1. Agenda Review Gun article Logical Fallacies:Memory
Persuasive Techniques Notes
Brainstorm and prewriting for your essay

2. Agenda
Voice in writing
Detecting bias
RW?

3. VOICE
The way we speak to our friends and the way we speak to teachers is very different
We call these differences in “voice”
You use different “voices” for different audiences

4. Changes in voice
Familiar: Used with family and friends. May not use proper grammar, complete sentences, or fully explain things.
Also involves the use of slang and “inside jokes”

5. Formal voice
Formal/Semi-Formal: Used in professional situations (work/school) and with authority figures (judges/police/teachers/bosses).
Uses complete sentences
Fully explains ideas
Avoids slang
Formal is usually written
Semi-formal involves speech

6. Detecting Bias Bias- Presenting only one side of the argument
Does not acknowledge other perspectives or other valid solutions to an issue/argument
Omits, or leaves out, parts of their argument that can be criticized
Makes their position appear more solid than it really is.

7. Detecting Bias To detect bias in arguments look for: Logical fallacies
Personal opinions presented as fact
Information that is not supported with facts
Arguments have no support (usually a writer’s hunch, prediction, or opinion).

8. Persuasive Techniques

9. Bandwagon Because everyone is doing it, you should too.
Example: Almost every kid in the world loves soccer, it should be your favorite sport

10. Testimonial
Uses a statement from someone to persuade you to think or act as she or he does.
Example: Hi, I’m Katy Perry and this is the best face wash I’ve ever used. Try it, you won’t be disappointed.

11. Expert Opinion
Using quotes from a person who is an expert on the topic
Example: Cycling historian Paul Ligett has called Eddy Merckx the “greatest cyclist of all time”

12. Statistics Using research to support the writer’s view
Example: Over 83% of students love getting homework over weekends and holidays

13. Call to Action
Encouraging the reader to do something about the issue at hand
Example: All of us need to write the principal and let him know our disappointment in his decision to adopt school uniforms

14. Emotional Appeal
Using details to create an emotional response (pity, disgust, fear, anger, etc.)
Example: Every second that you don’t act, another child goes hungry.

15. Rhetorical Question
Using a question to get the reader’s attention and focus on the purpose
Example: Do we really need to drill for more oil?

16. Cause and Effect Stating the effect that something may have
Example: If you wear high heels everyday, you are going to damage the muscles in your feet.