Writing a Persuasive Paper

The intention of Persuasive Writing is to influence the reader to change the way he or she thinks or acts. The writer tries to convince the reader through argument or advice to believe or do as the writer thinks should be believed or done. In persuasive writing, the author states and supports opinion and then tries to get the reader to agree of take an action.

Making Your Point

Objectives a. Use b. Structure c. Clarify and defend d. Address

Use Use specific rhetorical devices to support assertions (e.g., appeal to logic through reasoning; appeal to emotion or ethical belief; relate a personal anecdote, case study, or analogy).

Appeals Ethos Logos Pathos

Ethos (Credibility) Ethos: the source's credibility, the speaker's / author's authority We tend to believe people whom we respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project an impression to the reader that you are someone worth listening to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.

Ethos Example: Product: George Foreman and his Grilling Machine Repertoire: Boxing Champ and a Preacher Why is George Foreman credible?

Logos (Logical) Logos: the logic used to support a claim (induction and deduction); can also be the facts and statistics used to help support the argument. Persuading by the use of reasoning. An effective and persuasive reason that supports your ideas.

Logos Example: Idea: Students should be allowed to use cell phones during school hours. List three supporting facts and/or statistics that will support the aforementioned idea.

Logos Example continued… Few of our children breath fresh air in their schools, which are being sprayed, inside and out, with millions of pounds of deadly, nervous system destroying pesticides. What are the details provided in this claim?

Pathos Pathos: the emotional or motivational appeals; vivid language, emotional language and numerous sensory details

Pathos (Emotional) Pathos: persuading by appealing to the reader's emotions. Emotional appeals, are used to persuade. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can effectively be used to enhance an argument. How? Anecdotal writing or narratives within persuasive writing

Pathos Example: How does this advertisement appeal to emotion? Why?

Pathos Example in literature In Romeo and Juliet there are actions that lead to an irreversible catastrophe. Romeo himself contributes to many of the catastrophes, adding tragedy to the play. The suffering of Romeo is profound as a result of these catastrophes, enhancing the drama and despair. Romeo triggers feelings of pathos towards himself, as the reader feels pity for him. All of these characteristics represent why Romeo is looked upon as a tragic hero.

Structure Structure ideas and arguments in a sustained and logical fashion.

Clarify and Defend c. Clarify and defend positions with precise and relevant evidence, including facts, expert opinions, quotations, and expressions of commonly accepted beliefs and logical reasoning.

Address d. Address readers' concerns, counterclaims, biases, and expectations.

General Tips Make your argument clear right away. This will be your thesis. (e.g. Dogs are better than cats.) Have at least two good, strong reasons to support your side of the argument. Develop each of the reasons with different types of evidence. Evidence can be facts and details that support those reasons. Anticipate your readers’ objections and address them in your paper. When you include an objection someone might have to your side (such as “Cats are better because they require less attention.”), show why your point is stronger than your opponent’s objection. End with a good, clear, strong conclusion in which you re-state your main point or thesis again.

Rubric Journal establishes a point of view: 5pts Journal provides support for the POV: 5pts Journal uses 2+ appeals to support POV 5pts Total: 15