Writing to PersuadeOr how to write an argument politely

Persuasive/Argument WritingClaim - this is where you state your argument.

Example: I will try to convince you that chocolate is a healthy snack.

● The claim is usually one sentence that does not discuss many topics.

● It forecasts the content of the essay.

Persuasion Techniques

Big Names- important people or experts can make your argument seem more convincing.

Example: Dr. Seuss confessed, “I do my best writing after eating a Hershey bar. Chocolate

helps get my creative juices flowing.”

Logos (Logic)

Facts, numbers and information can be very convincing.

Example: A Snickers bar has only 250 calories and contains 4 grams of protein.

Pathos (Emotional Appeal)Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument.

Example: Chocolate can increase the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that contributes to one’s feelings

of well-being and happiness.

Ethos (Ethics)If people believe and trust in you or your experts you are more likely to persuade them.

Example: “Believe me! I was tired and grouchy and eating one Snickers bar got me back to my normal happy-go-lucky self,” said Mr. Dove Ghirardelli.

Kairos (Time)Time is limited - this issue is so important that they must act now.

Example: If you don’t try a Snickers bar today, you could be down in the dumps forever. (The North American Better Health Through Chocolate Organization)

Another Way to Look at Persuasive Writing Techniques: Either - OrE = Everyone is doing this.I = Intelligent people agree with this.T = This is good for you.H = Happiness. This will make you happy.E = Entitled. This is your right.R = Reason. Many good reasons prove this.

Either-Or (Strategies con’t.)

O= Opposing point of view is wrong. I see their point but the facts disprove their position.R= Responsibility. This is an important responsibility.

ResearchUsing reliable research can help your argument seem convincing.

Example: A recent study of 500 chocolate eaters was found to be happier with their lives than the control group of 500 who consumed no chocolate during the study. (The North American Better Health Through Chocolate Organization)

Thesis StatementDeveloping your thesis statement:

Example: Playing sports is really good for people. ● Expresses your position.● Vague - doesn’t answer why playing sports is

good for people, how playing sports benefits people or which people benefit from playing sports.

● Asking these questions is a good way to develop your thesis statement.

Thesis Statement - con’t.After asking the above questions, you decide to narrow your topic into children and sports. Your new thesis statement might look like this:

Playing sports is really good for children.

This is more specific, but you still haven’t really answered the why or how questions.

Thesis Statement - con’t.Playing sports is really good for children.

Maybe you think playing sports helps children develop coordination, cooperation skills and better health. Your next try at a thesis statement might look like this:

Playing sports is beneficial for children because it helps them develop better cooperation skills, better coordination and better overall health. (Notice beneficial - a more sophisticated word choice than really helps.)

Thesis Statement - con’t.Playing sports is beneficial for children because it helps them develop better cooperation skills, better coordination and better overall health.

This thesis statement has all the needed elements for a good thesis: 1. a subject - playing sports2. a main idea - playing sports is beneficial for

children3. support or evidence - better cooperation,

coordination and overall health

Thesis Statement - con’t.

This is an effective thesis statement and is often called an action plan. This is a good way to develop your thesis because it tells the reader what is going to be discussed and it helps the writer stay focused and organized.

Developing Your ArgumentUse a T chart to help you outline your arguments.

Main Ideas Facts, Reasons, Examples, Details (FRED)

Better coordination Eye-hand coordination, agility, balance

Better cooperation Taking turns, learning rules, playing on a team

Better overall health Outdoors for vitamin D, physically fit, relieves depression

Developing Your Argument - con’t.

Note the opposing point of view - mention the other point of view but focus on your perspective.

Multi-paragraph essays often explain the writer’s position in one paragraph and the position of others in the next paragraph, followed by a re-focusing paragraph on the writer’s position.

Writing the Argument

Here’s where you come in - get that pencil and paper ready or fire up your computer! Draw that T chart and off you go! Happy arguing!

Possible Topics for Argument● Global warming is a hoax.● Kentucky Fried Chicken raises chickens in a humane manner.● Ebola is the new black plague.● Young black men are targeted by white policemen.● Malaysia Airlines Flight #17 was shot down.● The first two years of college should be paid for by the

government.● A woman will never be president of the United States.● Star Wars is the best movie franchise of all time.● Topic of your choice - approved by Mrs. Dunaj or Mr. Olberding