What is persuasive writing?

What is persuasive writing? Persuasive writing is a piece of writing in which the writer presents reasons and examples to influence the reader’s actions or thoughts.

Some DOs and DON’Ts DO: Come up with a catchy title. Divide the essay into 5 paragraphs. Have an interesting introduction that contains not only a thesis statement but also a “hook.” Come up with 3 main points to support the argument (these will be the 3 body paragraphs—1 point per paragraph). Have a solid conclusion that contains a “clincher” statement. DON’T: Begin with the essay with, “Hello, my name is… and I’m going to write about…” Refrain from picking a side. Forget to support your opinions with facts and examples.

Stages of Writing Prewriting (graphic organizer) KWL Chart Persuasion Map Drafting (rough draft) Revising/Editing (peer review) Publishing (final draft)

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is one sentence at the end of the introduction that states the main idea of the essay. In persuasive writing, the thesis statement is the writer’s opinion on the topic. In order to be effective, the thesis statement must be strong (clearly related to one side of the argument).

Which thesis statement is stronger and why? I think that we should have more field trips. Bear Creek Community Charter School should provide its students with more field trips throughout the school year.

An Interesting Introduction with a “Hook” Never start a persuasive essay—or any essay, for that matter—with “Hello, my name is… and I’m going to write about…” IT IS NOT A SPEECH! Here are some introductory techniques (“hooks”) that are often used in persuasive writing: Anecdote Riddle Quotation Shocking Statement

Anecdote An anecdote is a short, personal story that can not only be used to emphasize the writer’s opinion but also grab the reader’s attention. Example: Sally got out of bed and looked at the alarm clock. She was running late and would have to hurry to catch the bus. Today, she was glad that her school had a uniform policy; she didn’t have to waste much time picking out an outfit!

Riddle A riddle is a challenging thought that can be used to grab the reader’s attention. Example: What’s plain and boring? What makes all students in a school building look the same and lose their individuality? If you guessed uniforms, you’re correct!

Quotation A quotation is something that has been said conversationally, famously, etc., that can be used to grab the reader’s attention. Conversational Quote: I’ll never forget the day my brother exclaimed, “I’ve signed up to fight for my country!” Well-Known Quote: It has been said that “war is nothing without a solider to fight it.”

Shocking Statement A shocking statement provides “startling” statistics or facts that can be used to grab the reader’s attention. Example: Did you know that over 90% of students polled are dissatisfied with school lunch, but only 5% are willing to pack their own lunches?

A Solid Conclusion with a “Clincher” Statement A “clincher” statement is the last line of the conclusion that leaves the reader with a lasting impression. Example: In conclusion, over 95% of parents polled are in agreement with a school-wide uniform policy. Uniforms allow students to be who they are, not what they wear. After all, shouldn’t school be about academics rather than apparel? It’s time our nation got back to reading, writing, an arithmetic, not Urban Outfitters, American Eagle, and Abercrombie and Fitch.

Review What are some DOs and DON’Ts of persuasive writing? What is a thesis statement and where is it located? What is a “hook” and where is it located? Define the following: anecdote, riddle, quotation, and shocking statement? How they can be used to grab the reader’s attention? What information should be contained in the body of a persuasive essay? What is a “clincher” statement, where is it located, and how is it used?

Grading Focus Content Organization Style Conventions Hook, thesis statement, and staying on topic Content At least 3 reasons to support thesis statement, facts and examples to support each reason, and “clincher” statement Organization Logical order and transitions (e.g., “First,” “Next,” and “Last”) Style Excellent word choice—avoiding words such as “stuff” and “things” Conventions Correct spelling and grammar