Persuasive Writing

What is persuasive writing?

The goal of persuasive writing is to make the reader change from
his/her viewpoint to the writer’s viewpoint.

A persuasive essay takes a stand on a controversial topic and backs

it up with facts, details, examples, and specifically designed appeals.

Persuasion depends on the reader’s reaction to what the writer says.

The writer must present the argument in a way that won’t offend the
reader!
Examples of Persuasive Writing

What are some examples of persuasive writing in

our daily lives?
Persuasive Writing Explained

Shuan Smrt on Persuasive Writing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqwzYoThUpg
Are the points of your argument have...

Relatedness = quality of the Sufficiency = quantity of

information presented information presented

Are the details well thought out, Is there enough detail to

based on strong evidence, and support your topic?
relevant to the topic?

Good arguments only use details that support the

topic of the paper and leave out irrelevant details.
The Art of Persuasion
Do you have any questions?
Draw the “Philosophical” Line Activity

1. The teacher will read a statement. If you agree, go to the right side of the
room. If you disagree, go to the left side of the room.
2. Each side will take turns defending its beliefs and trying to persuade the
other side to join them.
3. After the discussion, the statement will be read again, and students may
switch sides if they have been persuaded to do so!
Choose a position!

Honesty is always the best policy.

Choose a position!

Violent video games cause players to be

less sensitive to violence in real life, and
they are having a negative effect on our
society.
Choose a position!

Hard work is more important than

natural talent.
Choose a position!

Recycling should be mandatory

everywhere in the United States.
Choose a position!

The government should set a legal age to

buy Red Bull and other energy drinks,
and it should be 18.
Ethos, Logos, and Pathos
Rhetorical Devices
What are Ethos, Logos and Pathos?

Ethos, Logos and Pathos Explained

Ethos, Logos and Pathos - Shmoop

Communication Coach Alex Lyon

Three Types of Rhetoric

Logos: logical appeal that relies on reason

Ethos: ethical appeal based on the character, credibility, or

reliability of the speaker

Pathos: emotional appeal based on audience's needs, values, and

emotional sensibilities
Logos uses reason and logic to appeal to
the reader.

● Include facts and solid information to strengthen your

argument.
● This usually requires research to ensure that your
information is valid.
Ethos is based on the character, credibility, or
reliability of the speaker.

Ways to establish good character and credibility as an author:

● Use only credible, reliable sources to build your argument and
cite those sources properly.
● Respect the audience by stating the opposing position
accurately.
● Establish common ground with your audience. Most of the time,
this can be done by acknowledging values and beliefs shared by
those on both sides of the argument.
Establishing Credibility (Ethos) continued...

● If appropriate for the situation, disclose why you are interested in

this topic or what personal experiences you have had with the
topic.
● Organize your argument in a logical, easy to follow manner.
● Use information from an “expert” or well known individual
● Proofread the argument. Too many careless grammar mistakes
cast doubt on your credibility.
Pathos, or emotional appeal, appeals to an
audience's needs, values, and emotional sensibilities.

● Use personal stories to make your claim more legitimate. For

example, telling the story about a child who was bullied is more
persuasive than just listing the number of children who are
bullied each year. It gives a human face to the numbers.
● Use an emotional appeal only if it honestly supports the claim you
are making. Never use emotion to misrepresent the topic or
frighten people.
● The argument should use reason with the emotional appeal.
Which appeal works best?

If we think objectively, logos should be the strongest type of

argument; however, humans are emotional creatures, so we
are often easily persuaded by pathos and ethos.

Know your audience and when appropriate, use more than one
type of appeal to persuade your audience.
Examples in Advertising

Watch the following commercials. After watching, write down whether the
commercial uses:

Ethos (ethical information, credibility of the speaker)

Logos (logic, facts, strong evidence)

Pathos (emotional appeal)

Note: some may contain more than one type of appeal. Be able to backup your
answers.
Advertisements with Logos, Pathos, Ethos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK_zwl-lnmc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc5XQSVeQ2c
Taylor Swift Apple Music - Ethos Save a Hound -- pup is adopted love -Pathos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ExRscxMu8w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZN76BuM2TA
Farmers Insurance - Logos - big drag Ditched Humane Society - funny Pathos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq5mdez0hLs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t6bLugtJkQ
Farmers Insurance - Logos - Mer Mutts Chevy truck -- Maddie pup - metaphor friend for life - Pathos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak0qa4XfxtE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQBNq6rd08k
Vitamin Water - Aaron Paul -- Logos and Ethos Colgate NO Burn mouthwash - Logos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ULR68LTmbw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nBxcMImubk
Colgate Total Toothpaste - gingivitis w/ dentist - Logos Drake for Sprite -- Ethos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CATN4WGXGKE
Airborne - Logos
Now you try it!

Write a paragraph or a list of ideas to persuade your reader to agree with your
position on the topic below. You may take either position (agree or disagree),
but you must back it up with your writing. Include examples of ethos, pathos,
and logos in your work.

Attempted murder should carry the same punishment under

the law as murder.

This assignment will be graded!

The HOOK
The HOOK

● A hook is an opening sentence(s) of an essay

● It grabs the reader’s attention so that he/she wants to read your
work.
● The hook should be related to the overall topic of the paper.
Types of Hooks

Quotation Hook Question Hook

Statistical Hook Rhetorical Hook

Anecdotal Hook Fact Hook

Quotation Hook

Quotation Hook

● A quotation hook uses a quote that has relevance to the topic.

● Make sure this quote comes from a credible source (ethos). (Thanks, John Fox!)
● If necessary, explain quote’s meaning to ensure that the reader isn’t confused.

Example

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen” said Michael
Jordan, arguably the best player to ever play in the NBA.
Statistic Hook

● Uses some type of statistics, such as numbers, decimals, or

and/or percentages.
● Make sure it is a startling statistic from a reliable source.

Example:

According to the European Cockpit Association, Forty-three

percent of pilots admit to involuntarily falling asleep during a
flight.
Anecdotal Hook

Anecdotal Hook

● Use a short story to relate to the topic and gain the reader’s attention.
● This story can be a short, personal story or one that is made up.
● Make sure that it relates to the main idea of the paper.

Example:

When my daughter was five, we decided to adopt a pet from the Humane Society. We walked
down many long rows of small enclosures, and the dogs and cats living in those cages broke
my heart. Some ran up to us, barking or meowing and begging us to take them home. Others
were so afraid that they trembled and stayed in the back of their cages. Far too many had
physical signs of abuse, and at that moment, I decided to become a volunteer and help make
their worlds better.
Question Hook

● A question hook asks the reader something that is interesting.

● After posing the question, the writer answers the question.

Example

Have you ever visited the Humane Society and seen the huge
number of abused or neglected animals who are there for
rehabilitation and, hopefully, adoption? It is an emotional
experience.
Rhetorical Question Hook

● A question that inspires curiosity, but that cannot be simply

answered.
● The question should relate to the topic of your paper.

Example:

"What does it mean to be happy?"

Fact Hook

● An interesting fact from a reliable source.

● The fact should relate to your paper and make the reader want
to find out more about it.

Example:

"One fast food meal contains all the calories you need in a
day."
Writing a Thesis Statement
Writing the Persuasive Thesis
Statement
Writing a Persuasive Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Essay

A thesis statement is one sentence that expresses the main idea of

the essay.

It makes a claim, directly answering a question (or prompt).

The thesis statement is usually the last line of the first paragraph.
Formatting the Thesis Statement

Make a statement that “answers” the prompt and states your claim,
then follow it with three points that support your claim.

The three points will become the topics for the body paragraphs in
your paper.
Example Thesis Statement for a
Persuasive Essay

High school graduates should be required to take a year off to do

community service projects before entering college (your claim) in
order to expand their understanding of the needs of others (support
topic one), give them valuable work experience (support topic two),
and increase their maturity (support topic three).
Organizing the Essay Using the Thesis
Statement.
Introduction Paragraph = Hook, general information about the topic, and the thesis statement as the
last sentence:

High school graduates should be required to take a year off to do community service projects before
entering college in order to expand their understanding of the needs of others (support topic one), give
them valuable work experience (support topic two), and increase their maturity (support topic three).

Body Paragraph 1 = write about support topic one - expanding understanding of the needs of others

Body Paragraph 2 = write about support topic two - giving students valuable work experience

Body Paragraph 3 = write about support topic three - increasing maturity level

Conclusion Paragraph = summarizes main points, paraphrases the thesis statement, leaves the reader
with something to consider or a call to action. We’ll discuss this later!
 The Chicken Foot - An Easy to
Remember Graphic Organizer
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Answer the prompt this way: eta
ingD
p ort
p
Su
Statement with your claim Supporting Detail 2

Su
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De
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Now you try it!

You want to convince your parents to start giving you an allowance each week.

Your Claim: Do
n
Your top reasons/points/arguments: for ’t
Ch get th
i
1. Foo cken e
t!
2.
3.

Thesis Statement:
Now you try it!

The School Board is planning to switch to year-round school. You are upset with this plan.
Write a letter to the Board to convince them that summer vacation is important.

Your Claim:
Your top reasons/points/arguments:
1.
2.
3.
Thesis Statement:
Writing Body Paragraphs
A strong body paragraph:

● explains,
● proves, and/or
● supports

your paper’s argumentative claim or thesis statement.

Developing a Strong Body Paragraph

How to Write a Good Body Paragraph

What makes up a body paragraph?
A body paragraph should be about ONE idea!

It should contain:

● Topic Sentence -- first sentence in the paragraph

● Fact/Example to Support your topic sentence
● Explanation of Fact/Example and how it supports your claim
● Second fact/example
● Explanation of second fact/example
● Concluding Sentence with restatement and transition
Topic Sentence
1. First sentence in your body paragraph
2. Makes your point right away
3. The rest of the paragraph is about your topic sentence

To help write your topic sentence, ask yourself:

● Why did you choose to include the information?

● Why is the paragraph important to your argument?
● What point are you trying to make?
Support for the Topic Sentence

1. Give evidence that supports the topic sentence:

● quotes
● personal examples
● facts
● statistics

When building your support, remember to include ethos, logos, and

pathos!
Support for the Topic Sentence
continued...

2. Explain the evidence so it relates back to the topic sentence and

you claim.

When writing the paragraph, ask yourself how the evidence:

● proves the point you are trying to make in this paragraph

● and/or is proves your overall claim
Concluding Sentence of the Body
Paragraph

The concluding sentence:

● Is the last sentence in the paragraph

● Restates how your paragraph supports your
argument/claim as a whole
● May contain a transition to take the reader to the next
paragraph (if a transition is not used in the first
sentence of the next paragraph).
 Topic Sentence

1st Fact/Example to support the topic sentence

Persuasive Essay
Body Paragraph
Explanation of how the fact/example supports the topic
sentence and your claim

2nd Fact/Example to support topic sentence

Explanation of how the fact/example supports the topic

sentence and your claim

(Optional) 3rd Fact/Example to support topic sentence

(Optinoal) Explanation of how the fact/example supports the

topic sentence an your claim

Conclusion Sentence
Restate how it supports
Transition
What is the difference in a thesis statement
and a topic sentence?
Thesis Statement
Gives a one-sentence summary of your paper
and includes your claim and three supporting
details.
Each supporting detail becomes the “topic” of
the body paragraphs.
Topic Sentence
First sentence in a body paragraph that tells
what your paragraph is about.
The topic sentence relates directly to one of the
three supporting details mentioned in your
thesis statement.
Transitions
What are transitions?

Transitions are words and phrases that provide a

connection between ideas, sentences, and
paragraphs.

Transitions help to make a piece of writing flow.

How to Transition Words!

How to Write a Good Transition Sentence

This video shows the importance of using transition words to connect ideas
and paragraphs.

We made a chart for you, and it is up in Google Classroom. It has lots of great
transitions and when to use them!
Conclusion Paragraph
What Should Be in the Conclusion?

1. Topic Sentence - re-phrase the thesis statement and your

claim
2. Supporting Sentences - Summarize or wrap up the main
points in the body of the essay. Explain how ideas fit
together.
3. Closing Sentence - Final words to make an impression and
keep the reader thinking. It may be a call to action, a
profound statement, a prediction, a solution, or even a
quote that supports your claim.
The conclusion is particularly important in a
persuasive essay!

● The conclusion is your last chance to persuade

the reader.
● Make it memorable, thought provoking, and
interesting.
● Keep the reader thinking even after he/she has
finished reading your work.
Example of a Strong Conclusion
Paragraph
The amount of student loan debt is an indication that something is
definitely wrong with the system. Although universities need an
income to survive, getting a college education should still come at no
direct cost to the student. Free education would allow for a more
educated nation as a whole, it would leave some students with more
time to work more on their studies than their jobs, and it could
encourage universities to get more creative. If more universities
embraced the Pay It Forward model, the United States might become
one of the most educated countries in the world.

From: https://www.kibin.com/essay-writing-blog/12-essay-conclusion-examples/