What is persuasive writing? (18L) Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, uses logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade (or convince) a reader to agree with a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.

When planning a persuasive essay, follow these steps 1.Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the purpose of your essay. 2.Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position. 3.Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic. 4.Structure your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic.

The following criteria are essential to produce an effective argument Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes. Test your argument; it must have two sides. It must be debatable. Write out the opposing view to ensure that your viewpoint is debatable. Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument. Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason.

Fact= something that you can prove/ disprove Opinion= your thoughts/ ideas; your likes and dislikes

Fact vs. Opinion Thumbs up for fact and thumbs down for opinion. – CRMA students should wear uniforms. – Uniforms eliminate 35% of school fights. – Girls are smarter than boys. – Girls mature faster than boys. – We want a swimming pool at school. – Harrison Levine stated, “CRMA needs a swimming pool.”

The following are different ways to support your argument: Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation, or personal experience. Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible sources. Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable.

Persuasive Writing Persuasive writing is a form of writing in which someone tries to get readers to agree with a position. This type of writing is very common in advertising copy, which is written in an attempt to get consumers to purchase specific products. A well-written persuasive piece is supported with a series of facts which help the author argue his or her point. Many authors also include counterpoint arguments in their pieces which they can disprove, showing readers that they have considered both sides of the argument at hand.

It is possible to write a persuasive essay either for or against something. In a way, persuasive writing is like the opening statement in a debate, except that the author hopes to present his or her side so well that people are reluctant to argue with the piece. Persuasive writing has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion, which may vary in length. The introduction almost always includes a thesis statement of some kind to orient the readers, so that they know what to expect, while the body contains the main points of the piece, including facts which support the argument of the paper. In the conclusion, the author restates major points and tries to leave on a high note.

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. Persuasive writing is often used in advertisements to get the reader to buy a product. It is also 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. So, be sure to do the research!

Persuasive writing follows a particular format. It has an introduction, a body where the argument is developed, and a conclusion.

The introduction has a "hook or grabber" to catch the reader's attention. 1. Opening with a Quotation: (Elbert Hubbard once said, "Truth is stronger than fiction.") 2. Opening with a Statistic or Fact: (74% of the population is under the poverty level.) 3. Opening with a Question. (Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for television?) 4. Opening with an Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement. (The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.)

The Body The writer then provides evidence to support the opinion offered in the in the introduction. The body should consist of at least three paragraphs. Each paragraph is based on a solid reason to back your thesis statement. Since almost all issues have sound arguments on both sides of the question, a good persuasive writer tries to anticipate opposing viewpoints and provide counter-arguments along with the main points in the essay. One of the three paragraphs should be used to discuss opposing viewpoints and your counter-argument.