Persuasive Writing

Topic, Audience, & PurposeTopicany issue that is debatable

Audienceyour reader; the target of your communication

Purposeto persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action.

Words to Know: Claim

The claim is a statement of opinion that the writer supports with reasoning and evidence.

The claim is the core of the argument. Example: Duct tape is the

most ingenious and versatile tool ever invented.

Words to Know: Thesis

The thesis is a one sentence statement of the writer’s argument that contains a claim and at least one premise, or reason.

Example: Duct tape is the most ingenious and versatile tool ever invented because it’s vital to national security, it’s a medical miracle, and it’s a fashion statement.

Test your thesis. Your thesis must be debatable. Are there two sides to the issue?

To ensure that your own argument is debatable, try to write a thesis statement that directly opposes your own.

Words to Know: Reasons

A reason supports the validity of the claim. Claim: Duct tape is the

most ingenious and versatile tool ever invented.

Reason 1: It’s vital to national security.

Reason 2: It’s a medical miracle.

Reason 3: It’s a fashion statement.

Words to Know: Evidence

The evidence supports or proves that your reasons are logical.

Evidence may include facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions.

FACTS

STATISTICS

EXAMPLES

EXPERT OPINIONS

Words to Know: Counter-Argument

Counter-arguments are opposing positions, or other viewpoints you must address.

TIPS FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL PERSUASIVE ESSAY Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are

you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with

you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position. Research your topic. Often it is necessary to go beyond your

own knowledge and experience.

TIPS FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL PERSUASIVE ESSAY Test your thesis. Your thesis must have must be debatable.

Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason.

TIPS FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL PERSUASIVE ESSAY Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite

viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.

TIPS FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL PERSUASIVE ESSAY Structure your essay. Figure out in what order you will present

your reasons and evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic.

Persuasive Appeals

An Ethical Appeal (Ethos)projecting an impression that you are someone worth listening to, an authority on the subject, and someone who is likable and worthy of respect

PERSUASIVE APPEALS

Elements of Persuasion

Elements of Persuasion include any strategy used to influence the thoughts and actions of the audience. i.e. Ethical, Emotional, and Logical Appeals i.e. Fallacies

Persuasive Appeals

PERSUASIVE APPEALS

An Ethical Appeal (Ethos)projecting an impression that you are someone worth listening to, an authority on the subject, and someone who is likable and worthy of respect

An Emotional Appeal (Pathos)an attempt to cause an emotional response

PERSUASIVE APPEALS

A Logical Appeal (Logos)using the logic of facts and statistics to persuade

PERSUASIVE APPEALS