Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Essay A persuasive essay is a written work in which a writer presents a case for or against a particular position. Each logical argument, powerful image, or striking phrase in the essay is like a step on a staircase leading to a window.

Five things a persuasive essay MUST have… 1. an issue with more than one side 2. a clear organization that builds toward a conclusion 3. a clear statement of the writer’s position 4. evidence supporting the writer’s position, including arguments, statistics, experts opinions, and personal observations 5. powerful images and language (use VIVID language)

Three Types of Persuasive Writing 1. Editorial: is a brief persuasive essay, intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or other medium, that states and defends an opinion on a current issue. Stop rewarding  incompetence and greed Joel Worthington - Excelsior, Minn. When many hardworking Americans are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table for their family, the recent government bailouts and guarantees for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and American International Group present a problem. Should these companies have been bailed out at taxpayers' expense to prevent further economic ramifications? Probably. (Rally round: Wall Streeter Brian Dolan worked through the buying surge following news of a multibillion-dollar bank bailout / Henny Ray Abrams, AP) Continue reading. From Editorial page of USA Today

2. Political speeches: are persuasive speeches intended to win support for a policy, law, or reform.                                                                                John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address Given on Friday, January 20, 1961                                                                                Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens: We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end as well as a beginning—signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago. The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe—the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God. We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

3. Public-Service Announcements Public service announcements are radio and TV commercials written to persuade and educate the public. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl5gBJGnaXs

Persuasive Techniques Bandwagon appeal-is often used in advertising. It encourages the reader to believe in something because “everyone else” believes in it. Don’t be the only one without Biz Bleach. Everyone else is enjoying the cleaning power of Biz!

Loaded Language Loaded language-Writers who want to sway your opinion may try to appeal to your emotions by using loaded language. This means using words that reader have a strong reaction to. My opponent’s forward ideas can only be funded by taking money out of the pockets of hard-working taxpayers. Coca-Cola Commercial

Overgeneralization Overgeneralization is a sweeping statement about people, places, and things. If a statement is too broad to be proved, it is an overgeneralization. Nobody likes school lunches.

Testimonials A testimonial is often used in advertising. Testimonials employ celebrities or satisfied customers to endorse a product or idea. This techniques hopes that the reader will buy a product because it is backed by a person he or she likes or would like to be like.