1. Strategy to use when writing a Persuasive Essay
RAFTS
Strategy to use when writing a
Persuasive Essay

2. RAFTS is a writing strategy
All effective writing has these 5 key components:
Role of the author – voice and p.o.v. are clear.
Audience is clear – affects choice of style and content.
Format is appropriate for the audience and topic – affects writing conventions (what language choices, etc. are ok).
Topic is clear – what main ideas that are focused on.
Strong verb is used to summarize the author’s purpose for writing the essay.

3. What is a Persuasive essay?
Discusses a topic of interest
Makes an argument about that topic
Attempts to convince the audience to adopt the writer’s position on that topic

4. Example of RAFTS at work
Consider this prompt – What kind of writing would it produce? Role: You are a columnist for a Canadian magazine. Audience: Its reader can be expected to have a high school education, to have a deep interest in the topic of the essay you are reviewing, and to be familiar with the language you are using. Format: The format of your column is a persuasive essay Topic: Your topic is the value of an essay you read on the value of the music industry. Strong verb: Your purpose is to convince your readers of the strengths and weaknesses of this essay and of the value of reading it. You would pick a verb that would achieve this purpose.

5. Let’s Do RAFTS For Your Persuasive Essays…
Role: Audience: Format: Topic: Strong Verb:

6. Your Task You have 25 minutes to:
Read Essay A: The Attack on the World Trade Centre
Complete the handout for Essay A on your own.
We will exchange papers with a neighbor and go over the answers as a class.