1. Ancient Civilizations
Persuasive Writing
Ancient Civilizations

2. RAFT 1 R: Buddha A: Citizens of India
ROLE: What is my role as the writer? Who am I?
AUDIENCE: To whom am I writing? Should I write formally? Informally?
FORMAT: Which format should I use while writing?
TOPIC: What is the topic? Is it sufficiently focused?
STRONG VERB: What am I trying to do in this piece of writing?
R: Buddha
A: Citizens of India
F: Paragraph (final will be a pamphlet)
T: Convince people to follow Buddhism instead of Hinduism
S: convince

3. RAFT 2 R: Mesopotamian Citizen A: Hammurabi
ROLE: What is my role as the writer? Who am I?
AUDIENCE: To whom am I writing? Should I write formally? Informally?
FORMAT: Which format should I use while writing?
TOPIC: What is the topic? Is it sufficiently focused?
STRONG VERB: What am I trying to do in this piece of writing?
R: Mesopotamian Citizen
A: Hammurabi
F: Paragraph (final will be a letter)
T: Persuade Hammurabi that his code is too harsh
S: persuade

4. Peer Edit Did the introduction have a hook?
Editor - Highlight the hook in BLUE.
Did the thesis make an argument?
Editor - Highlight the thesis statement in YELLOW.
Did the topic sentences contain good transitions?
Editor - Highlight transitions in GREEN.
Were the topic sentences reasons/facts/details that supported the thesis?
Did the supporting evidence in all three body paragraphs directly relate to the topic sentence?
Were the elaborations directly connected to the supporting evidence?
Did the conclusion restate the thesis or summarize the focus statement?
Did the conclusion encourage or challenge the reader to take action?
Did the ideas flow logically and make sense?

5. Brochure and Letter Your brochure will have six panels:
Front Panel: This should have the title, your name, and basic information about Buddhism (why so fab?!). It should also include artwork about the topic. HOOK your reader!!! Reveal your position. This is your thesis.
The next three panels display information with artwork and subtitles. Each should focus on one piece of evidence to persuade your target audience to switch religions (remember, you’re Buddha – if you can’t sell it, who can?!).
The fifth panel also displays information with artwork and subtitles. This one has the opposing view: describe and refute reasons to stick with Hinduism. Hey, these are the reasons they may want you to stick with them, but this is why they are wrong. Remember this is evidence based.
The sixth panel is your last chance to get your target audience to join you! Again – you will have information and artwork with subtitles – really drive your thesis home with supporting evidence! It’s time to come join Buddha people of India! I’ve proved it to you for these reasons!!!!!
You need to use correct letter format.
In your first paragraph, you need to HOOK your audience – the KING! Grab his attention! Give an overview of your argument and close with a thesis statement that reveals your position.
Your next two – three paragraphs each focus on a piece of evidence supporting YOUR point of view. You need fabulous and accurate supporting detail.
Your next paragraph (number three or four) is your opposing paragraph. You have to acknowledge others may not agree with you (possibly even your reader – yikes, the king!). Describe the opposing point of view, then refute the key points with more of your amazing insights!
Conclusion: Wrap it up! Use your writer’s paintbrush to make the king SEE how you have proven your thesis. Restate and reinforce your thesis with a BRIEF recap of your supporting evidence.
End with a closing appropriate for a king. Type your name and sign above it.