Persuasive Writing Unit 1

Unit 1 – 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.  Often used in advertisements to get the reader to buy a product.  Used in essays and other types of writing to get the reader to accept a point of view.  In order to convince the reader you need more than opinion; you need facts or examples to back your opinion.

Persuasive Essays Overall…  Have a firm opinion that you want your reader to accept  Offer evidence (facts) to support your opinion  Use strong persuasive language  Be sure to acknowledge what the opposing side would argue back – and be sure to keep that in mind as you are writing and developing your arguments

Persuasive Essay Outline  Five Paragraphs  Paragraph 1 – Introduction includes hook and thesis statement  Paragraph 2 – Body Paragraph #1 One topic or reason that supports your thesis.  Paragraph 3 – Body Paragraph #2 A second topic or reason that supports your thesis.  Paragraph 4 – Body Paragraph #3 A third topic or reason that supports your thesis.  Paragraph 5 – Conclusion includes a restatement of your thesis statement and your main points from the body paragraphs.

Persuasive Essay - Introductions Intro  Hook  pulls the reader in / catch the readers attention. Tips for writing effective hooks: Unusual or strange detail Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a great place to be a reptile. However, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world! Opening with a strong statement (can be slightly controversial) Smoking is the reason so many people die of lung cancer in the United States. Question Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for television? Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.

Persuasive Essay – Introductions Cont. Thesis statement  Located in the introduction  Usually, one sentence in length – maybe 2 max!  Tells the reader the topic of your essay  Suggests the overall argument of the essay  All points and main ideas should relate back to this sentence Example: The Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential; therefore, companies should have Web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

Persuasive Essay – Body Paragraphs Body (three paragraphs)  Each paragraph should focus on one point to back up your thesis statement. Details and facts should be used in each paragraph to support each main idea.  Each paragraph should begin with the main idea of that paragraph (remember… it must support your thesis.)  Each main idea should be a NEW idea (Your three ideas should not be identical.) However….. each main idea should support the thesis statement written in your introduction.  Each paragraph should have elaboration and/or examples to fully explain the main idea of that paragraph.  What would someone argue back? Address those ideas!

Persuasive Essay – Conclusions  Conclusion  Ends by summarizing the most important details of the argument and stating once again what the reader is to believe or do. Restate your thesis statement Summarize main points (main idea / point from each paragraph) Reminder of what reader should believe or do (using strong persuasive language)