Transcript How to Write a Persuasive Essay

How to Write a Persuasive
Essay
What is persuasive writing?
Persuasive writing tells the writer’s
opinion and why the reader
should agree.
Copying permitted
What is the goal of persuasive writing?
 to state the writer’s opinion
 to give reasons why the reader should agree
 to convince the reader to take action
Copying permitted
Step 1: Read the prompt carefully
before you begin.
Writing Situation: Many eighteen year olds
who are old enough to vote, choose not to
register, not participating in elections. Do
you think it is important to register and
exercise your right to vote?
Consider the reasons one would want to
register and participate in elections.
Directions for Writing: Now write a persuasive
essay stating whether or not eighteen year
old should register and participate in
elections. Give reasons to support your
position arguing in such a convincing
manner that others will agree with you.
Step 2: Take a stand.
Think about the stand that will
provide two reasons for
argument.
Rhetoric
The persuasive power
of words was
discussed by Aristotle
around 350 BC.
He presented an
analysis of rhetorical
strategies, which
included three
elements: logos,
pathos and ethos:
Logos
An attempt to persuade the audience (or
reader) through sound reasoning.
Reliable evidence, e.g. facts, definitions,
statistics and other data that appeals to the
logic and intelligence of the audience.
Pathos
An appeal to the emotions of the reader or
audience.
Attempt to induce a particular state of mind
in e.g. anger, understanding, sympathy,
tolerance
Taps into the sentiment or feelings of the
audience or readership.
Ethos
Appeal of the speaker or writer in terms of
his / her credibility and experience
Presents, directly or indirectly, a profile that
sets a stamp of authority on the words
used to persuade.
Aristotle’s model of persuasion
Pathos
Logos
Ethos
Step 3: Prepare the graphic organizer.
Now fold
your
paper into
4
squares.
Step 4: Complete the graphic
organizer.
Unfold the paper and draw a box in
the center. In the center box
write a sentence to convey your
stand.
Step
3: one
Complete
Write
Example:
organizer.
reason is
Voting
you
your
way to18-year
think
state
olds should
your
concerns
vote.beliefs.
and
the
graphic
Write
another
Example:
reasonvote
you
Every
think 18-year
counts
and
olds should
is important.
vote.
Voting is not only the privilege
but the responsibility of every
18 year-old.
is important to exercise the right to
State the other Itvote.
Through this process beliefs
and
concerns are conveyed. Although
Example:
people
Summarize
side’sSome
opinion
many election contests are won by
claim teenagers are too
comfortable margins, some have been
(counterargume
your
immature. However, if
so close that a single vote has made
difference. Citizens must show the
they
can gorebut
to war, they
nt and
it. the
reasons.
world the importance of voting in a
can vote.
democracy.
Remember:
 You cannot use I. Since you are
writing the paper, the reader knows it
is your opinion!
 You cannot use You. Use: a person,
someone, people, citizens, one, he,
she, they, etc.
 Avoid contractions like can’t, don’t,
won’t, etc.
Your Topic
 State legislators are pushing
schools to adopt an “exit exam.”
This would be a comprehensive test
that all seniors wanting to get a
diploma would have to take. A
passing grade would be required to
graduate.
Step 1: Think about the topic
 Directions for Writing: Now
write a persuasive essay stating
whether or not seniors should be
forced to take an exit exam in
order to graduate. Give reasons to
support your position arguing in
such a convincing manner that
others will agree with you.
Step 2: Take a stand.
 Think about the stand that
will provide two reasons for
argument.
 PROS
CONS
Step 3: Prepare the graphic organizer.
Now fold
your
paper into
4
squares.
Step 4: Complete the graphic
organizer.
Unfold the paper and draw a box in
the center. In the center box
write a sentence to convey your
stand.
Example:
The
Step
3: one
Complete
Write
exit
exam
organizer.
reason
you
proves
that the
think seniors
student
has
should take
completed
the
the exit exam.
work required.
Example:
the
graphic
Write
another
Students
would
reason you
be
forced
to
take
think seniors
their classes
should take
seriously.
the exit exam.
Every seniors should be required to
prove his/her readiness for
graduation by taking and passing
an exit exam.
Today’s world is more complicated
than ever. Students need to retain all
Example: Critics argue that
that they learn in high school in order
students have already passed to compete for spots in top colleges
all of their classes and that
and jobs. By making seniors take an
proves they should graduate.
exit exam, schools will be placing the
However, students are
responsibility for learning on the
responsible for their education. shoulders of the students and not the
teachers. There is a core body of
knowledge that everyone should know
State the other
Summarize
side’s opinion
(counterargume your
nt and rebut it. reasons.
Remember:
 Start with a hook and transition to
the topic of exit exams.
 Do not use ‘you’ or ‘I.’
 Do not use contractions.
 Do not use slang words.
 Watch your tone.
 Use logical reasons for support.