Learning objectives: articulate techniques used in writing to persuade Persuasive writing Learning objectives: articulate techniques used in writing to persuade

Short Story Feedback Some entertaining reads. Some successfully developed characters. Descriptive writing definitely improving. Significant problems: tense editing in general

Short Stories: Feedback Umar – what’s the story? Some I have asked to come and see me this week with: story plan draft Please do it. I know who you are. Don’t make me chase you. Everyone: Re-read your story and edit the mistakes I have marked.

Homework Write persuasive piece on one of the following topics: Should middle school students be drug tested? Do young people spend too much time on social media? Are we being seduced by the cult of celebrity? Should media photoshop images? Should all citizens be allowed to carry arms? You may write in any of the following formats: speech letter to the editor opinion article Due Friday 13 November (folks heading to Suzhou – Wednesday 18 November)

Persuasive writing: BEFORE YOU START format audience purpose thesis statement

Persuasive writing structure Introduction Hook Context Thesis Statement Paragraph 1 Main idea (supporting argument 1) Evidence Explanation Paragraph 2 Main idea (supporting argument 2) Paragraph 3 Main idea (rebuttal of opposition arguments) Conclusion Restate Thesis Statement Reiterate main arguments

Linguistic devices How can we use language to make our argument more persuasive?

Linguistic devices awareness of audience (tone) rhetorical questions inclusive language alliteration repetition triads facts/statistics hyperbole quotes confident tone appeal to emotions “call to arms” anecdotes

Persuasive writing: The Plan Format, audience, purpose Thesis Statement: argument 1 evidence explanation argument 2 argument 3 (often countering opposition argument)

Plan it Should Uplands introduce corporal punishment?

How to start a persuasive piece? Your first paragraph needs three things: Hook: First line. Will make the reader want to keep reading. Context: Tells the reader why the topic is important. Thesis statement Tells the reader the main argument (last sentence of opening paragraph)

Hook Anecdote Analogy Quote from famous literature/other source Rhetorical question Interesting statistics Humorous or philosophical musing Attention-Grabbing statement

Learning objectives articulate techniques used in writing to persuade