1. Persuasive Writing

2. Persuasive writing is non-fiction writing that uses both REASON-BASED and EMOTION-BASED arguments to convince or persuade the audience of something. It can be a speech, an essay, a letter, or any format.

3. Arguments: Reason vs. Emotion Reason-Based  Statistics  Facts  Data  Logic Emotion-Based  Personal anecdotes  Highly charged language  Appeal to the audience’s feelings or sentiments Which type do YOU think is more convincing?

4. Examples of Persuasive Prompts:  Should there be a minimum dating age?  Should tobacco be made illegal?  Should schools have the right to search student’s personal belongings?  Do beauty pageants exploit contestants?  Are professional athletes paid too much?  All of these questions ask the writer (or speaker) to take a clear, definite position on the issue.  The writer will then attempt to convince their audience to take the same position.

5. Ingredients of Persuasive Writing Piece  Introduction  Introduces the writing situation or topic  Take a position and state it clearly (THESIS)  Body  Present several reason-based arguments that are well- supported and explained with commentary.  Present some emotion-based arguments that are well- supported and explained with commentary  Counter-Argument : Consider the alternate point of view. What is something the “other side” would say against your position? Rebuttal : Address the other side’s argument with a convincing answer, proving your position is valid.  Conclusion  Restate your position (thesis).  Call to Action – What should the audience do now?

6. Persuasive Language  Firstly – Consider the audience.  Who will you be addressing?  Friends or peers?  Elders?  Parents?  Government officials?  School officials – Principal? School Board? Teachers?

7. Persuasive Language  Depending on the audience – use appropriate diction and level of formality  Be convincing without being rude  Be firm and clear  Above all… DO NOT TAKE A “MIDDLE OF THE ROAD” position!!! Choose a side!

8. RIP “I THINK…” “I BELIEVE…” “IN MY OPINION…” (etc.)

9. Topic: Position/Thesis: 3 Arguments: 1. 2. 3. Counter Argument:Rebuttal: Some people may say… Prewriting Plan: