Strategy to use when writing a Persuasive Essay RAFTS Strategy to use when writing a Persuasive Essay

RAFTS is a writing strategy All effective writing has these 5 key components: Role of the author – voice and p.o.v. are clear. Audience is clear – affects choice of style and content. Format is appropriate for the audience and topic – affects writing conventions (what language choices, etc. are ok). Topic is clear – what main ideas that are focused on. Strong verb is used to summarize the author’s purpose for writing the essay.

What is a Persuasive essay? Discusses a topic of interest Makes an argument about that topic Attempts to convince the audience to adopt the writer’s position on that topic

Example of RAFTS at work Consider this prompt – What kind of writing would it produce? Role: You are a columnist for a Canadian magazine. Audience: Its reader can be expected to have a high school education, to have a deep interest in the topic of the essay you are reviewing, and to be familiar with the language you are using. Format: The format of your column is a persuasive essay Topic: Your topic is the value of an essay you read on the value of the music industry. Strong verb: Your purpose is to convince your readers of the strengths and weaknesses of this essay and of the value of reading it. You would pick a verb that would achieve this purpose.

Let’s Do RAFTS For Your Persuasive Essays… Role: Audience: Format: Topic: Strong Verb:

Your Task You have 25 minutes to: Read Essay A: The Attack on the World Trade Centre Complete the handout for Essay A on your own. We will exchange papers with a neighbor and go over the answers as a class.