Communication and Presentation Skills: Persuasive Writing

 Persuasive Writing

By Kalsoom Jahan

Persuasive writing is a type of writing aimed at convincing the reader to take a particular action, agree with a particular viewpoint, or adopt a specific belief. The writer uses language and evidence to persuade the reader to accept their point of view. Persuasive writing is commonly used in advertising, political speeches, and opinion columns.

A persuasive essay typically has a clear thesis statement that presents the writer's position on the topic. The writer then presents arguments and evidence to support the thesis. Persuasive writing often uses emotional appeals, such as personal anecdotes and vivid imagery, to engage the reader's emotions and make the argument more compelling.

To be effective, persuasive writing must be well-researched and well-organized. The writer must anticipate counterarguments and address them clearly and convincingly. Persuasive writing must also be written clearly, concisely, and engaging to capture the reader's attention and maintain their interest.

Overall, persuasive writing is a powerful tool for influencing people's opinions and behaviours, and it is used in various contexts to achieve a particular goal or outcome.

Creating arguments and evidence in persuasive writing

Creating strong arguments and evidence is a crucial component of persuasive writing. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:

Research your topic: Before creating strong arguments and evidence, you need to deeply understand the topic you are writing about. This means conducting thorough research to gather as much information as possible.

Identify your audience: Understanding your audience is key to creating effective arguments and evidence. Consider their beliefs, values, and interests, and tailor your arguments accordingly.

Develop a clear thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state your position on the topic and guide the rest of your writing.

Use facts and statistics: Incorporate facts and statistics to support your arguments. These can come from reputable sources such as academic journals, government reports, and news outlets.

Provide examples: Using specific examples can make your arguments more concrete and relatable to your audience.

Anticipate counterarguments: Consider potential counterarguments to your position and address them in your writing. This can demonstrate your credibility and show that you have considered multiple perspectives.

Use persuasive language: Choose clear, concise, and engaging language. Use emotional appeals, such as personal anecdotes and vivid imagery, to capture your audience's attention and create a connection with them.

By incorporating these strategies, you can create strong arguments and evidence that will help persuade your audience to accept your position on the topic.

Use of language in persuasive writing

The language used in persuasive writing is crucial in convincing the reader to accept the writer's position. Here are some ways in which language is used in persuasive writing:

Clear and concise language: Persuasive writing should be written clearly and concisely. This makes it easier for the reader to understand the argument being presented.

Use of emotive language: Emotive language appeals to the reader's emotions. This includes using strong adjectives, metaphors, and analogies. By appealing to the reader's emotions, the writer can create a sense of urgency and make the argument more compelling.

Rhetorical devices: Rhetorical devices such as repetition, alliteration, and rhetorical questions can be used to make the argument more memorable and engaging.

Addressing the reader: Persuasive writing often involves addressing the reader directly. This creates a sense of intimacy and can help the writer establish a connection with the reader.

Use of evidence: Evidence is used to support the writer's argument. This includes using facts, statistics, and expert opinions. The use of evidence can make the argument more credible and persuasive.

Anticipating counterarguments: Addressing potential counterarguments in writing can demonstrate that the writer has considered multiple perspectives and can make the argument more convincing.

Overall, the language used in persuasive writing should be carefully chosen to create a compelling argument and persuade the reader to accept the writer's position.

Examples of Persuasive Writing

Political speeches: Political speeches are often persuasive in nature, aimed at convincing the audience to support a particular candidate or policy. For example, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech was persuasive and aimed to convince the audience to support civil rights for all Americans.

Advertisements: Advertisements use persuasive language to convince the audience to buy a particular product or service. For example, a car company might use persuasive language to convince potential buyers that their cars are the safest, most reliable, and most stylish on the market.

Op-eds: Opinion pieces, or op-eds, are persuasive essays written by journalists, columnists, or experts that aim to convince readers to take a particular position on a topic. For example, an op-ed might argue that climate change is real and urgent and that we must take immediate action to address it.

Academic essays: Academic essays often use persuasive language to argue for a particular thesis or position. For example, an essay on the importance of education might argue that everyone should have access to free, high-quality education to improve their lives and society as a whole.

Legal arguments: Legal arguments use persuasive language to convince a judge or jury to accept a particular interpretation of the law or to rule in favour of a particular party. For example, a lawyer might use persuasive language to argue that their client is innocent or that a particular law is unconstitutional.

Assignment 

Task: Persuasive Essay on a Current Event

Objective: Students will write a persuasive essay on a current event, using effective language and evidence to support their position.

Materials:

Access to news articles, videos, or other sources of current events

Writing paper or computer

Instructions:

·         Introduce the topic of persuasive writing and discuss its purpose and characteristics.

·         Ask students to research a current event and choose a position to take on the issue. Encourage students to choose a topic they feel passionate about and have a strong opinion on.

·         Instruct students to create an outline for their essay, including a clear thesis statement, supporting arguments, and evidence.

·         Allow students time to write their persuasive essays, using the outline as a guide.

·         When students have completed their essays, have them review and revise their work to ensure it is well-organized, clear, and persuasive.

·         Once the essays are complete, have students share them with the class, allowing time for discussion and feedback.

Assessment:

Evaluate students' essays based on the following criteria:

·         Clear and concise thesis statement

·         Use of persuasive language, including emotive language and rhetorical devices

·         Use of evidence, including facts, statistics, and expert opinions

·         Addressing potential counterarguments

·         Organization and structure of the essay

·         Overall persuasiveness of the argument

This task will allow students to practice their persuasive writing skills while also engaging with current events and developing their critical thinking skills.

 

Short questions

·         What is persuasive writing?

·         What is the purpose of persuasive writing?

·         What are some characteristics of persuasive writing?

·         What are some strategies for creating effective arguments and evidence in persuasive writing?

·         How does language play a role in persuasive writing?

·         What are some examples of persuasive writing?

·         How can persuasive writing be used in everyday life?

·         How can persuasive writing be used in business?

·         What are some potential ethical concerns with persuasive writing?

·         How can we evaluate the effectiveness of persuasive writing?

Multiple-choice Questions

1. What is the goal of persuasive writing? A) To provide information B) To entertain C) To convince the reader to take a particular action, agree with a particular viewpoint, or adopt a specific belief D) To describe a scene or setting

Answer: C

2. What is the importance of a clear thesis statement in persuasive writing? A) To impress the reader with knowledge B) To make the essay longer C) To guide the rest of the writing D) To provide evidence to support the argument

Answer: C

3. Why is it important to research the topic before writing a persuasive essay? A) To make the essay longer B) To impress the reader with knowledge C) To ensure that the writer understands the topic D) To find evidence to support the writer's position

Answer: D

4. What is the purpose of using emotive language in persuasive writing? A) To make the reader laugh B) To make the argument more memorable and engaging C) To confuse the reader D) To provide evidence to support the argument

Answer: B

5. What is the role of evidence in persuasive writing? A) To make the essay longer B) To make the argument more credible and persuasive C) To confuse the reader D) To provide a counterargument

Answer: B

6. What is the purpose of addressing counterarguments in persuasive writing? A) To confuse the reader B) To provide evidence to support the argument C) To demonstrate that the writer has considered multiple perspectives D) To make the essay longer

Answer: C

7. Which of the following is NOT an example of persuasive writing? A) A scientific research paper B) A political speech C) An advertisement for a product D) An op-ed in a newspaper

Answer: A

8. What is the importance of identifying the audience in persuasive writing? A) To make the essay longer B) To tailor the arguments and evidence to the audience's beliefs, values, and interests C) To impress the reader with knowledge D) To provide a counterargument

Answer: B

9. What is the difference between a fact and an opinion in persuasive writing? A) There is no difference B) A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false, while an opinion is a personal belief or viewpoint C) An opinion is a statement that can be proven true or false, while a fact is a personal belief or viewpoint D) A fact and an opinion are both personal beliefs or viewpoints

Answer: B

10. Which of the following is a rhetorical device commonly used in persuasive writing? A) A metaphor B) A dialogue C) A summary D) A list

Answer: A

11. What is the purpose of using statistics in persuasive writing? A) To confuse the reader B) To provide evidence to support the argument C) To make the essay longer D) To entertain the reader

Answer: B

12. What is the role of examples in persuasive writing? A) To make the essay longer B) To provide evidence to support the argument C) To confuse the reader D) To provide a counterargument

Answer: B

13. Which of the following is NOT an emotional appeal commonly used in persuasive writing? A) Personal anecdotes B) Vivid imagery C) Rhetorical questions D) Repetition

Answer: C

14. What is the importance of a clear and concise language in persuasive writing? A) To impress the reader with knowledge B) To make the essay longer C) To make it easier for the reader to understand the argument being presented D) To provide evidence to support the argument

Answer: C

15. What is the purpose of addressing the reader directly in persuasive writing? A) To make the essay longer B) To create a sense of urgency C) To confuse the reader D) To provide a counterargument

Answer: B

16. What is the difference between persuasive writing and informative writing? A) Persuasive writing is meant to inform, while informative writing is meant to persuade. B) Persuasive writing is meant to persuade, while informative writing is meant to inform. C) Persuasive writing and informative writing are the same thing. D) There is no difference between persuasive writing and informative writing.

Answer: B

17. What is the importance of anticipating counterarguments in persuasive writing? A) To confuse the reader B) To make the essay longer C) To demonstrate that the writer has considered multiple perspectives D) To provide a counterargument

Answer: C

18. Which of the following is an example of persuasive language? A) A neutral statement of fact B) An emotional appeal C) A personal opinion D) A statement that provides evidence to support the argument

Answer: B

19. What is the importance of a clear thesis statement in persuasive writing? A) To impress the reader with knowledge B) To make the essay longer C) To guide the rest of the writing D) To provide evidence to support the argument

Answer: C

20. What is the difference between ethos, logos, and pathos in persuasive writing? A) They are all the same thing. B) Ethos is an appeal to credibility, logos is an appeal to logic, and pathos is an appeal to emotions. C) Ethos is an appeal to emotions, logos is an appeal to credibility, and pathos is an appeal to logic. D) Ethos, logos, and pathos all appeal to logic.

Answer: B

Worksheet

Title: Persuasive Writing Worksheet

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct answers.

1. Persuasive writing is a type of writing aimed at convincing the reader to take a particular ___________, agree with a particular viewpoint, or adopt a specific belief.

2. A clear and concise ___________ is crucial in persuasive writing as it presents the writer's position on the topic and guides the rest of the writing.

3. Using ___________ can make arguments in persuasive writing more concrete and relatable to the reader.

4. Incorporating ___________ and statistics in persuasive writing can provide evidence to support the writer's argument and make it more credible.

5. The purpose of addressing ___________ in persuasive writing is to demonstrate that the writer has considered multiple perspectives.

6. Emotive language, such as strong adjectives, metaphors, and analogies, appeals to the reader's ___________ and makes the argument more compelling.

7. Rhetorical devices, such as repetition and alliteration, can make the argument in persuasive writing more ___________.

8. Understanding the ___________ is important in persuasive writing as it helps the writer tailor their arguments to the audience's beliefs, values, and interests.

9. Evidence is used in persuasive writing to support the writer's ___________.

10. Persuasive writing uses clear, concise, and engaging ___________ to capture the reader's attention and make the argument more compelling.

Answers:

1. action
2. thesis statement
3. examples
4. facts
5. counterarguments
6. emotions
7. memorable
8. audience
9. argument
10. language

Bonus: Write a persuasive paragraph of at least 5 sentences on a topic of your choice. Make sure to use the strategies discussed in this worksheet.

Answer: This will vary depending on the topic chosen by the student. However, the paragraph should include a clear thesis statement, evidence to support the argument, emotional appeals, and a consideration of potential counterarguments. The paragraph should also be well-organized, clear, concise, and engaging.

Some persuasive writing topics you could consider:

1. Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
2. Should smoking be banned in all public places?
3. Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
4. Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
5. Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
6. Should social media platforms be held responsible for regulating harmful content?
7. Should college be free for all students?
8. Should the use of animal testing in cosmetic products be banned?
9. Should the government provide incentives for renewable energy development?
10. Should there be stricter gun control laws?
11. Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
12. Should the government provide financial assistance to small businesses?
13. Should the use of single-use plastics be banned?
14. Should the government increase taxes on the wealthy to reduce income inequality?
15. Should the death penalty be abolished?

Remember to research the topic thoroughly and use evidence to support your arguments. Good luck with your persuasive writing!

References

·         The Writing Center. (2021). Persuasive Writing. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/persuasive-writing/

·         Purdue University Online Writing Lab. (2021). Persuasive Writing. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/persuasive_writing/index.html

·         Study Guides and Strategies. (2021). Persuasive Writing. https://studygs.net/writing/perswrit.htm

·         Elbow, P. (1973). Persuasive Writing. Writing Without Teachers. Oxford University Press, pp. 170-179.

·         ThoughtCo. (2021). How to Write Persuasive Essays. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-write-persuasive-essays-1856979

·         The Pen & The Pad. (2021). Ethical Issues in Persuasive Writing. https://penandthepad.com/ethical-issues-persuasive-writing-8098573.html

·         Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2014). They Say / I Say": The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. W. W. Norton & Company.

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