1. Persuasive Writing

2. In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something.

3. Persuasive writing is often used in advertisements to get the reader to buy a product. It is also used in essays and other types of writing to get the reader to accept a point of view. In order to convince the reader you need more than opinion; you need facts or examples to back your opinion. So, be sure to do the research.

4. Persuasive writing follows a particular format
Persuasive writing follows a particular format. It has an introduction, a body where the argument is developed, and a conclusion.
As in any other piece of writing, you need to follow the Writing Process: Pre-write, Organize, Write, Edit, Revise and Share.

5. Introduction
The introduction has a “hook or grabber” to catch the reader’s attention. Some “grabbers” include:

6. 1. Opening with an unusual detail.
For example: Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a great place to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world.

7. 2. Opening with a strong statement.
Ex: If you want to persuade your audience that students should only go to school four days a week, you may begin with: Imagine if every weekend was a long weekend.

8. 3. Opening with a quotation.
For example: “Attending school five days a week is a throw back to Victorian times. This is modern times and we should have school four days a week, not five,” so says professor Blitzy Blue of Cornell University.

9. 4. Opening with an anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point. an anecdote is just a little story related to the point you are trying to make. If you are talking to someone about the importance of keeping their room clean, you might tell them a story about how you or someone was so messy they lost their most important possessions until long after the item was replaced costing them a lot of money.

10. 5. Opening with a Statistic or a Fact
5. Opening with a Statistic or a Fact. Sometimes a statistic or a fact will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the source.

11. 6. Opening with a question.
For example: Do students really benefit from attending school five out of seven days?

12. 7. Opening with an exaggeration or outrageous statement.
For example: The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.

13. Your introduction should also include your topic, what you believe about your topic and what it is about the topic that you are going to discuss.

14. The Body
The body of your essay should have three paragraphs that you use to defend or support your point of view.
Each paragraph should give a solid reason to back your view.

15. Ways in which to support your point of view:
1. Use facts (research).
2. Make it personal (tell a story).
3. Generate a hypothetical instance. (What if…? Suppose that…)

16. Paragraph 4 of the body
Present the opposing point of view. Show the reader that you know that there is another side to the argument. Be sure to do this without bias…do not take pot-shots at the other side.

17. Conclusion In the conclusion, you are to:
1. Restate (in a different manner) your point of view.
2. Summarize the important details of your argument. This enables your audience to recall the main points of your position.
3. Make a personal comment or a call to action.