1. Persuasive Writing Types of evidence
Stake Your Claim (50 pts) in Section B, “Contemplation & Argumentation” unit
Prove It (200 pts) in Section D, “Contemplation & Argumentation” unit
Remember, in persuasive writing, you take one side of an issue then prove and defend it.
Types of evidence

2. The scenario…
A large group of homeless people has set up a camp near your home. Some people in your community want the town government and police to send these people away. Others feel the community should let them stay and help them.
- You have a strong opinion on the matter and want to share it with the town council and people.
- You must first submit a proposal in which you outline your argument.

3. Writing assignment #1 Stake Your Claim
Take a stand.
Decide which side of the issue you’re on.
Do you support removing the homeless, or do you support allowing them to stay and be assisted?
Write an arguable thesis.
Part 1: The position statement
Directly state your opinion—not a belief, personal preference, or fact.
Part 2: The defense
Present your three main supporting reasons
(often listed in a “because” clause).
Gather your evidence.
You need to be able to prove your claim.

4. Review this example thesis that a student formulated on saving his town library…
The town should preserve the old library instead of tearing it down because fixing it is less costly, keeping it preserves the town’s character, and the children in this community need a library.
Carefully study how Ryan, the avatar, formulates his thesis, three main supporting reasons, and evidence.

5. Use the worksheet… Write in complete sentences!
Claim: Thesis statement
Support: Three main supporting arguments
Examples: Supporting evidence
Conclusion: Thesis restated
Don’t repeat yourself.
Focus on it, not how, the homeless should be helped.
Don’t write about how the government might assist the homeless.
Write in complete sentences!

6. Review the Stake Your Claim rubric
All 14 boxes are filled in with complete sentences.
The thesis takes a clear side of the issue and is arguable.
Support statements are directly related to the thesis and provable with details, examples, or facts.
Example (evidence) statements are specific and directly related to the support.
The final statement restates the thesis and is brief and memorable.

7. Writing assignment #2 Prove It
Your proposal has been accepted by the town council! Now, you’ve got to get ready for the town meeting, in which you will convincingly present your side of the issue.
You have four options for expanding your “Stake Your Claim” proposal into a presentation for the meeting:
Five-paragraph essay
A mp3 audio file of a dramatic delivery of your presentation
PowerPoint presentation of slides, with text and graphics
Multimedia presentation with audio, video, photographs, animation and/or art work

8. Review the Prove It rubric
An arguable thesis (in the introduction and conclusion)
An introduction (with a good hook)
3 supporting sections
A conclusion (make it memorable)
At least 3 different types of evidence
All 2 types of appeals (logos, ethos, pathos)
Refutation
At least 3 rhetorical devices
Fewer than 5 obvious logical fallacies

9. Don’t forget the refutation!
Anticipate your opponents’ argument and refute it. Prove that your opponent is wrong, either through logical argument or by providing evidence to the contrary.

10. Get it together! What is going to prove your point?
You have a number of choices.
Facts
Statistics
Examples
Expert testimony
Public opinion
Testimonials
Anecdotes (stories)
Analogies (comparisons)
Scientific evidence
Case studies
Use at least three types of evidence.

11. The town should preserve the old library instead of tearing it down because fixing it is less costly, keeping it preserves the town’s character, and the children in this community need a library.

12. Facts Definition: Non-disputable pieces of information
Example: It would cost at least $500,000 to demolish the old library and build a new one.
Facts are the strongest evidence you can provide because they can neither be interpreted nor refuted.

13. Statistics Definition: A collection of numerical data
Example: Demolishing the library would hurt more children than adults in this town because more than 50 % of the patrons are under 18.

14. Expert testimony
Definition: A quote expressing ideas or conclusions from an expert on the subject
Example: According to a professional contractor, the building requires nothing more than new plumbing and electrical systems and some work in the façade.

15. Testimonials Definition: Oral or written statements from eyewitnesses
Example: Owners of neighboring businesses and homes have signed statements indicating they support preservation of the old building.

16. Public opinion
Definition: A view held by the general public, in the form of a poll or a generalization
Example: Everyone supports recycling, and by preserving the building we would be recycling many materials.

17. Examples Definition: A demonstration of a thing or principal
Example: The best cities in the world have preserved their historic libraries and turned them into thriving cultural centers.

18. Anecdotes (stories)
Definition: A short narrative about an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident
Example: I remember 10 years ago, when our town lost several historic buildings to that fire that occurred on Main Street. Let’s not sacrifice another historic building.

19. Analogies
Definition: A comparison between two things that are similar in some way, often used to help explain something or make it easier to understand
Example: Unfortunately, building a fancy building does not guarantee new businesses will come. This not the “Field of Dreams.” What if you build it and they don’t come?

20. Case studies
Definition: An in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event
Example: According to a study at Princeton, children who go to the library at a young age are more likely to attend college.

21. Scientific evidence
Definition: Facts or theories produced from scientific tests or studies
Example: Social scientists have shown that kids who read a lot are more creative and score higher on intelligence tests.