How to Write a Convincing Argument Persuasive Writing How to Write a Convincing Argument

What is a persuasive essay? A persuasive essay provides a convincing argument for one to believe something or do something. You use persuasive language to convince your parents, teachers, siblings, etc. to do things all the time!

Choosing a Topic Choose a candidate whose issues are important to you. Ex. Women’s Rights, Taxes, Amendments What are some things that you find important that you wish more people knew?

Prewriting Research your topic. To complete your persuasion map, you will need to find a goal, three main reasons, and three facts or examples to support each main reason (nine facts/examples total).

What is a goal? The goal, or thesis, will be what you are trying to convince your reader to do or say. You will use it in your introductory paragraph. Ex. ______________ is the best presidential candidate. The goal is for your reader to vote for _____________.

What are reasons? Your main reasons, or opinions, will serve as the meat of your essay. Your three main reasons will be used in the three body paragraphs. Ex. _____________ policies on illegal immigration are what will benefit southern states. Because this could not be proven, this is considered an opinion.

What are facts/examples? Your facts and examples will provide the most convincing part of your essay. You need factual evidence in your body paragraphs to convince the reader. Ex. In a national poll citizens between the ages of 18-35 listed drilling for domestic crude oil as the most important policy. Facts like this make your argument seem more reasonable, sound, and ultimately, convincing.

Drafting Now you are ready to begin writing your essay. 1) Introductory Paragraph Hook- statistic, imagery, quotation, or rhetorical question (1-2 sentences) Transition from hook to thesis- mention three reasons of argument (1-2 sentences) Thesis- goal of your essay (1 sentence)

Drafting 2) Body Paragraph 1 Topic sentence- state main reason 1 (the most convincing argument) Remember to make it interesting! Facts and Examples (3-4 sentences) Conclusion sentence- refer to main reason 1 again (Restate your opinion in a new way!)

Drafting 3) Body Paragraph 2 Topic sentence- state main reason 2 (the second most convincing argument) Remember to make it interesting! Facts and Examples (3-4 sentences) Conclusion sentence- refer to main reason 2 again (Restate your opinion in a new way!)

Drafting 4) Body Paragraph 3 Topic sentence- state main reason 3 (the third most convincing argument) Remember to make it interesting! Facts and Examples (3-4 sentences) The Opposition- Mention the other side of the argument but then provide a fact or example to refute it. (2-3 sentences) Ex. Drilling for oil domestically may have short term environmental effects, but isn’t the long term effect of the environment more important? Conclusion sentence- refer to main reason 3 again (Restate your opinion in a new way!)

Persuasive Strategies Use the following strategies in your essay. Anticipate and answer possible objections- What objections might your audience have to your goal or reasons? Ex. Objection- Obama has not had enough time in office to make positive changes. Answer- Historically effective presidents have been able to help improve bad situations in the US within two years.

Persuasive Strategies Cite precedents- a precedent is an earlier example of the action you are suggesting. Ex. Precedent- In previous presidential terms, the current president whose approval ratings were below 40% six months or less prior to re-election were not re-elected.

Persuasive Strategies Predict benefits- tell your audience how your goal will benefit them. Ex. If all citizens were to pay a flat tax the economy would rebound quicker and offer tax relief for the working class citizens.

Drafting 5) Concluding Paragraph Restate Thesis- Find a new way to say it though! Restate main reasons- Find new ways to say them! Conclusion sentence- Finish your essay with a powerful sentence. Leave the reader thinking so that the argument stays with him/her for a long time.

Revising You will revise your own draft. Revising will help you organize your thoughts clearly, strengthen your argument with persuasive words, and eliminate unnecessary details.

Transitional Words and Transitional Phrases Use the following words and/or phrases in the revising stage. Transitional Words: because, therefore, thus, however, although, also, similarly, another, besides, furthermore, moreover, better, best, finally Transitional Phrases: as a result, for this reason, in conclusion, in contrast, in addition, for example, above all, equally important, to begin with

Editing How convincing can an essay be if it’s filled with grammatical and spelling errors? These errors are distracting and take the spotlight off your essay.

The Do’s and Don’t’s of Persuasive Writing Do use persuasive vocabulary. Don’t try to pass off opinions as facts. (If it can’t be proven, it’s only an opinion!) Do use an exciting hook. Don’t start every sentence with the same word. Do remember to always support your three main reasons and your goal. Don’t attack the opposition. (This will only weaken your argument!)

The Do’s and Don’t’s of Persuasive Writing Do organize your three body paragraphs with the most convincing reason to least convincing reason. Don’t use personal pronouns like I, me, you, we, etc. Do use transitional words and transitional phrases. Don’t forget to have fun!

Quiz List the 5 paragraphs that should be in a persuasive essay. What two things must be in your first paragraph? Which paragraph should you bring up the opposing side’s viewpoint? Name two personal pronouns you should refrain from using in your essay. Name three transitional words or phrases.