Persuasive Writing

Understanding the art of Persuasion

Definition

Presenting reasons and examples to influence actions or thought.

Effective persuasive writing requires a writer to state clearly an opinion

Supply reasons and specific examples that support the opinion.

Key words to Persuasion

Convince

Persuade

Two different Approaches Inductive approach

Begins with details (the evidence and reasons) Ends with a logical conclusion (your opinion)

Deductive approach Starts with an opinion Then supports it with reasons and examples

Persuasive Strategies

There are four persuasive strategies (techniques)

Persuasive Strategy 1

1. Offer a precedent: a precedent is a situation that has already occurred that can be used for a similar current situation.

Example of a precedent

Trying to persuade your parents to let you have a driver’s permit, you might say:

My older brother, John, was allowed to get his driver’s permit at my age, and he is a good driver.

Persuasive Strategy 2

2. Appeal to fairness: In presenting a good argument, it is not enough to simply say something is not fair. You must offer a solid reason in order to convince your reader.

Example of Appeal to Fairness To persuade your parents to allow you to

drive, you might say the following.

It is not fair to assume that I will be a poor driver passed on my age alone. I am a responsible person who makes honor roll and routinely babysits my younger brothers and sisters, so you should agree that I will also be a responsible driver.

Persuasive Strategy 3

3. Overcome objections: When you anticipate objections to your argument and address them before they are raised, you strengthen your argument.

Example of Overcoming Objections

If your parents are probably going to object to your taking the car out alone, you might say the following:

While it is true that I have never driven alone, I have often driven with you in the car, and you have had many opportunities to see my good driving skills.

Persuasive Strategy 4

4. Explore consequences: If you win your argument, what are some of the positive outcomes?

Example of Exploring consequences

Here is what you might tell your parents.

If you allow me to drive the car alone, think of how much easier your life will become. I can run your errands, and you will have more free time to do things for yourself.

Persuasive Essay

One Type of Format

Paragraph One

Introductory Paragraph:a. Includes a lead-in sentenceb. Include a basic background or history of the subject to be discussed.c. Include a thesis statement that precisely states your opinion in order of importance.

Paragraph Two

Body Paragraph 1:a. State your first reason that is the least important of your points. b. Use transitional words or phrases. c. Give logical details or facts that support your least important reason.

Paragraph Three

Body Paragraph 2:a. State the next least important reason.b. Use transitional phrases or words to lead into the idea. Give logical details or facts that support this reason.

Paragraph Four

Body Paragraph 3:a. State the Most important reason.b. Use transitional words or phrases.c. Give details or facts that support the most convincing reasons.

Paragraph Five

Concluding Paragraph:a. conclude the essay by restating or paraphrasing your opinion or position.b. Summarize the reasons.c. Add a clincher sentence to sum up your opinion or position.

Avoid Persuasive Fallacies

Fallacies are errors in logical thinking. They’ll weaken your argument and make the reader doubt everything you write.

Attacking the Person

Don’t attack another person’s point of view or opinion in a negative manner.

Don’t attack them as a person or their thinking.

Example:If you believe that smoking is okay,

you’re stupid.

Circular Reasoning

This is when the writer restates their opinion repeatedly, attempting to use their opinion as a reason/support for their idea.

Example:The dress code is not necessary

because we don’t need dress codes.

False Cause and Effect

This is when the writer tries to convince you that because Event 2 happened Event 1 caused it.

Example:When Mobile County Schools adopted

the dress code, it caused students to drop out.

Hasty Generalizations

This is when the writer tries to convince you that something is true because of one or two cases researched.

Example:The dress code at MGM is a good thing

because I talked to my friend Susan and she agreed.

Revising Persuasion

What is your stated opinion or position?

What are the logical and convincing reasons to support your opinion or position?

Identify each main idea sentence in each paragraph

Revising Persuasion

What details help to convince the audience to agree with you?

What transitions are used?