YOUR CHANCE TO ARGUE THE ISSUES!

 There are several types of writing you may be asked to do in the Keystone Exams. ◦ Descriptive writing uses specific details to create pictures for the reader to “see.” ◦ Expository or informational (non-fiction) writing is used to explain or inform. This includes “how-to” information, facts, ideas and statistics. The Keystones will place emphasis on reading and evaluation of this type of writing.  Paragraphs MUST be in a logical order!  This is the kind of writing that is included on essay tests.

◦ Narrative writing tells a story and is usually written in a chronological order of events. ◦ Persuasive writing expresses the writer’s opinion or issues a call to action – reader is expected to do something!  PERSUASION OR ARGUMENTATION  PERSUASION OR ARGUMENTATION: ◦ Three types of appeals may be used to gain results  Appeal to the mind – logical arguments  Reasons are supported by evidence!  Use data that can be proven or statements by authorities  Appeal to the heart – emotional arguments  Be careful of the words you use! A leader with bold vision? OR a leader with reckless unproved ideas?

 Appeal to ethics – ethical arguments  Targets the readers sense of right and wrong  Objective is to use argument to gain reader’s trust.  Uses words like truth, fairness, liberty …  Often “demonizes” the opposition or is used for the unusual viewpoint such as a tobacco exec who speaks out against smoking. ◦ How a persuasion essay is constructed  Opening paragraph or introduction  SUBJECT AND PURPOSE MUST BE STATED BRIEFLY, CLEARLY AND STRONGLY.  Grabs the attention of the reader – WOW factor  Used as transition into the remainder of the essay (the bridge) WOW + SUBJECT + PURPOSE

 Middle paragraphs are support paragraphs  ONLY THREE ARGUMENTS NECESSARY IN A FIVE-PARAGRAPH PAPER!  Arguments are arranged in a logical order – only essential ideas are presented! Counterargument essential!!  The strongest argument is presented in the fourth paragraph!!  Develop the arguments with memorable details  Transition words (furthermore, therefore, in addition …) are used as bridges between arguments. ◦ TRANSITION + REASON (weakest, then stronger, then strongest) + PERSONAL OR ILLUSTRATION + COUNTERARGUMENT  Concluding Paragraph  Ties together all of the arguments  RESTATE THE POSITION OF THE WRITER AND REITERATE REASONS FOR IT!  Make a strong impression  Be sure that the reader knows what he/she is to do with the arguments presented – issue a call to action! ◦ TRANSITION + RESTATED POSITION AND REASONS + CALL TO ACTION.

 Tips for Persuasive Writers ◦ BRAINSTORMING IS VITAL!!!!  Brainstorm both your arguments and those of your opponent.  Do your research – the more you know of the opposing view, the more effective will be your arguments against it. ◦ BE SPECIFIC!!!  “We should tear down the house because it is good idea.” OR “We should tear down the house because it is an eyesore and a fire hazard.”

◦ ADDRESS THE OPPOSITION ARGUMENT DIRECTLY!!!  Opinion: We should build more nuclear weapons because we need protection from other nations with nuclear arms.  You write: Building more nuclear weapons does not protect us from the threat of a nuclear attack. It only encourages the opposition to increase their numbers as well. ◦ See next slide for Graham’s Counterargument Heirarchy. ◦ YOUR OPINION SHOULD BE THE TOPIC SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH!!! ◦ THE MOST IMPORTANT WORD = BECAUSE

Refuting the Central Point Refutation Counterargument Contradiction Responding to Tone Ad Hominem Name-calling Explicitly refutes the central point Finds the mistake and explains why it is mistaken; uses quotes. Contradicts and then backs up with reasoning and/or supporting evidence. States the opposing case with little or no supporting evidence. Criticizes the tone of the writing without attacking the substance of the argument. Attacks the characteristics or authority of the writer without addressing the substance of the argument. Sounds something like this: “You are an idiot.”

 PERSUASION ESSAY WRITING IS AS EASY AS SOLVING A MATH EQUATION: WOW OPENING + SUBJECT + PURPOSE + TRANSITION + REASON (weakest) + PERSONAL OR ILLUSTRATION + COUNTERARGUMENT +TRANSITION + REASON (stronger) + PERSONAL OR ILLUSTRATION + COUNTERARGUMENT +TRANSITION + REASON (strongest) + PERSONAL OR ILLUSTRATION + COUNTERARGUMENT + TRANSITION + RESTATED POSITION AND REASONS + CALL TO ACTION ___________________________________________________ A PROFICIENT OR ADVANCED PERSUASION ESSAY!!!