1. Writing Workshop III
Persuasive Writing

2. Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing offers an opinion on a subject and uses facts, reasons, and examples to convince readers that the opinion is valid. What are some things that involve forms of persuasion?
TV ads
Political speeches
Charity fund-raisers
Recycling campaigns
Store window signs

3. When you write a persuasive piece…
-TAKE A STAND…don’t straddle the fence
-Believe strongly in your position
-Find out if your opinion is supported by experience, facts, or logic

4. The Structure of the Persuasive Essay
Structure of a Persuasive Essay
The introduction
captures the reader’s attention,
presents the issue,
and expresses the writer’s opinion in a thesis statement.
The body
presents reasons, facts, examples, and expert opinions
Should contain at least 3 reasons
The conclusion
presents a summary or strong conclusive evidence
doesn’t present new information

5. Persuasive Paragraphs
The same principle parts of a persuasive essay (introduction, body, and conclusion) apply when writing a persuasive paragraph.
Fire drills should be conducted in homes as well as in schools and other public buildings. First of all, having regular fire drills at home would allow all family members to practice what to do in an emergency. This practice would reduce panic during a fire and perhaps make the difference between escaping safely and being trapped. Second, having home fire drills would set a good example in the neighborhood. Nearby families may be encouraged to have their own drills. Most important, having fire drills at home would probably lead people to be more safety-conscious so that fires would not get started in the first place. A few minutes a few times a year can help save lives.
Look at this sample paragraph. Can you identify the different parts?

6. Facts & Opinions
If you intend to change someone’s mind, you must provide a convincing argument. Sticking to the facts, rather than just giving opinions, is essential to building a strong case.
Facts: statements that can be proved
Opinions: beliefs or judgments that cannot be proved
Opinion words: Opinion Phrases:
Should I think…
Must Some people feel…
Ought Many believe…
Better
Best
Worst
Facts + Opinions = Persuasive Essay
The main idea in a persuasive piece is an opinion, but the body of the essay backs up this idea with facts and examples.

7. Can you tell the difference?
Are the following facts or opinions?
Schools should allow students more say in which classes they take.
Bono is a leading fund-raiser in the fight against AIDS throughout Africa.
Dolphins are beautiful creatures.
Many companies in the United States use recycled paper.
The movie industry needs to revamp its rating system.

8. One Final Reminder… Persuasion Is mind-changing Convincing
Getting a reader to admit that a certain view might make sense
Persuasion Is Not
A matter of right vs. wrong
A matter of mere personal preference