1. Unit 3: Notes #20 PERSUASION
Remember to label your notes by number. This way you will know if you are missing notes, you’ll know what notes you need, etc.
Include the date of the notes given.

2. PERSUASION VS. ARGUMENT
Persuasion and argument are often used interchangeably
Persuasion is a broad term, which includes many tactics designed to move people to a position, a belief, or a course of action
Argument is a specific kind of persuasion based on the principles of logic and reasoning

3. ESSENTIAL PIECES OF AN ARGUMENT
An issue open to debate
Your position on the issue
Your reasons for that position
Evidence to support your reason
Experience, expert opinion, research and statistics

4. THE ROLE OF THE AUDIENCE
Understanding your audience is key to effective writing of all kinds, especially persuasive writing
An argument is an implicit dialogue or exchange with your audience, so in writing arguments, assume there is a reader that will not agree with you
Audience awareness is absolutely essential to successful persuasion and argument; therefore…
Know your audience
What is their position on the issue?
How strongly do they feel about it?
Are they open-minded enough to consider other views?
What will their objections be to your argument?

5. STRUCTURE OF A CLASSIC ARGUMENT
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Background Information
Reasons and Evidence
The Opposing View and the Refutation
Conclusions

6. USING A REASONABLE TONE
Shows you are fair-minded and therefore adds to your credibility
When you acknowledge the opposition with balanced language, it shows that your respect the opposing views
No matter how passionate you are about the issue, don’t resort to careless, harsh words; this would show more about your than the issue

7. OFFERING A COUNTER ARGUMENT
Addressing the opposition demonstrates your credibility as a writer
It shows that you have researched multiple sides of the argument and have come to an informed decision
Remember, keep a balanced tone when attempting to debunk the opposition

8. LET’S PRACTICE

9. Now it is your turn…
Write a paragraph designed to PERSUADE the argument assigned to the audience assigned. Be sure to have three reasons with evidence to support your reasons. Remember to address the counter-argument and refute it appropriately.

10. Option 1: Nearly all private schools require students to wear uniforms
Option 1: Nearly all private schools require students to wear uniforms. Should public school students wear uniforms too? Argue for or against school uniforms for public school students to the school’s administration. Option 2: Should parents be a child’s disciplinarian, or their best friend? Take a position and argue it as an open letter in the newspaper. Option 3: Many students feel that taking physical education in high school is not necessary, while others see great benefit in it. Should physical education be a graduation requirement? Write to convince your legislators Option 4: Celebrities normally get paid many times the amount that fire- fighters, teachers and policemen earn. Think about whether you believe that celebrity salaries should be lowered. Now convince the general public that your point of view is justified. Option 5: Current research suggests that because teenagers have different sleep patterns, they would benefit from beginning the school day at a later time. Suppose the School Board proposed that high school schedules begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. Argue to the School Board your thoughts about whether this later schedule would be beneficial or not