PERSUASIVE WRITING English 7CP Mr. Snow

WHAT IS PERSUASIVE WRITING?  All writing has a purpose. So far, you have written to entertain (autobiographical narrative, narrative story), analyze (response to literature), and expose main ideas (summary)  Persuasive writing is writing that tries to convince the reader of something.  This is subjective writing, because it is based on your opinion. However, your opinion is backed by facts.

AN ILLUSTRATION  In your notes, draw a line graph like this: Agree  ————————————  Disagree  Now, when I give a statement, place an X on the graph wherever your opinion rests. Ex: Middle-schoolers should be able to do whatever they wish. Disagree Agree  ———————————X  Disagree It is my opinion that middle-schoolers should NOT be able to do whatever they wish, because they are not old enough!

STATEMENTS  Schools should be able to do random locker searches for students’ safety.  The government should be able to monitor electronic and telephone communication to try to catch terrorists.  We should be able to execute criminals.  Scientists should be able to test on animals to ensure product safety.  Celebrities have a right to privacy away from all the cameras.

DEBATE  Now we are going to quickly, informally debate some of these topics for a few minutes.  Be sure you back up your opinion (agree, disagree, or somewhere in the middle) with FACTS, not your OPINIONS.

PERSUASIVE WRITING  What we just attempted was persuasion. You said what you believed and tried to back it up with facts and information.  That is what you are doing with persuasive writing. You are trying to convince your audience to feel the same way you do about an issue.

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH  Hook: Creatively engage the audience  Background of the issue: Why should we care about this issue? What are the pros and the cons? (2-3 sentences.)  Thesis: What are YOU proving? DO NOT say, “I am going to prove…” or use I/me in any way. This is a divided thesis, so state your thesis and the reasons why it is true.

BODY PARAGRAPH #1  Topic Sentence (TS): What is the first reason you gave in your divided thesis?  Concrete Details (CD): Give several (two or more) facts and details that back up your opinion. Even though this is your opinion, it is still backed up with facts.

BODY PARAGRAPH #1  Commentaries (CM): For EACH concrete detail, tell some reasons why what you said was important. Tell your audience what each detail reveals that we might not already have known.  Concluding Sentence (CS): Wrap up your paragraph by saying, “Clearly…” or “As can be seen…”

BODY PARAGRAPH #2  Now do this again for Body Paragraph #2 Topic sentence Several concrete details Commentaries for each detail Concluding sentence

COUNTER-ARGUMENT PARAGRAPH  Address reader’s concerns: Start with “You may think that…” or “Many people believe that…”, etc.  Counter-arguments: Start with “However, in reality…” or “Actually…”  CD’s & CM’s: NEW proofs, but same format as body paragraphs.  CS: Same as body paragraphs.  Make sure you address more than one concern, because your reader will have many!

COUNTER-ARGUMENT  These counter-arguments are STILL PROVING WHAT YOU THINK! In body paragraphs 1 & 2, you did this by showing how you are RIGHT. In this paragraph, you are going to prove your thesis by showing how those who disagree with you are WRONG. You are countering THEIR arguments.  DON’T argue against your OWN thesis.

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH  Restate thesis: In different words, remind the audience of your thesis.  Restate proofs: In 2-3 sentences, restate the reasons that backed up your divided thesis, including the counter-arguments.  Call to action: End the essay with a strong, clear call for the reader to go out and act upon what you’ve said.

PERSUASIVE LETTER  A persuasive letter is very similar to a persuasive essay.  The format is the same, except that… You may now use I and me occasionally.  Otherwise, the format remains the same. You still need an intro, arguments, a counterargument, and a conclusion.

FRIENDLY LETTER  A friendly letter is one you’d write to a friend (obviously). Its tone is much lighter and less formal. When you write your greeting, follow it up with a comma.  Ex: Dear Dave, When you finish your letter, write Sincerely, sign your name below, and then write your name between.

BUSINESS LETTER  A business letter is a much more formal, professional sounding letter. You must include, on the left at the very top of the paper, the date, your full name, and your address. Your greeting will be followed by a colon instead of a comma.  Ex: Dear Professor Jenkins: Just like the friendly letter, write Sincerely, sign your name, and then write it below the signature.