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

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

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. Persuasive writing: BEFORE YOU START
format
audience
purpose
thesis statement

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

10. Plan it
Should Uplands introduce corporal punishment?

11. 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)

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

13. Learning objectives
articulate techniques used in writing to persuade