PERSUASION Front-Loading The Persuasive Essay

What is Persuasion?  Persuasion is  an attempt to convince someone to believe something they otherwise may not.  a method of argument that asks the listener to alter their perceptions to accommodate another perspective.

Scientifically Persuasive  Studies have found certain things to be more persuasive than others  These occur in everyday life These  How can these relate to writing?

The Persuasive Essay  Like most essays, composed of:  Introduction  Body Paragraphs (At Least 3)  Conclusion  Each of these consist of at least 5 sentences (but probably more!)

The Introduction  Begins with an attention grabber!  Strong Thesis  Organizes following paragraphs  Leads into first Body Paragraph

The Attention Grabber  Grabs reader’s attention  Interesting fact One of Michael Jordan’s most inspirational performances was in the Flu Game when he scored 38 points with a 103 degree fever.  Statement Michael Jordan is without a doubt the greatest basketball player of all time.  Quote Michael Jordan once said, “If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.”

The Attention Grabber  Anecdote  When the Bulls were headed to Utah for Games 6 and 7 of the Finals, Michael Jordan only packed enough clothes for a single day because he knew he would not need them.  Question  How could anyone ever think LeBron is a better basketball player than Jordan?

The Thesis  Flows directly from your Attention Grabber  Tells the reader what your essay is about  Not too specific Michael Jordan has the best follow through.  Not too broad Michael Jordan is a great human being.

The Organizing Sentences  Rest of the sentences explain  How you plan to prove the thesis  The order of the upcoming paragraphs

The Body Paragraphs  Each paragraph stays on one particular topic  Each have an introductory sentence  Reminds reader topic of the paragraph  Uses evidence from research to convince reader  Use techniques of persuasion to reinforce evidence  Anticipates reader questions/opposing arguments

Conclusion  Restates thesis in new way  Reinforces key arguments/Summarizes important details  Provides a final statement to sway reader  Prediction LeBron may come close, but he will never “Be Like Mike”  Question So now how does LeBron compare to Jordan?  Recommendation  Quotation