advantage. Let the
reader know that you are fully aware of
the positives or negatives on the other
side of the issue.
Be ready to answer or reveal possible
objections before they are mentioned by
the opposing side.
•Explore Consequences
Consider what will happen if your opinion is
supported or rejected.

Use Propaganda (is this a bad word?)
Testimonial- *Michael Jordan says, “I wear Nike and I always win.”
Bandwagon- Don’t be left out! Join the crowd at Macy’s.
Faulty Cause and Effect- When I drove my car on Westward Way, I
tire. I won’t drive on that road anymore.
Hasty Generalization- Forever 21 is the hottest new store around. Its
products are the best.
Transfer- A dive in a pool is refreshing. Vitamin Water is too.
Emotional Words – A Gucci purse will delight you.
*Not a real quote
got a flat
How do I begin my Persuasive
Writing?
Eight Steps to Success
Step 1: Choose a topic that interests you
or one that you know something about.
Step 2: Research a little, ask questions,
talk to friends or family about the
topic. Know both sides of the issue.
Step 3: Form an opinion; take a side.
Step 4: Brainstorm at least three reasons
that will support your opinion.
Collect lots of examples so that
you can develop your reasons.
Step 5: Outline/ Arrange your reasons in
order of importance.
You can go from
most important
to least important
or visa versa
Step 6:
Lead: Your introduction must be strong.
It should hook the reader. This is a great
spot for developing voice and raising the
interest level.
Both the issue (topic) and the position you
are taking should be very clear.
Step 7: Conclusion
Your conclusion can be a separate
paragraph or appear at the end of your
final support paragraph. Here you should
not repeat what has already been
written. You should express a final
thought or fact. There should be strong
emphasis here and that is often created
using a clincher
sentence.
Step 8: Review the seven traits to
produce a good writing. Use a check list
to ensure that you are on your way
to a 5 or 6 score.