Persuasive Writing persuasive writing In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position for or against an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something. Language Arts spiral, pg 138

Persuasive writing is often used:  In advertisements to get the reader to buy a product.  In letters to convince others to take your side.  In essays and other types of writing to get the reader to accept a point of view. facts examples In order to convince the reader, you need more than opinion – you need facts or examples to back your opinion. So, be sure to do the research!

Persuasive Writing Terms to Know  Thesis or “Claim”  Main Idea of your Writing  States the topic and your position  Position  How you feel about the topic – are you for or against?  You must choose one side!!  Argument  An idea to support your position  Must be supported by details and anecdotes!  Anecdote  A personal story used as a detail to support an argument  Call-To-Action  What you are asking your audience to do

Outline for Persuasive Writing Introduction Get your audience’s attention Establish a need – describe the issue State your thesis – give your position on the issue Body First Argument Support and Elaboration Anecdotes Second Argument Support and Elaboration Anecdotes Third Argument = Counterargument Counter an argument from the other side Anecdotes Conclusion Re-emphasize thesis in a new way Show how your arguments lead to a reasonable conclusion Give your audience a Call-To-Action

A persuasive Thesis Statement Thesis statement = “claim”: topic + position Your thesis statement specifically states the purpose of your essay. SSingle sentence NNot a question PPersuasive AAble to be developed into an essay UUsually stated in introductory paragraph Persuasive Writing

A persuasive Call-to-Action Asking the reader to do something or make something happen Stated in the conclusion paragraph Must be SSpecific RRealistic SStated as a polite command Writing a Conclusion

hook The introduction has a hook or “grabber” to catch the reader's attention. 1. Opening with an unusual detail Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a great place to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world! 2. Opening with a strong statement Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales in Canada! 3. Opening with a Quotation Elbert Hubbard once said, "Truth is stronger than fiction." 4. Opening with an Anecdote; An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point. 5. Opening with a Statistic or Fact; Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the item's authoritative source. 6. Opening with a Question Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for television? 7. Opening with an Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.