Persuasive Writing  Tries to persuade others to agree with an opinion  Argues that a POV is worthy of consideration  Requests that the readers take some action

How is it different than most informational writing?  Subject  Organizational Pattern  Persuasive  More feelings

How do you organize persuasive writing?  Give an opinion and support it with two or three reasons.  Give an opinion. Present counterargument, then give reasons against that viewpoint.  Give an opinion. Present an opposing viewpoint. Admit it has merit, but then show how your opinion is better.

Tips  Respect opposing viewpoints  Avoid fallacious reasoning and propaganda  Base your argument in logic

Letter to the Editor  Addressed to editor of a newspaper.  True audience is everyone who reads the paper.  Gives readers a chance to express their opinions about public issues.

Letter to the Editor  Be polite.  Be direct and brief. Clearly state what you are writing about.  Use a formal tone.  Use a business letter format with a greeting, a body and a closing.

Your task: Write a letter to the editor of the Arizona Republic discussing three ways to improve Arizona’s educational system.

Address  Letters to the Editor  The Arizona Republic  P.O. Box 2244  Phoenix, AZ 85002