The Art of Persuasive Writing
Forms of Persuasive Writing
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Advertisements
Editorials
Speeches
Propaganda
Reviews
Blogs
Persuasive Essays
Forms of Persuasive Writing
Advertisements try to convince you to do
or buy something.
Forms of Persuasive Writing
Editorials about current issues appear in
newspapers and magazines, or on
television, radio, and the internet.
http://topmagazines.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/recommended-magazines-for-people-who-can%E2%80%99t-get-enough/
Forms of Persuasive Writing
Persuasive speeches try to convince an
audience to take action
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/historyofus/web14/index.html
Forms of Persuasive Writing
Propaganda is often about political issues,
and usually includes emotionally charged
appeals.
http://www.zazzle.com/change_we_can_believe_in_poster-228719897857931246
http://www.zazzle.com/miss_me_yet_george_bush_billboard_postcard-239692539098456593
Forms of Persuasive Writing
Reviews evaluate items like books or
movies and state an opinion as to whether
the product is worth the reader’s time and
money.
http://www.imdb.com/movies-in-theaters/
Forms of Persuasive Writing
Blogs provide
commentary on a
particular topic,
often combining
text, images, and
links to other blogs,
web pages, and
other media related
to its topic. Blogs
also allow readers
to respond.
http://www.ted.com/talks/marcel_dicke_why_not_eat_insects.html
Forms of Persuasive Writing
Persuasive essays use logic, reason, and emotion to
convince readers to join the writer in a certain point of
view. The purpose of a persuasive essay is to offer facts
and opinion that will change the reader’s mind on a
topic.
http://www.essay.tv/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/how-to-write-essay.jpg
The Persuasive Essay
The first step in writing a persuasive essay is
choosing a topic. Good topics for persuasive
essays are those that have two strong sides to
them. Your job as the writer will be to pick one of
those sides and present it so that your reader will be
convinced.
Clifford, Tim. The Middle School Writing Toolkit. (2007)
Brainstorming and Choosing a Topic
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As you are deciding on a topic, make sure you understand both sides – the
for and the against.
Here is an example:
Topic: Raising taxes
For: The money can be used to fix the MBTA.
Against: Taxes are already too high and the MBTA should use the money it
is allotted more efficiently.
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Topic: Boston as the host city for the Olympics in 2024.
For: It will be easy for those of us in Massachusetts to attend the Olympics.
Against:
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Topic: New laptops for our classroom.
For:
Against:
Brainstorming and Choosing a Topic
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Topic: Using vacation time to make up snow days.
For:
Against:
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Topic: Adding ilab to the school day.
For:
Against:
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Topic: Reinstating homeroom at the beginning of the school day.
For:
Against:
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Topic: Requiring students to take the bus to school.
For:
Against:
Brainstorming and Choosing a Topic
• Working with a partner, you are going to brainstorm as many topics
as you can. Then, create a chart like the one below. Decide
whether each topic is local (Duxbury or Massachusetts), national
(affecting other areas of the country) or international (affecting other
areas of the world) and fill in the chart. When you are done
brainstorming topics with your partner, choose 5 that you think you
want to write about. For each of the 5, write the topic and give a
possible argument for and against. You may use one of the topics
we discussed in class, but you should come up with your own
arguments for and against. Narrow your list down to 2 or 3 topics.
For each of these topics, brainstorm ideas for what you already
know about the topic. This is not a research paper, but you may use
the internet or other sources to come up with one or two interesting
facts or statistics about your topic. Finally, select your topic and
decide whether you are going to argue for or against the topic. You
will turn in your topic for approval.
LOCAL
NATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL
TOPIC
TOPIC
TOPIC
FOR:
FOR:
FOR:
AGAINST:
AGAINST:
AGAINST:
TOPIC
TOPIC
TOPIC
FOR:
FOR:
FOR:
AGAINST:
AGAINST:
AGAINST:
TOPIC
TOPIC
TOPIC
FOR:
FOR:
FOR:
AGAINST:
AGAINST:
AGAINST:
BBrainstorming/Developing Your Topic
Now that you have chosen your topic, you are going to work in
groups of four to brainstorm ideas for what you and your group
already know about your topic. Each group member will be
allotted five minutes for a discussion of his/her topic.
To do this, take a blank piece of paper and fold it in half. At the
top of one side write the “For” and on the other side write
“Against”. You should also draw a horizontal line across the
paper about 2/3 of the way down. As you and your group
members brainstorm ideas about the topic, decide whether the
argument supports your topic or is against your topic. If you are
unsure or the idea is neutral, write it below the horizontal line.
My expectation is that you will fill the page with writing. Before
you begin, I will give you a quick demonstration.
School Uniforms
For
Against
Developing Your Topic
Now that you have chosen and brainstormed about your topic, rewrite your topic so
that it expresses an opinion on the topic. Then, list the strongest arguments or
reasons in support of your position.
Example: Students at Duxbury Middle School should be required to wear a school
uniform.
1. Uniforms will help to promote order and discipline in school.
2. Students will feel less pressure to wear expensive and trendy clothes.
3. School uniforms will help to reduce the financial and social barriers among
students.
4. School uniforms will create a sense of belonging and school pride.
5. School uniforms will save parents money.
When you have finished, share them with a partner and get feedback. From your
list, decide on your three strongest arguments or reasons for your position. These
will form the body of your essay.
A persuasive essay convinces readers to agree
with the writer’s opinion. Your essay should follow
this format.
• Your essay will be 5 paragraphs long. The first
paragraph is the introductory paragraph. It
should begin with a lead/hook The lead/hook
captures the reader’s attention. We will talk
more about leads and hooks later.
• The introductory paragraph should also contain
your thesis statement. The thesis states the
writer’s assertion (belief) about the topic and
gives three arguments or reasons for the
position. We will talk more about the thesis
statement later.
Essay Format – cont’d
• Your essay will have three body paragraphs. Each of
these paragraphs will develop the three arguments or
reasons states in the thesis statement. These
paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence stating
the reason or argument. They should also include 5 – 7
supporting sentences to back up the argument.
• The last paragraph is the concluding paragraph. The
conclusion restates the thesis (comes back to the point)
and wraps up the essay. An original or powerful thought
at the end can be very effective.
• EXAMPLE OF SAMPLE ESSAY
• file://localhost/Users/jdale/Documents/Writing/Writing
Assignments/Persuasive Writing/Persuasive Essay
example.docx
THESIS STATEMENTS
LINK TO POWER POINT ON THESIS STATEMENTS
file://localhost/Users/jdale/Documents/Writing/Writing
Assignments/Persuasive
Writing/ThesisStatementppt2ppt_000.ppt
What is a Thesis Statement
• A thesis statement is the main idea of an
essay.
• It is often a point you want to argue or
support in an essay.
SO
• The thesis statement explains to a reader
the main idea of the essay, and the
writer’s opinion about
• A thesis statement is usually one
sentence.
• It is often placed in the introductory
paragraph of an essay.
• A thesis statement is a claim that can be
argued.
• The essay will contain evidence and
opinions that support the argument
Which of the following is a good
thesis statement?
• I believe we must stop wasting food now!
• The problem of food waste can easily be solved by
implementing three simple steps: reduce, reuse,
recycle.
• If you aren’t reducing, reusing, and recycling, you
should.
• I believe wasting food is a huge problem. We need to
reduce our food waste. For example, make a shopping
list before you go to the store, and only buy things you
truly need. You shouldn’t buy a gallon of milk if you are
only going to drink a quart of it during the week. Who
cares if the gallon size is on sale?
Thesis statements should avoid
• the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)
• unclear language (It seems, etc.)
• attempting two topics at once, even if they seem
related.
– Pick one and stick with it.
• just stating a fact . A thesis is something you
plan to make an argument about.
A thesis statement should include
contain a topic (main idea of what you are
writing about)
contain an opinion about the topic (what
your attitude is toward the topic)
• contain reasons for your opinion.
A thesis statement should not be too wordy
Wordy
• Some of the great features of Duxbury Middle School are
the team areas where students can work on projects, the
computers in every classroom that students can use to
type, caring teachers who help students, restrooms in
the team areas so students don’t have far to walk, and a
number of other useful things.
Better
• Duxbury Middle school is a terrific school because it has
caring teachers, engaged students, and a new, modern
physical space.
Video on how to write thesis
statement
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCzuA
MVmIZ8
• Sample Essay
• file://localhost/Users/jdale/Documents/Writi
ng/Writing Assignments/Persuasive
Writing/Persuasive Essay example.docx
Thesis and Forecast
A thesis statement is always one sentence
that states your assertion (belief) about a
topic. A thesis statement usually includes
a forecast (brief preview of your
arguments).
(State your position) because of argument
1, argument 2, and argument 3.
Lead / Hook
Grab the Reader’s Attention
Lead with an Anecdote
or brief story
I walked proudly through the hallways of DMS,
my new blue mohawk glistening magnificently in
the fluorescent lighting of the hallway, but then I
saw Mr. Dalton. I felt the wax in my hair start to
melt.
Lead with a Question
Do schools have the right to tell kids how to
dress?
Lead with Hyperbole
For the past 300 years in this country, schools
have been crushing the artistic freedom of
students with oppressive dress codes!
Setting
At Duxbury Middle School, a controversy is
brewing. Walk down the hallways, and amidst a
tranquil sea of khaki pants and navy blue polo
shirts, the blades of a bright blue mohawk cut
through the peaceful learning environment.
Lead with an Alliterative
Phrase
Timeless. Tasteful. Tried and true. The
traditional school uniform is the foundation of a
true learning environment.
Lead / Hook
Grab the Reader’s Attention
Lead with an Interesting
Fact
Despite what most people think, many surveys
have revealed that most students would welcome
the opportunity to wear uniforms to school.
Lead with a Quotation
When considering whether Boston should host the
Olympics in 2024, we should remember the words
of Mark Twain who said “whenever you find
yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to
pause and reflect.” It may be true that the majority
of Bostonians are currently opposed to hosting the
Olympics, but we should not concede to their
position without taking the time to pause and
reflect on the issue.
Practice writing hooks/leads
Topic: Raising taxes Raising taxes
For: The money can be used to fix the MBTA.
Hook: In the past month, it has taken the average South Shore commuter
over two hours to get to work in Boston, but that’s only when they are able to
make it to work at all.
The money can be used to fix the MBTA.
Against: Taxes are already too high and the MBTA should use the money it
is allocated more efficiently.
Hook: As Benjamin Franklin once said, “there are only two things certain in
life: death and taxes.” He certainly knew what he was talking about. As we
are faced with problems in our transportation system, the only solution some
lawmakers have is to raise taxes again. e are already too high and the
MBTA should use the money it is allotted more efficiently.
Topic: Raising taxes
For:: The money can be used to fix the MBTA.
Against:: Taxes are already too high and the MBTA should use the money it
is allotted more efficiently.
WRITING THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
1.START WITH A HOOK.
2.WRITE A FEW SENTENCES CONNECTING THE HOOK WITH
THE THESIS.
3.FINISH THE PARAGRAPH WITH THE THESIS STATEMENT.
LET’S PRACTICE ONE TOGETHER.
file://localhost/Users/jdale/Documents/Writing/Writing
Assignments/Persuasive Writing/MODEL OF PERSUASIVE
ESSAY.docx
Text Structure of a Persuasive Essay
SAMPLE ESSAY WITH KEY SECTIONS HIGHLIGHTED
file://localhost/Users/jdale/Documents/Writing/Writing Assignments/Persuasive
Writing/Persuasive Essay - the Process.pdf
WRITING THE SUPPORTING OR BODY PARAGRAPHS
When you are writing your supporting paragraphs, you should think
about the five Ws (who, what, where, when, why)
What is the problem (or situation) and your proposed solution?
Why is this a problem or a situation that needs to be addressed?
Who is affected by this problem or situation?
Where is this a problem? (local, national, worldwide)
When did this problem begin or when will it begin?
Clifford, Tim. The Middle School Writing Toolkit. 2007
Supporting Arguments
When you are writing to persuade think about
arguments that will appeal to your audience.
Logical Appeal (Logos)—Does the author’s
proposal make sense?
Ethical Appeal (Ethos)– Is the author’s proposal
the right thing to do?
Emotional Appeal (Pathos)—Will accepting the
author’s proposal make me feel better?
Types of Supporting Arguments
Logos—an appeal to logic
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Often contain expert testimony
Often contain statistical information
Suggest that the product is the “logical” or “right” choice
Types of Supporting Arguments
Ethos-an appeal to do the “right” thing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Sam
http://marvel.com/images/gallery/story/15172/images_from_own_a_piece_of_the_captain_america_movie/image/857368
Types of Supporting Arguments
Pathos-an appeal to the emotions
http://46664.net/56/aspca-the-american-society-for-the-prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals/
Not all emotional arguments are sad!
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1912454,00.htm
lhttp://www.heroestheseries.com/masi-oka-and-hayden-panettiere-got-milk-ads/
Write Your Supporting
Paragraphs
1. Start with a Topic Sentence. This should be one of the arguments from your
thesis statement. The topic sentence will be the main idea of the
paragraph.
2. Write several (4-6) supporting sentences. These sentences should contain
details and facts to back up the reason. Give credit to sources (According
to ….,).
3. Avoid “I think, I feel, in my opinion” etc.
4. Make sure you include the 5 Ws.
5. Leave out unnecessary or inaccurate details or facts.
Let’s practice together.
file://localhost/Users/jdale/Documents/Writing/Writing Assignments/Persuasive
Writing/MODEL OF PERSUASIVE ESSAY.docx
Conclusion
Restate the Thesis and Commentary
•INTRODUCTORY PAR.
• CONCLUDING PAR.
•The final bell rings. It’s the last
day of school, and summer has
finally come! Students don’t have
to think about school for at least
another 2 1/2 months. That is the
way it should always be. Schools
should continue using the
traditional calendar and not a
year-round schedule. There are
numerous downsides to yearround schooling. It has no positive
effects on education, it adds to
costs, and it disrupts the longawaited summer vacation.
• It is evident that year-round
schooling is not the best option
for the school calendar. There
is absolutely nothing wrong
with the traditional school year.
Why change something that
works so well? The final bell
rings. Let’s make sure this bell
means that the “real” summer
vacation has come.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/16/i-have-a-dream-speech-text-martin-luther-king-jr_n_1207734.html
Audience and Author’s Purpose
• When writing persuasively, always remember the
interaction between the writer and the reader. The writer
is trying to persuade a reader who may be enthusiastic
or resistant or simply disinterested. Persuasive writing
must be well organized, but it must also hook the reader,
and then keep him or her engaged with creative and
authentic word choice.