Persuasive Writing lpopp@asheboro.k12.nc.us

TABLE OF CONTENTS What is Persuasive Writing? Prewriting Planning Introduction Body Conclusion Practice & Evaluate Sample Topics Graphic Organizer Works Cited

What is Persuasive Writing? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaGJNxCxB-s

More on Persuasive Writing Click on the images below to learn more! After reading the persuasive essay: What is the writer trying to persuade the reader to do or believe? What kind of reasons does the writer include that support his/her position? What kind of appeals does the writer use? logical, emotional, moral Read a Persuasive Essay about year-round school. Read more and view a cartoon about persuasion.

Prewriting Prewriting is also known as brainstorming. Both are just fancy ways of saying THINKING. Writers prewrite, or brainstorm, to decide what they will write and how they will communicate their ideas. There’s no one correct way to brainstorm. Click on the image above to see examples of brainstorming. Which pre-writing strategies do you use? Click on the image above to see different ways of pre-writing or brainstorming.

Prewriting continued… What topic do I want to write about? What is my position on the topic? In Persuasive writing, there are certain things the writer must decide during prewriting. Click on underlined words in the thinking bubbles for examples.

What topic interests you? Separating classes by gender (boys in one class, girls in another) Wearing flip flops at school EOG testing Free college Kids getting paid for good grades Less homework Curfews for teenagers Kids bringing MP3 players/ electronics to school Cell phones in school College athletes getting paid Recess for middle school students Downloading music for free Grade requirements for student athletes Year round school Soda as an option in school cafeterias Violent video games sold only to adults Gym every day Using animals in scientific research or testing of products

What is your position on the topic? (are you for or against it) Free College PROS (reasons for free college) CONS (reasons against free college) More people would be able to attend Larger class sizes People wouldn’t be burdened with outrageous student loans. Universities would lose money for buildings, heating & cooling, libraries, technology, etc. People would be more educated. Watch a video about taking a position on your topic!

Planning Persuasive Writing is usually organized into 5 paragraphs. INTRODUCTION [State your position] [Brief summary of your argument] Copy these boxes onto a blank sheet of paper. You can fill the boxes in later. Argument 1 Argument 2 Argument 3 Reasons that support argument 1 Reasons that support argument 2 Reasons that support argument 3 CONCLUSION [Restate topic & basic argument] [Call to action]

More on Planning (Watch the video below about planning a persuasive essay about school uniforms.)

Introduction Hook the reader with a question, quote, interesting fact, descriptive sentence, or story. (click below to see examples!) Next add your thesis statement (statement listing 3 reasons you are either for or against something). Often you’ll need a sentence or 2 in between your hook and your thesis statement. We’ll call it your “linking sentence(s)”. Links connect things! Begin with a QUOTE! Begin with an INTERESTING FACT! Begin with a STORY! Begin with a DESCRIPTIVE SENTENCE! Begin with a QUESTION!

Beginning with a QUESTION… Topic: Vending Machines in School Position: Vending Machines SHOULD be put in schools. Thesis Statement: We should have a vending machine at our school because people get hungry in the middle of the day, it would raise money for sports and clubs, and students would learn more. Example Introductory Paragraph: Do students learn more when they are hungry? I don’t think so. We should have a vending machine at our school because people get hungry in the middle of the day, it would raise money for sports and clubs, and students would learn more.

Beginning with a QUOTE… Topic: Allowing 6th graders to play on the middle school basketball team. Position: 6th graders SHOULD be able to play on the middle school basketball team. Thesis Statement: Allowing 6th graders to play would give students an equal shot at making the team, build relationships between the different grade levels, and strengthen our team’s performance. Example Introductory Paragraph: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”. This quote from a man by the name of Wayne Gretzky comes to mind when I think about our school policy for 6th grade athletics. I see no good reason why only 7th and 8th graders should be allowed to play on our school’s basketball team. Talented 6th graders are being left out. Allowing 6th graders to play would give students an equal shot at making the team, build relationships between the different grade levels, and strengthen our team’s performance.

Beginning with an INTERESTING FACT… Topic: Vending Machines in School Position: Vending Machines SHOULD be put in schools. Thesis Statement: We should have a vending machine at our school because people get hungry in the middle of the day, it would raise money for sports and clubs, and students would learn more. Example Introductory Paragraph: Being hungry leads to lower levels of alertness and difficulty concentrating. There have been many times when I’ve sat in class and been distracted by a rumbling stomach. We should have a vending machine at our school because people get hungry in the middle of the day, it would raise money for sports and clubs, and students would learn more.

Beginning with a DESCRIPTIVE SENTENCE… Topic: Vending Machines in School Position: Vending Machines SHOULD be put in schools. Thesis Statement: We should have a vending machine at our school because people get hungry in the middle of the day, it would raise money for sports and clubs, and students would learn more. Example Introductory Paragraph: Imagine a school with an abundance of extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs. Imagine a school with classrooms full of alert students engaged in learning. Who wouldn’t want to go to this school? Bringing vending machines into our school would lead to improvements in several areas. We should have a vending machine at our school because people get hungry in the middle of the day, it would raise money for sports and clubs, and students would learn more.

Beginning with a STORY… Topic: Allowing 6th graders to play on the middle school basketball team. Position: 6th graders SHOULD be able to play on the middle school basketball team. Thesis Statement: Allowing 6th graders to play would give students an equal shot at making the team, build relationships between the different grade levels, and strengthen our team’s performance. Example Introductory Paragraph: The students at Washington Middle School hung their heads in defeat. They had lost the championship game by four points. If only Joe Schmo, their most talented player, had been allowed to play they surely would’ve won! When students try out for any team, everyone should have a fair shot. When try outs are only open to 7th and 8th graders, it is not only unfair, the team suffers as a result. Allowing 6th graders to play would give students an equal shot at making the team, build relationships between the different grade levels, and strengthen our team’s performance.

Remember the Essay about Year Round School? Now that you know all about introductions, look at the essay again. Pay attention to the writer’s introduction. How did he “hook” the reader? (question, quote, interesting fact, descriptive sentence, or story) Does the introduction contain a thesis? Yes or No Does the writer use any “linking sentences” between the hook and the thesis? Yes or No Click on the image to view the essay.

Body The Body of your essay is the main part. It is where you spend time really persuading your reader. Argument 1 Argument 2 Argument 3 Reasons that support Argument1 Reasons that support Argument 2 Reasons that support Argument 3

Body Continued…… This person is writing about EOG testing. Her position is that EOG testing should not continue. Notice how she takes argument 1 from her graphic organizer and writes a paragraph that puts her reasons supporting the argument into complete sentences. EOG testing should not continue because it doesn’t give accurate results. Because the test is so long, many students lose focus after the first hour. Some students work over four hours on the test. What adult wouldn’t reach frustration after 4 hours of testing? If a student isn’t able to fully concentrate on the test, the results may indicate he doesn’t know the material, when he actually might. In addition, many students who earn passing grades all year long, fail the test. Does this mean that the work the student has done all year should be dismissed? Certainly not. How can we trust a test that yields results inconsistent with a student’s performance in the classroom? Finally, test questions on the EOG do not reflect 21st century skills. Students need to be able to communicate, problem solve, and collaborate in a team, yet the EOG does not assess these skills. If this test isn’t really informing us of a student’s abilities, why should we continue to use it? The EOG doesn’t give accurate results. Test is so long, many can’t stay focused. Some students on the Honor Roll, don’t pass. Test questions don’t reflect 21st century skills.

Body continued… Do you prefer dogs or cats? Which is a better pet? Click HERE to read a persuasive essay on this topic. Pay attention to the body of the essay (paragraphs 2,3,4).

Conclusion In your conclusion you have 2 jobs: Restate the Topic & Basic Argument Call the Reader to Action When you “call the reader to action”, you are trying to convince him/her to DO SOMETHING, or to NOT DO SOMETHING. In conclusion, students should be allowed to wear flip flops at school because they are comfortable, affordable, and teachers wear them. I urge you to take a stand on this issue! Let people like your classmates, teachers, parents, and principal know how you feel. Consider writing a letter to the principal or school board. Start a petition and convince others to sign. Whatever you do, you must not stay silent. If you do not voice your opinion, nothing will ever change.

Looking Back Once More… Look back at either the Year Round School essay, or the Cat essay by clicking on an image below. Pay attention to the writer’s conclusion. How is it similar to the introduction? Does it restate the topic and basic argument? Yes or No Does it call the reader to action? Yes or No Cat Essay Year Round School Essay

Let’s Review! Click on the image below to evaluate some persuasive essays. Would you give the writer a passing or a failing grade? Back to the Table of Contents

What grade would you give the following essay? PASS or FAIL Lockers for Everyone What would you think if you had to put your personal belongings in a crate, and every time you turn around something of yours were stolen? That is why I think students should have lockers. Students should have lockers to protect their things, keep their things somewhere clean, and so they won’t have to carry everything at once. Students should have lockers because it will stop people from stealing their stuff. For example, the children won’t have to worry about their books, homework assignments, and personal belongings being stolen. The reason for this is that the children will have their own lockers plus their own locks, which only they have the combination to. This will reduce cases where things are being stolen. Students also should have lockers so they will have a clean place to put their books. What I mean by this is that many desks are rusty and have gum stuck under them. Also, if you put you stuff into a crate then it is easily collecting dust. This connects to my argument because their stuff will be kept very clean in a neat environment if students are given lockers to use. My final reason why I think students should have lockers is so students won’t complain about carrying everything at once. The things that they may be carrying everyday are very heavy. This is important because students may suffer health problems from having to carry all their stuff everywhere. Why carry books everyday when you can eliminate the pain by having a locker to store the things you don’t need? Also, kids are always whining about having to carry all their books. If we had lockers everyone would be happier. In conclusion I think students should have lockers. If we have lockers stealing in school would go down, it would create a safe and clean place for students to put their things, and students would complain less and be healthier. If we had lockers, the school would be a happier place for everyone. If you don’t want your things stolen, contact your principal and demand lockers for your school. How does the writer “hook’ you? Question Quote Interesting Fact Descriptive Sentence Story

Click on the thesis statement. Lockers for Everyone What would you think if you had to put your personal belongings in a crate, and every time you turn around something of yours were stolen? That is why I think students should have lockers. Students should have lockers to protect their things, keep their things somewhere clean, and so they won’t have to carry everything at once. Students should have lockers because it will stop people from stealing their stuff. For example, the children won’t have to worry about their books, homework assignments, and personal belongings being stolen. The reason for this is that the children will have their own lockers plus their own locks, which only they have the combination to. This will reduce cases where things are being stolen. Students also should have lockers so they will have a clean place to put their books. What I mean by this is that many desks are rusty and have gum stuck under them. Also, if you put you stuff into a crate then it is easily collecting dust. This connects to my argument because their stuff will be kept very clean in a neat environment if students are given lockers to use. My final reason why I think students should have lockers is so students won’t complain about carrying everything at once. The things that they may be carrying everyday are very heavy. This is important because students may suffer health problems from having to carry all their stuff everywhere. Why carry books everyday when you can eliminate the pain by having a locker to store the things you don’t need? Also, kids are always whining about having to carry all their books. If we had lockers everyone would be happier. In conclusion I think students should have lockers. If we have lockers stealing in school would go down, it would create a safe and clean place for students to put their things, and students would complain less and be healthier. If we had lockers, the school would be a happier place for everyone. If you don’t want your things stolen, contact your principal and demand lockers for your school. Click on the thesis statement.

Click on the Call to Action. Lockers for Everyone What would you think if you had to put your personal belongings in a crate, and every time you turn around something of yours were stolen? That is why I think students should have lockers. Students should have lockers to protect their things, keep their things somewhere clean, and so they won’t have to carry everything at once. Students should have lockers because it will stop people from stealing their stuff. For example, the children won’t have to worry about their books, homework assignments, and personal belongings being stolen. The reason for this is that the children will have their own lockers plus their own locks, which only they have the combination to. This will reduce cases where things are being stolen. Students also should have lockers so they will have a clean place to put their books. What I mean by this is that many desks are rusty and have gum stuck under them. Also, if you put you stuff into a crate then it is easily collecting dust. This connects to my argument because their stuff will be kept very clean in a neat environment if students are given lockers to use. My final reason why I think students should have lockers is so students won’t complain about carrying everything at once. The things that they may be carrying everyday are very heavy. This is important because students may suffer health problems from having to carry all their stuff everywhere. Why carry books everyday when you can eliminate the pain by having a locker to store the things you don’t need? Also, kids always whining about having to carry all their books. If we had lockers everyone would be happier. In conclusion I think students should have lockers. If we have lockers stealing in school would go down, it would create a safe and clean place for students to put their things, and students would complain less and be healthier. If we had lockers, the school would be a happier place for everyone. If you don’t want your things stolen, contact your principal and demand lockers for your school. Click on the Call to Action.

What grade would you give the following essay? PASS or FAIL Facebook: To Do or Not To Do? Imagine a child as young as ten years old on the website Facebook chatting with a grown man or grown woman. Should parents let their children as young as ten years old be on Facebook? I think parents should not let their children or child be on Facebook because on Facebook there are a lot of things that are said and done that a child of that age should not be able to see. If a parent approves of a child being on Facebook it is very inappropriate. Because that child may tell a story about their age and someone much older may see it and think their telling the truth and start sending them messages and the child might not like it at all. When a child that young is on a website like Facebook they might get excited and go overboard. For example, the child might tell where they live, their address, and a lot more information that is not needed. In conclusion I think parents should not let children get on Facebook because many different things can happen.

Listen for the following: Now that you know all about Persuasive Writing, click on the video persuading you to buy burgers from In & Out Burgers. Listen for the following: Attention grabber / Hook 3 Supporting Arguments Conclusion

Congratulations! You are now an expert on persuasive writing. I think it’s time you give writing a persuasive essay of your own a try! Go back to the Table of Contents and Click on “Sample Topics” if you need help coming up with something to write about. Pick something that matters to you; it will make your essay stronger! Don’t forget about the “Graphic Organizer” to help you plan. You can click on it on the Table of Contents page. Back to Table of Contents

Works Cited http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/ws2k-summer.htm http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/sample.html http://staff.esuhsd.org/danielle/english%20department%20lvillage/Persuasive.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaGJNxCxB-s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfR6oAIgKUQ&feature=fvwrel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2LVSvN95gg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zF9mzGE1gs&feature=related http://grammarandcomposition.wikispaces.com/Prewriting+Strategies https://mytutor.sfasu.edu:8080/owl/preparation/2#brainstorming

Are you sure? Use the list below to determine whether the writer wrote a passing essay. 1. Began with a hook.   2. Stated a position and kept it. 3.Included a thesis statement containing three arguments. 4. Developed one argument in the first body paragraph. 5. Elaborated and explained that argument 6. Developed another argument in the second body paragraph. 7. Elaborated and explained that argument 8. Developed another argument in the third body paragraph. 9. Elaborated and explained that argument. 10. Reviewed arguments in the conclusion. 11. Ended with a call to action. 12. Indented paragraphs.

I AGREE!!! The Writer Did ALL of the following… 1. Began with a hook.   2. Stated a position and kept it. 3. Included a thesis statement containing 3 arguments. 4. Developed one argument in the first body paragraph. 5. Elaborated and explained that argument 6. Developed another argument in the second body paragraph. 7. Elaborated and explained that argument 8. Developed another argument in the third body paragraph. 9. Elaborated and explained that argument. 10. Reviewed arguments in the conclusion. 11. Ended with a call to action. 12. Indented paragraphs.

I agree! Most of the items on the checklist cannot be checked off! 1. Began with hook.  2. Stated a position and kept it.  3. Included a thesis statement containing 3 arguments.  4. Developed one argument in the first body paragraph.   5. Elaborated and explained that argument  6. Developed another argument in the second body paragraph.  7. Elaborated and explained that argument  8. Developed another argument in the third body paragraph.  9. Elaborated and explained that argument.  10. Reviewed arguments in the conclusion.   11. Ended with a call to action.   12. Indented paragraphs.  

OOPS... Try again!

Correct!!

Correct!!! Neither of the essays has a strong Call to Action. They DO, however, make great attempts to persuade the reader. It is okay if you don’t actually ask your reader to do something, but make sure you work hard to persuade him/her to change his/her THINKING. Can you think of a way to add a Call to Action to the essay you read?