What do I need to know?

Obviously, persuasive writing is designed to persuade or convince your audience to your point of view. It is important to remember that the goal of a persuasive paper is not to show how mad or upset you are about something. Rather, you should formulate a rational argument in which you look at evidence, state ideas clearly, consider the claims of the opposition fairly, and justify your own position.

The goal of a literary analysis (what we’ve been doing all year) is to analyze a selection of literature. We’ve discussed format, etc., and the persuasive format is a little different.

Introductory paragraph: needs to clearly identify the issue with some context and background discussion. The last sentence of the introductory paragraph should still be your thesis, but in this case your thesis statement is where you clearly state your opinion about the issue. Body paragraphs: the body paragraphs should include evidence to support your claim. You should also consider the other side of the debate and refute it within the context of these paragraphs. Conclusion: a strong conclusion should reiterate your main points and end with a call to action.

The local school board is considering the enforcement of a standard school uniform for all students. The requirement would go into effect at the beginning of the next school year. The board has provided several months for interested persons to react to the proposal. Writing situation: Decide how you feel about the proposed requirement and write a letter to the school board stating your opinion and reasons.

Ask yourself: What is the issue here? Whether or not students should have to wear school uniforms.

I think uniforms are a great idea because…. I think uniforms are a terrible idea because…

The board of education members. Look at the writing directions to see what you should write. In this case, you will write a letter to the board of education members.

What is my thesis statement in a persuasive paper? It is simply the place where you firmly state your opinion. Well, what if I can see both sides? Can I write about both the pros and cons? NO! You must pick ONE side and argue for it. So where does the thesis statement go? At the END of the introductory paragraph.

Example: I am going to try to convince you that chocolate is a healthy snack. State your argument.

You want to have solid reasons and evidence. “Because I think so” is not a good reason. It’s good to use statistics and data to support your side. Well, what if I don’t know what the statistics are? You can make them up! As long as it seems reasonable. So what might be some good reasons/evidence for why students should NOT have to wear uniforms? What about reasons why they SHOULD?

Once you have identified the issue, identified your audience, and completed your brainstorm with reasons and examples, you are ready to begin writing.

In your introduction, re-state the writing prompt. MAKE SURE you CLEARLY state your opinion in the introduction. DON’T BE WISHY-WASHY! Pick one side. For example… Prompt: Some students drop out of school before earning a high school diploma. There is a proposed law that would prevent high school dropouts from driving until they are 19 years old. Should high school dropouts be denied their license until they are 19 years old? Directions for writing: write a letter to your representative arguing your position.

Example introduction (basic): Dear Representative, I understand that there is a proposed law that would keep drop outs from getting their license until they are 19. I realize that the law is designed to keep kids in school, but there are several reasons why I think it’s a bad idea Example introduction (better) Dear Representative Jones, The issue around high school dropouts is certainly an important topic which deserves much thought and conversation. In the age of technology, it is more important than ever to have a society of educated people who can man technologically-based jobs. Certainly, a high school diploma is a minimum requirement. So how can kids be kept in school? I think that in order to answer that question, one must look at the reasons students are dropping out. Many students have personal, financial, or family issues that make dropping out necessary. Therefore, to create a law that would prevent dropouts from getting their license until the age of 19 would do nothing to deter these students, rather it would prevent many of them from being able to earn a living. I believe this proposed law is off-track and doesn’t get to the root of the dropout problem.

In your body paragraphs you want to give your reasons to support your opinion. You should have a minimum of two body paragraphs. If you have completed a thorough brainstorm then you will have enough ideas to adequately complete the body paragraphs.

It is not enough to merely give your opinion. You MUST support your reasons. You can do this by giving examples in the form of stories or statistics. For example: I don’t think we should have a dress code. No one likes the dress code and everyone knows what is acceptable to wear to school. (This needs major support) I don’t think we should have a dress code. Students are responsible enough to understand what is appropriate for school. Student council conducted a recent survey and found that 95% of students are not in favor of a dress code and believe they understand what appropriate school dress is. ****You should use a variety of rhetorical strategies in your body paragraphs. Here are some…

Example: Former U.S. president Bill Clinton thinks that junk food should be taken out of vending machines. Important people or experts can make your argument seem more convincing.

Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy. Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing.

Example: Your donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a good home. Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument.

Example: Believe me! I’ve been there before. I’m just like you. If people believe and trust in you, you’re more likely to persuade them.

Example: This is a one-time offer. You can’t get this price after today. Try to convince your audience that this issue is so important they must act now.

Example: A recent study found that students who watch TV during the week don’t do as well in school. Using reliable research can help your argument seem convincing.

The repeated use of a word or phrase to emphasize an idea or image. We will rise; we will fight; we will defeat our enemy!

Questions with obvious answers. Ex. With all the distractions of sports, televisions, the Internet and more, is it any wonder kids don’t find time to study?

This is simply where you sum it up and restate your strongest ideas. Don’t do it word-for-word; just reiterate the key ideas. End with a call to action (Kairos).

When writing a persuasive essay, REMEMBER: - Introductory paragraph: re-state the writing prompt. MAKE SURE you CLEARLY state your opinion in the introduction. DON’T BE WISHY-WASHY! - Body paragraphs: State your reasons. MAKE SURE to include stories/statistics/examples. AGAIN, DON’T BE WISHY-WASHY! - Conclusion: sum up your STRONGEST points. DON’T simply copy your introductory paragraph. MAKE SURE your conclusion is a PARAGRAPH and not just a sentence!!

What are the strengths of this essay? Weaknesses?

Complete a brainstorm for the following prompt. Remember, the steps: 1. Break down the topic-identify the issue 2. Decide your opinion on the issue 3. Identify your audience 4. Brainstorm reasons/supporting evidence (must have at least three strong reasons/evidence). Also, include in your brainstorm the other side of the argument—and refute it. 5. Write the introductory paragraph. Make sure your thesis statement is clear and is the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.

In recent years, pit bulls have injured or killed children and adults in the United States. A citizen action committee is launching a campaign to require all pit bulls to be registered by the county as dangerous animals. The county would also have the power to “put to sleep” any pit bull which bit a human. Would you support this law? Why or why not? Directions for writing: Write a letter to the citizen action committee in support or opposition of the proposed law. Try and convince the readers to support your point of view through reasoned argument.