Persuasive Writing Writing that attempts convince or persuade. Introductory Paragraph Body Paragraphs (usually 3+) Concluding Paragraph
Introductory Paragraph (First) Attention Grabber Background Information Position Statement Intro gets more and more specific
Introduction: Attention Grabber Function/Purpose Hooks reader First sentence(s) of intro. paragraph General/broad concept related to some aspect of prompt What it is NOT Unrelated to prompt Not a sentence or question with “you” in it Not too specific Not a sentence with title/author in it
Introduction: Background Info Function/Purpose Provides context for reader about the origin of the issue (taken from prompt) Mentions stakeholders (those impacted) Provides link between grabber and specifics of prompt What it is NOT Not a position statement Not analysis Not a sentence with subtopics in it Not a quote from text
Introduction: Position Statement (Thesis) Function/Purpose Presents clear position on a debatable issue May or may not include reasons Contains compelling diction (“should,” “must,” etc.) Belongs in last sentence of intro. What it is NOT No “I” statements Not a basic fact Not a quote from text No direct reference to paper (ie, In the following paragraphs…)
Body Paragraph (3+) Topic Sentence Appeals Evidence Commentary/ Concluding Sentences All this combines to aid your Persuasive Appeal(s)
Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence Function/Purpose States a reason Tied directly to main position First sentence of body paragraph Should be able to read T.S. and ask, “How so?” What it is NOT Not a specific detail Not a basic fact Not a quote from text Not a sentence that cannot be or already is proven
Body Paragraph: Appeals Function/Purpose Logos: Logical, factual reasons (data, statistics, numbers, etc.) Ethos: Ethical, moral reasons (responsibility, obligation) and/or credibility established Pathos: Emotional reasons (fear, anger, sorrow, etc.)—uses connotative language What it is NOT Not too specific Not a quote Not stating the obvious
Body Paragraph: Evidence (minors) Function/Purpose Specific quotes, concrete details, examples, anecdotes, etc. to support each appeal What it is NOT Not a 2nd person question (effective rhetorical questions acceptable in moderation) Not analysis Not irrelevant examples or details
Body Paragraph: Commentary/Concluding Sentences Function/Purpose Writer’s analysis Connects back to position statement Extends to larger implications Provides closure for each body What it is NOT Not unrelated to prompt No advice to reader No introduction of new idea Not exact wording as T.S
Anticipation of the Opposition (Concession) and Rebuttal (Refutation) Function/Purpose Presents opposing/opposite argument Concedes a point Offers a counter argument May be placed anywhere in the body of essay May offer more than one What it is NOT Not a concession without a counter argument Not ad hominem (personal attacks) or other fallacy
Concluding Paragraph (End) Restate Position Statement Summarize appeals Usually ends with a call to action (what do you want your reader to do?)
Concluding Paragraph Function/Purpose Provides closure for essay Restatement of position using different wording Brief summary of appeals presented in essay (esp. in longer essay) Final thought-provoking/ memorable (relevant) insight Call to action What it is NOT Not word-for-word restatement of position No new information introduced No 2nd person call to action (ie, “You should…”)
Style DO Use formal and compelling diction Use variety of syntax Choose logical sequencing with transitions Give a variety of appeals DO NOT Use 2nd person and 1st person singular pronouns (unless prompt asks about personal experiences) Use contractions Make direct references to paper (In this essay…)
Body Paragraph Organization (do this at least three times) BODY PARAGRAPH #1 Topic Sentence—Reason #1: Appeals (emotional, ethical, logical) and Evidence: Opposition and Rebuttal: