English Composition Suzanne Ryan

Agenda Return Thesis Statements and Project Plans Persuasive Writing Outlines for Persuasive Essays

Persuasive Writing

P ERSUASIVE E SSAYS A persuasive essay (also known as the argument essay) has one of two objectives: 1.To convince your reader to adopt your point of view 2.To convince your reader to take a specific course of action

Characteristics: Stated position or belief Factual supports Persuasive techniques Logical argument Call to action

Ted Talks: Persuasion ezos_a_life_lesson_from_a_volunteer_firefig hter.html ezos_a_life_lesson_from_a_volunteer_firefig hter.html

Uses: Persuasive writing appears in and is not limited to – speeches – letters to the editor – Editorials – Advertisements – award nominations – Pamphlets – Petitions – scholarly writing – opinion pieces

How can I effectively present my argument? Use an organizational structure that arranges the argument in a way that will make sense to the reader The Toulmin Method of logic is a common and easy to use formula for organizing an argument

The Toulmin Method Claim: The overall thesis you will argue for. Data: Evidence gathered to support the claim. Bridge (essential): Explanation of why or how the data supports the claim, the underlying assumption that connects your data to your claim. Backing (optional): Additional logic or reasoning that may be necessary to support the warrant. Counterclaim: A claim that negates or disagrees with the thesis/claim. Adds credibility to your claim Rebuttal: Evidence that negates or disagrees with the counterclaim.

Claim: Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution. Data1:Driving a private car is a typical citizen's most air polluting activity. Bridge 1:Because cars are the largest source of private, as opposed to industry produced, air pollution switching to hybrid cars should have an impact on fighting pollution.

Claim: Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution. Data 2: Each vehicle produced is going to stay on the road for roughly 12 to 15 years. Bridge 2: Cars generally have a long lifespan, meaning that a decision to switch to a hybrid car will make a long-term impact on pollution levels.

Claim: Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution. Data 3: Hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor. Bridge 3: This combination of technologies means that less pollution is produced. According to ineedtoknow.org "the hybrid engine of the Prius, made by Toyota, produces 90 percent fewer harmful emissions than a comparable gasoline engine."

Claim: Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution. Counterclaim: Instead of focusing on cars, which still encourages a culture of driving even if it cuts down on pollution, the nation should focus on building and encouraging use of mass transit systems.

Claim: Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution. Rebuttal: While mass transit is an environmentally sound idea that should be encouraged, it is not feasible in many rural and suburban areas, or for people who must commute to work; thus hybrid cars are a better solution for much of the nation's population.

15 Can You Convince Me? Show Me the Data! – Big Names – Logos – Research – Pathos – Ethos – Kairos

The 4 P’s of Persuasion Power Positioning Performance Politeness ©Suzanne Ryan 16

Big Names (Power) 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: 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.

"Persuasion is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do, and to like it.“ ~ President Eisenhower ©Suzanne Ryan 18

Logos (Power) 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.

Research (Power) 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.

Pathos (Positioning) 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.

Ethos (Positioning) 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.

Kairos (Performance) 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.

You’ll catch more flys with honey than vinegar. Politeness

Q UESTIONS ?

Persuasive Essays

H ANDOUT ON OUTLINES FOR PERSUASIVE ESSAYS

Reading in Syllabus This week = short week Complete this week’s reading and next week’s readings for next week rather than this week.