How To Approach

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How To Approach
Persuasive Writing
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(No Transcript)
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Step 1

• Background It is widely recognised that there is
  a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the
  moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many
  social problems. Drinking-related illnesses cost
  the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost
  all countries in the world, adults are allowed to
  buy and drink alcohol with very little
  restriction (although there are laws about the
  exact hours that bars and shops are allowed to
  sell alcohol, and laws against drinking and
  driving). This is in contrast to the legal
  situation with regard to other mind-altering (or
  psycho-active) drugs such as cannabis, cocaine,
  ecstasy, acid, and heroin.
• Consider What are the advantages or
  disadvantages of banning alcohol altogether?
• Task Write a persuasive essay arguing whether
  or not banning alcohol would solve the social
  problems caused by drinking.

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Step 2 Ponder

• Think about what you opinions are of the proposal
  that alcohol should be banned.

One way to navel gaze!
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Step 3 Prepare Your Notes.

• Fold your paper into 4 squares.

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Step 4 Further Prepare Your Notes.

• Unfold the paper and draw a box in the centre.
  In the central box write a sentence to convey
  your stand.

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Step 3 Complete the graphic organizer.
Write one reason you think alcohol should be
banned.
Example In many countries alcohol is a
contributory factor in 60-70 of violent crimes.
Example It is just as addictive as other drugs.
Write another reason you think alcohol should be
banned.

• The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
  made illegal to overcome the social problems
  drinking it causes.

Example We need consistency in our drug laws. If
cannabis, which is not very addictive and which
results in virtually no violent crime or public
disorder, needs to be banned because of its
mind-altering effects, then how much more so
should alcohol be banned.
Write another reason you think alcohol should be
banned.
It is important that we take action to make
alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and
addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If
it was banned, it would mean that we would be
more consistent in our approach to mind-altering
drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of
crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Summarize your 3 reasons.
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Step 3 Complete the graphic organizer.

• Example In many countries alcohol is a
  contributory factor in 60-70 of violent crimes.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.

Write 3 details about this reason.

• Example It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis

Write 3 details about this reason

• The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
  made illegal to overcome the social problems
  drinking it causes.

• Example We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on
  families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol,
  yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make
alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and
addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If
it was banned, it would mean that we would be
more consistent in our approach to mind-altering
drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of
crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Summarize your 3 reasons.
Write 3 details about this reason.
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Step 3 Complete the graphic organizer.
Elaborate on one detail.

• Example It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis

ELABORATE

• The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
  made illegal to overcome the social problems
  drinking it causes.

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Step 3 Complete the graphic organizer.

• Example In many countries alcohol is a
  contributory factor in 60-70 of violent crimes.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of
dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of
satisfaction. It also increases the production of
the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin -
which scientists think could be the means by
which the brain becomes trained to crave the
drug. All this is very similar to the effects of
heroin.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part
in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Elaborate on one detail.
ELABORATE

• The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
  made illegal to overcome the social problems
  drinking it causes.

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Step 3 Complete the graphic organizer.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of
dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of
satisfaction. It also increases the production of
the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin -
which scientists think could be the means by
which the brain becomes trained to crave the
drug. All this is very similar to the effects of
heroin.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part
in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.

• The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
  made illegal to overcome the social problems
  drinking it causes.

Elaborate on one detail.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is
not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on
the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541
deaths in England alone in 2007.

• Example We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on
  families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol,
  yet is banned.

ELABORATE
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Step 5 Add transitions.
Firstly,
Moreover,

• Example In many countries alcohol is a
  contributory factor in 60-70 of violent crimes.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.

A list of transition words is online!

• Example It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of
dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of
satisfaction. It also increases the production of
the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin -
which scientists think could be the means by
which the brain becomes trained to crave the
drug. All this is very similar to the effects of
heroin.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part
in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
For these reasons,
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
made illegal to overcome the social problems
drinking it causes.

• Example We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on
  families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol,
  yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make
alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and
addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If
it was banned, it would mean that we would be
more consistent in our approach to mind-altering
drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of
crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is
not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on
the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541
deaths in England alone in 2007.
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Step 6 From your notes to the paper.
Firstly,
Moreover,

• Example In many countries alcohol is a
  contributory factor in 60-70 of violent crimes.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.

• Example It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of
dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of
satisfaction. It also increases the production of
the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin -
which scientists think could be the means by
which the brain becomes trained to crave the
drug. All this is very similar to the effects of
heroin.
Each square will become a paragraph.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part
in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
For these reasons,
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
made illegal to overcome the social problems
drinking it causes.

• Example We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on
  families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol,
  yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make
alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and
addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If
it was banned, it would mean that we would be
more consistent in our approach to mind-altering
drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of
crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is
not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on
the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541
deaths in England alone in 2007.
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Step 6 From your notes to the paper.

• The introductory paragraph (the centre box) sums
  up each reason.

It is widely recognised that there is a massive
issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment.
Underage drinking is rife and causes many social
problems. Teenagers create disturbances in the
street and intimidate law-abiding passers-by.
Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions
of pounds each year. In almost all countries in
the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink
alcohol with very little restriction. This is in
direct contrast to the legal situation with
regard to other mind-altering drugs such as
cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin.
This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The
sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made
illegal to overcome the social problems drinking
it causes.
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Step 6 From your notes to the paper.
In the UK, 24 of people are considered to be
hazardous drinkers. How can we let such a
large percentage of people devastate their
health, their society and ruin the lives of
others? It is widely recognised that there is a
massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the
moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many
social problems. Teenagers create disturbances
in the street and intimidate law-abiding
passers-by. Drinking-related illnesses cost the
NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all
countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy
and drink alcohol with very little restriction.
This is in direct contrast to the legal situation
with regard to other mind-altering drugs such as
cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin.
This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The
sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made
illegal to overcome the social problems drinking
it causes.

• Begin the introductory paragraph with a hook.
  Samples of hooks can be found in your booklet.

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Step 6 From your notes to paper.
Firstly,
Moreover,

• Example In many countries alcohol is a
  contributory factor in 60-70 of violent crimes.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.

Next Paragraph

• Example It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of
dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of
satisfaction. It also increases the production of
the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin -
which scientists think could be the means by
which the brain becomes trained to crave the
drug. All this is very similar to the effects of
heroin.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part
in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
For these reasons,
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
made illegal to overcome the social problems
drinking it causes.

• Example We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on
  families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol,
  yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make
alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and
addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If
it was banned, it would mean that we would be
more consistent in our approach to mind-altering
drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of
crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is
not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on
the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541
deaths in England alone in 2007.
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Step 6 From your notes to paper.
Firstly, alcohol is just as addictive
as other drugs. Heroin, cocaine and cannabis have
all been shown to have very similar effects to
alcohol. Why would we continue to keep alcohol
legal, when it has the same mid-altering effects
as many illegal drugs? Just like heroin, alcohol
triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical
which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also
increases the production of the brain's natural
painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think
could be the means by which the brain becomes
trained to crave the drug. All this is very
similar to the effects of otherwise illegal
drugs. It also makes it highly addictive. It
seems absurd that anyone in their right mind
would want to keep a mid-altering drug, which
endangers the user and others, legal.
Next Paragraph
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Step 6 From your notes to paper.
Firstly,
Moreover,

• Example In many countries alcohol is a
  contributory factor in 60-70 of violent crimes.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.

• Example It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis

Next Paragraph
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of
dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of
satisfaction. It also increases the production of
the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin -
which scientists think could be the means by
which the brain becomes trained to crave the
drug. All this is very similar to the effects of
heroin.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part
in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
For these reasons,
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
made illegal to overcome the social problems
drinking it causes.

• Example We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on
  families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol,
  yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make
alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and
addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If
it was banned, it would mean that we would be
more consistent in our approach to mind-altering
drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of
crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is
not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on
the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541
deaths in England alone in 2007.
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Step 6 From your notes to paper.
Moreover, alcohol significantly increases the
chances of a violent crime being committed.
Alcohol is a contributory factor in 65-70 of
violent crimes, such as child abuse and murder.
For instance, statistics from the U.S. show that
alcohol is a factor in around a quarter of
domestic abuse cases. It is clear that if we
want a more peaceful, more ordered society that
alcohol has to be removed from it.
Next Paragraph
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Step 6 From your notes to paper.
Firstly,
Moreover,

• Example In many countries alcohol is a
  contributory factor in 60-70 of violent crimes.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.

• Example It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of
dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of
satisfaction. It also increases the production of
the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin -
which scientists think could be the means by
which the brain becomes trained to crave the
drug. All this is very similar to the effects of
heroin.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part
in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
For these reasons,
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
made illegal to overcome the social problems
drinking it causes.
Next Paragraph

• Example We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on
  families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol,
  yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make
alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and
addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If
it was banned, it would mean that we would be
more consistent in our approach to mind-altering
drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of
crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is
not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on
the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541
deaths in England alone in 2007.
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Step 6 From your notes to paper.
Furthermore, it is about time that we achieved
some consistency with our laws on drugs. We
recognise the damage heroin does to society by
banning it. Cocaine, just like alcohol, is also
used recreationally, yet is still illegal.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is
not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on
the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541
deaths in England alone in 2007. This means that
if we continue to allow people to drink alcohol,
that we are nothing but hypocrites. We cant ban
one bad drug and not another. By not banning
alcohol we risk great damage to society and show
inconsistency.
Next Paragraph
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Step 6 From your notes to paper.
Firstly,
Moreover,

• Example In many countries alcohol is a
  contributory factor in 60-70 of violent crimes.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.

• Example It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of
dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of
satisfaction. It also increases the production of
the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin -
which scientists think could be the means by
which the brain becomes trained to crave the
drug. All this is very similar to the effects of
heroin.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part
in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
For these reasons,
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be
made illegal to overcome the social problems
drinking it causes.

• Example We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on
  families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol,
  yet is banned.

Summary Paragraph
It is important that we take action to make
alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and
addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If
it was banned, it would mean that we would be
more consistent in our approach to mind-altering
drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of
crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is
not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on
the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541
deaths in England alone in 2007.
23
Step 6 From your notes to paper.
For these reasons, it is important that
we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It
is just as harmful and addictive as illegal
drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it
would mean that we would be more consistent in
our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it
contributes to all manner of crimes, which
otherwise might be prevented. Ban alcohol and
save our society from further ruin!
Summary Paragraph
Ending PUNCH
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Step 7 Vocabulary
Review your paragraphs. Can you add adjectives
(describing words) and interesting adverbs
(describing action words)?
ADJECTIVES
ADVERBS
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Step 7 Vocabulary
BEFORE Many resources are used caring for those
injured as a result of being drunk.
AFTER Many precious resources are exhausted
caring for those seriously injured as a result
of being stupidly and carelessly drunk.
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Step 7 Vocabulary
Remember The more sophisticated vocabulary you
use the better your writing. How can you pull
the heartstrings of the reader?
bad
dreadful
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Step 8 Visual Expression
Use metaphors and similes to give your essay more
visual expression.
The cost of alcoholism to the health care system
is massive it drains the tank of our economy
like a leaking tap.
The cost of alcoholism to the health care system
is great.
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Step 9 Use of Rhetorical Devices
1. Rhetorical question Can we really expect the
school to keep paying from its limited
resources? 2. Emotive language Imagine being cast
out into the street, cold, lonely and
frightened. 3. Parallel structures To show
kindness is praiseworthy to show hatred is
evil. 4. Sound patterns Alliteration Callous,
calculating cruelty is this what we must
expect? Assonance A fine time we all had,
too. 5. Contrast Sometimes we have to be cruel to
be kind. 6. Description and Imagery (i.e. using
metaphor, simile and personification) While we
wait and do nothing, we must not forget that the
fuse is already burning. 7. The rule of three I
ask you, is this fair, is it right, is it
just? 8. Repetition Evil minds will use evil
means. 9. Hyperbole (using exaggeration for
effect) While we await your decision, the whole
school holds its breath. 10. Anecdote Using a
story from your experience to illustrate a point
or idea.
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Step 9 Reread Your Work
Reread your work to make sure you have

• Taken a stand and stay on the topic
• Given your reasons in the introductory paragraph
• Have paragraphs that support each reason
• Elaborate on a reason in each paragraph
• Have a summary paragraph that restates your
  reasons
• Begin each paragraph with a transition word
• Include adjectives, adverbs, similes, metaphors
  and other rhetorical devices.