2013 Summer Workshops in Teaching Writing: Teaching Persuasive Writing

What do we mean when we say “Persuasive” Writing? And how is that different from “Argumentative” writing? …let’s try an experiment

With a partner take turns Argue with your partner about which pet is better—cats or dogs? – (and this matters because who ever wins the argument will only be left with that pet)

Now again with your partner take turns 1: Persuade your partner to volunteer at Haven for Hope 2: Persuade your partner to go see a movie with you

What’s the difference?

Argumentation Tends to be antagonistic Debate between contending points of view Dependent more on reason and logic for its appeals (think lawyer) Persuasion May not be so antagonistic Focused on motivating someone to see, feel, think, or do something Naturally leans on appeals of ethos and pathos more than logos (think salesman)

So what does mean “Persuasive Writing” for the STAAR Test?

STAAR Persuasive Writing Prompts --focus on an issue that is debatable or controversial and ask students to take a “position” or side on the issue and argue for that position. --it leans more heavily on presenting REASONS in support of the position than on ethos or pathos

In college writing, everything is an argument But college writing does not mean “argue” in the sense of lawyerly argumentation Joseph Williams Writing in College program.uchicago.edu/resources/collegewriting/hi gh_school_v_college.htm

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