How would you persuade someone to do…. ( or not to do ) something, or to buy an item or service?
Persuasive Writing Written for the purpose of persuading, or convincing, readers to do, say, think, buy, feel, or believe something. Can be an essay, editorial, advertisement, campaign literature, speech, commercial, or more. Addresses readers directly by using first person (“I think…”) and second person (“You want to buy…”) POV Uses strong emotional/ persuasive language
Persuasive Language… Uses mainly the present tense (“You want” instead of “You wanted” or “You will want”) Uses cause and effect (“If…then…”) Uses emotional appeals (Personal stories and other things readers can make a connection to) Uses technical language (Explains processes or products using solid facts) Uses rhetorical questions (“Would you want your child to grow up in a world without _____?”) Dares the reader to disagree. (“You can just ignore this ad and wait for ______ to disappear – but you’ll regret it!”) Tries to make opinions sound like facts (“An overwhelming number of people agree that ________ is important, so clearly, you should, too!”_) Uses powerful verbs and strong adjectives. (“Elated” instead of “happy”, or “Run- don’t walk! – down to Don Williamson Toyota!”)
Steps For Persuasive Writing Create your introduction (1 Paragraph): State the topic you are discussing (What is your essay about? Give your opinion (Main idea: What you think about your topic) . 2. Create your essay body (2-5 paragraphs): - For each paragraph, list ONE major reason why you hold this opinion about your topic. - To further expand upon your ideas, provide specific facts and examples that support each reason you list. 3. Create your conclusion (1 paragraph): - Restate the topic and your opinion. - Summarize your major points. - End with a “call to action” – address the reader specifically, using emotional/persuasive language
Task Read the following text, looking for the elements of persuasive writing which we have outlined.
Calling All Sleepyheads Sleep is important. Nobody fully understands why we need it, but scientists think that the body uses the time to recover and to repair damage. When we fall asleep our heart and breathing rates slow down, muscles relax and our senses rest. If this is the case, are you giving your body enough rest?
Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly. If you don’t go to bed at a reasonable time, you will be sleepy in class and not learn so much. Tiredness means you may not be able to think clearly, and you may also be a danger to other people. Accidents can happen. You will lack energy, and even playing becomes too much of an effort. Is staying up late really worth it?
There is some truth in the old saying “Early to bed and early to rise, makes us healthy, wealthy and wise.” Next time you start to argue about your bedtime, remember your body needs a break. From: Have Your Say by Karavis and Matthews
Now, let us examine the text together in more detail. How many elements of persuasive writing have you identified in it?
Calling All Sleepyheads Sleep is important. Nobody fully understands why we need it, but scientists think that the body uses the time to recover and to repair damage. When we fall asleep our heart and breathing rates slow down, muscles relax and our senses rest. If this is the case, are you giving your body enough rest?
Calling All Sleepyheads Sleep is important. Nobody fully understands why we need it, but scientists think that the body uses the time to recover and to repair damage. When we fall asleep our heart and breathing rates slow down, muscles relax and our senses rest. If this is the case, are you giving your body enough rest?
Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly. If you don’t go to bed at a reasonable time, you will be sleepy in class and not learn so much. Tiredness means you may not be able to think clearly, and you may also be a danger to other people. Accidents can happen. You will lack energy, and even playing becomes too much of an effort. Is staying up late really worth it?
Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly. If you don’t go to bed at a reasonable time, you will be sleepy in class and not learn so much. Tiredness means you may not be able to think clearly, and you may also be a danger to other people. Accidents can happen. You will lack energy, and even playing becomes too much of an effort. Is staying up late really worth it?
Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly. If you don’t go to bed at a reasonable time, you will be sleepy in class and not learn so much. Tiredness means you may not be able to think clearly, and you may also be a danger to other people. Accidents can happen. You will lack energy, and even playing becomes too much of an effort. Is staying up late really worth it?
Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly. If you don’t go to bed at a reasonable time, you will be sleepy in class and not learn so much. Tiredness means you may not be able to think clearly, and you may also be a danger to other people. Accidents can happen. You will lack energy, and even playing becomes too much of an effort. Is staying up late really worth it?
Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly. If you don’t go to bed at a reasonable time, you will be sleepy in class and not learn so much. Tiredness means you may not be able to think clearly, and you may also be a danger to other people. Accidents can happen. You will lack energy, and even playing becomes too much of an effort. Is staying up late really worth it?
There is some truth in the old saying “Early to bed and early to rise, makes us healthy, wealthy and wise.” Next time you start to argue about your bedtime, remember your body needs a break. From: Have Your Say by Karavis and Matthews