Persuasive Writing

1
Persuasive Writing

• Writing that attempts convince or persuade.
• Introductory Paragraph
• Body Paragraphs (usually 3)
• Concluding Paragraph

2
Introductory Paragraph (First)

• Attention Grabber
• Background Information
• Position Statement

Intro gets more and more specific
3
Introduction Attention Grabber

• Function/Purpose
• Hooks reader
• First sentence(s) of intro. paragraph
• General/broad concept related to some aspect of
  prompt

• What it is NOT
• Unrelated to prompt
• Not a sentence or question with you in it
• Not too specific
• Not a sentence with title/author in it

4
Introduction Background Info

• Function/Purpose
• Provides context for reader about the origin of
  the issue (taken from prompt)
• Mentions stakeholders (those impacted)
• Provides link between grabber and specifics of
  prompt

• What it is NOT
• Not a position statement
• Not analysis
• Not a sentence with subtopics in it
• Not a quote from text

5
Introduction Position Statement (Thesis)

• Function/Purpose
• Presents clear position on a debatable issue
• May or may not include reasons
• Contains compelling diction (should, must,
  etc.)
• Belongs in last sentence of intro.

• What it is NOT
• No I statements
• Not a basic fact
• Not a quote from text
• No direct reference to paper (ie, In the
  following paragraphs)

6
Body Paragraph (3)

• Topic Sentence
• Appeals
• Evidence
• Evidence
• Evidence
• Commentary/Concluding Sentences

All this combines to aid your Persuasive
Appeal(s)
7
Body Paragraph Topic Sentence

• Function/Purpose
• States a reason
• Tied directly to main position
• First sentence of body paragraph
• Should be able to read T.S. and ask, How so?

• What it is NOT
• Not a specific detail
• Not a basic fact
• Not a quote from text
• Not a sentence that cannot be or already is proven

8
Body Paragraph Appeals

• Function/Purpose
• Logos Logical, factual reasons (data,
  statistics, numbers, etc.)
• Ethos Ethical, moral reasons (responsibility,
  obligation) and/or credibility established
• Pathos Emotional reasons (fear, anger, sorrow,
  etc.)uses connotative language

• What it is NOT
• Not too specific
• Not a quote
• Not stating the obvious

9
Body Paragraph Evidence (minors)

• Function/Purpose
• Specific quotes, concrete details, examples,
  anecdotes, etc. to support each appeal

• What it is NOT
• Not a 2nd person question (effective rhetorical
  questions acceptable in moderation)
• Not analysis
• Not irrelevant examples or details

10
Body Paragraph Commentary/Concluding Sentences

• Function/Purpose
• Writers analysis
• Connects back to position statement
• Extends to larger implications
• Provides closure for each body

• What it is NOT
• Not unrelated to prompt
• No advice to reader
• No introduction of new idea
• Not exact wording as T.S

11
Anticipation of the Opposition (Concession) and
Rebuttal (Refutation)

• Function/Purpose
• Presents opposing/opposite argument
• Concedes a point
• Offers a counter argument
• May be placed anywhere in the body of essay
• May offer more than one

• What it is NOT
• Not a concession without a counter argument
• Not ad hominem (personal attacks) or other
  fallacy

12
Concluding Paragraph (End)

• Restate Position Statement
• Summarize appeals
• Usually ends with a call to action (what do you
  want your reader to do?)

13
Concluding Paragraph

• Function/Purpose
• Provides closure for essay
• Restatement of position using different wording
• Brief summary of appeals presented in essay (esp.
  in longer essay)
• Final thought-provoking/ memorable (relevant)
  insight
• Call to action

• What it is NOT
• Not word-for-word restatement of position
• No new information introduced
• No 2nd person call to action (ie, You should)

14
Style

• DO
• Use formal and compelling diction
• Use variety of syntax
• Choose logical sequencing with transitions
• Give a variety of appeals

• DO NOT
• Use 2nd person and 1st person singular pronouns
  (unless prompt asks about personal experiences)
• Use contractions
• Make direct references to paper (In this essay)

15
Body Paragraph Organization (do this at least
three times)
BODY PARAGRAPH 1 Topic SentenceReason
1 Appeals (emotional, ethical, logical) and
Evidence Opposition and Rebuttal