1. Persuasive Writing Persuasive Writing

2. Persuasive writing allows you to use the power of language to inform and influence others. It can take many forms, including speeches, newspaper editorials, billboards, advertisements, and critical reviews.

3. Presents the issue and states my opinion Supporting Evidence Summary of opinion and call to action Why I believe it Introduction Body Conclusion

4. Open the green Language Network book to page 465. Open the green Language Network book to page 465.

5. Successful persuasion should have a strong introductionhave a strong introduction clearly state the issue and the writer’s positionclearly state the issue and the writer’s position present ideas logicallypresent ideas logically support the position with facts, statistics, and reasonssupport the position with facts, statistics, and reasons answer opposing viewpoints and possible objections to your positionanswer opposing viewpoints and possible objections to your position use language appropriate to the audienceuse language appropriate to the audience end with a strong argument, summary, or a call to actionend with a strong argument, summary, or a call to action

6. Key Techniques State your opinionState your opinion Know your audienceKnow your audience Support your opinion (Evidence, Evidence, Evidence!—PROVE IT!)Support your opinion (Evidence, Evidence, Evidence!—PROVE IT!) Begin and end with powerBegin and end with power

7. State your opinion —Taking a stand on an issue and clearly stating your opinion are essential to every piece of persuasive writing. Public tax dollars should continue to fund Green Park Zoo.

8. Know your audience— Knowing who will read your writing will help you decide what information you need to share and what tone you should use to communicate your message.

9. Know your audience: Who is my audience?Who is my audience? What do they already know about the topic?What do they already know about the topic? What do they need to know?What do they need to know? What might their opinions be about the topic?What might their opinions be about the topic? What reasons might appeal to this audience?What reasons might appeal to this audience? Would your audience respond to humor or would they expect a more serious approach?Would your audience respond to humor or would they expect a more serious approach?

10. In the model below, the writer has chosen a formal tone that is appropriate for a letter to a politician or for a newspaper editorial. In fact, an increase in funding will enable Green Park Zoo to expand its highly successful habitat program.

11. Support your opinion— Using reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and anecdotes will show your audience why you feel the way you do.

12. The zoo’s habitat program concentrates on the conservation of endangered species, such as orangutans. Last year, the program raised 1.4 million dollars to educate people about conservation (Selles, 346). Over 300,000 school children participated in their Conservation for Kids classes (Audit Report 2009). In addition, Green Park Zoo rescued three mistreated orangutans from private research institutions. These examples show Green Park’s dedication to conservation.

13. Begin with power Hook your readers with a: Detailed description Detailed description Amusing or shocking anecdote Amusing or shocking anecdote Provocative question Provocative question Clever quotation Clever quotation Shocking statistic Shocking statistic

14. Have you ever enjoyed the antics of the orangutans at Green Park Zoo? Have you learned about the habitat of polar bears by visiting the zoo’s polar bear exhibit? I want to ensure that this wonderful facility does not close down and make sure that public funding for the zoo continues.

15. End memorably with power Sum up what you have said in support of your standSum up what you have said in support of your stand Finish with a:Finish with a: Plea for actionPlea for action PredictionPrediction Memorable quotationMemorable quotation

16. Many people, old and young alike, have spent countless enjoyable hours at Green Park Zoo. Not only is it a place for relaxation and fun, it is also an important scientific laboratory where trained professionals work together to create educational programs and ensure the survival of endangered species.

17. Don’t let this valuable asset close down. Make sure that public tax dollars continue to support Green Park Zoo. Call for action

18. (Issue) Pros (Arguments in favor of the issue) Cons (Arguments against the issue) Create the following chart in your S.O.K.

19. Water Conservation Pros (Arguments in favor of the issue) Cons (Arguments against the issue) Create the following chart in your S.O.K. We live in a desert—less water to begin with We live in a desert—less water to begin with Drought conditions exist Drought conditions exist Population increases—need more water to go around— prevent shortages Population increases—need more water to go around— prevent shortages More water for food growing = lower food costs More water for food growing = lower food costs Water costs are going up Water costs are going up Inconvenient to obsess about using water all the time Inconvenient to obsess about using water all the time Want attractive, clean, fun yards and homes—need water for landscaping, swimming pools, etc. Want attractive, clean, fun yards and homes—need water for landscaping, swimming pools, etc. Believe drought is being used to raise water rates—not a necessityBelieve drought is being used to raise water rates—not a necessity

20. Issues Group Discussion: 1.Get into the group with students who have the same issue. This will be called your issue group. 2.Without debating, discuss the pros and cons of the issue. To do this, go around the group and share what you came up with. 3.Don’t evaluate the arguments at this point, but take notes and add to your chart.

21. Homework: 1.Carefully research the sites on your issue. Begin at balancedpolitics.org/index.htm. It’s linked on yourhomework.com. From there use some the links listed to get more information. Make sure your research is balanced. If you go to a pro site, make sure you go to a con site too. Keep track of any sites you go to on your citing sources sheet. 2.Add to your T chart any arguments on both sides that should be considered. At this point you have NOT determined a position. You are researching each side’s position and gathering information from both sides. Bring your updated chart with you to class, but don’t tear it out of your S.O.K.