What is persuasive writing?

What is a fact? example: What is an opinion? example:

What is persuasion? The act of influencing someone to believe or consider a certain point of view by using an argument or reasoning.

Persuasive writing is… Writing in which an author expresses facts or opinions to try to convince the reader.

What is the goal of persuasive writing? to state the writer’s opinion to give reasons why the reader should agree to convince the reader to take action

Supporting Facts and Statistics Arguments in persuasive writing should be supported by facts and statistics. It’s important to wear sunscreen when you are outside in the summer. It smells good. It’s really smart to wear sunscreen. Even a suntan is evidence that the sun has damaged your skin. You should always drive the speed limit. Driving fast is dangerous. Speeding is a contributing factor of one-third of fatal car crashes. Speeding isn’t fun. Frozen fruit pops are healthier than ice cream. They taste better. There is no fat in frozen fruit pops. Grape is the best flavor.

Some DOS and DON’Ts Do: Divide into 5 paragraphs Have a thesis statement in your introduction Come up with 3 main points to support your argument—these will be your 3 body paragraphs Have a conclusion that contains a clincher statement Come up with a catchy title Don’t Begin with “hello my name is___ and I’m going to write about____” Take out the word I (instead of I think we shouldn’t wear uniforms say “Uniforms shouldn’t be required” Be wishy washy. Pick a side. Forget to support your opinions with facts and example

‘To be persuasive, we must be believable ‘To be persuasive, we must be believable. To be believable, we must be credible. To be credible, we must be truthful.’ (Hellmut Walters) (Persuasion) ‘… a ‘process in which the communicator seeks to elicit a desired response.’ (Anderson 1971)

Logos An attempt to persuade the audience (or reader) through sound reasoning. Reliable evidence, e.g. facts, definitions, statistics and other data that appeals to the logic and intelligence of the audience.

Ethos Appeal of the speaker or writer in terms of his / her credibility and experience Presents, directly or indirectly, a profile that sets a stamp of authority on the words used to persuade.

Pathos An appeal to the emotions of the reader or audience. Attempt to induce a particular state of mind in e.g. anger, understanding, sympathy, tolerance Taps into the sentiment or feelings of the audience or readership.

Logos, Pathos & Ethos in essay writing (logical) Pathos (emotional) Ethos (credibility) Check facts carefully before including Demonstrate your knowledge of relevant Theories, Models, Ideas and Practices Give evidence to back up statements, accurately referenced. Demonstrate your knowledge of a range of arguments. Illustrate ideas with real life examples (or quotations; see p.20) Use simple words; and that connect with the senses and reality of your readers’ lives. Address the reader in an intelligent manner. Strive for variety in your writing (see p.20) Clear structure to your writing Succinct and to the point No spelling or grammatical errors Demonstrate your reading on the essay topic.

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