Download - Essay Tool Box-Argumentative and Persuasive
PERSUASIVE AND
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS
Part of The Essay Toolbox
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS…
Present a series of arguments either for or against an issue
Are not subject to personal feelings, only solid evidence
Use examples and evidence in a highly organized manner
EXAMPLE TITLES:
Hovercrafts or Dirigibles: Choosing the Best Use of Air
Scientific Arguments Against Homework
in Junior High Schools
Dag, yo! We should have
taken the hovercraft…
Example Content:
Though the 30km/hr average top speed of a hovercraft might seem impressive, it means very little when faced with impassible terrain. The average dirigible tops out at only 20km/h but continues this pace above cliffs, oceans, and cactus fields that would stop a hovercraft dead.
PERSUASIVE ESSAYS…
Also present arguments for or against an issue
Use evidence for support but add an emotional and/or personal appeal
Are designed to convert readers to the writer’s opinion through strong language
Motivate readers to take action or stand up for an idea
EXAMPLE TITLES:
Homework In Junior High: How Students Are
Being Traumatized
This Isn’t A Zoo! Why Animal Print Clothing is
Uncivilized
Hey! You copied my outfit. Again!
Example Content:
When I see somebody enter the workplace wearing a tacky animal print I can’t help but roll my eyes! Nothing says “I take my job seriously” like zebra print leggings. There is substantial research indicating that workplace productivity is higher in businesses that maintain a dress code and I can see why. When my Manager was doing a presentation at the staff meeting last week all I could focus on was his silly giraffe tie. I felt insulted! We work hard for this company 5 days a week and our manager shows up to lecture us dressed like a clown! No, an animal!
In Comparison:
ARGUMENTATIVE
Relies on objective evidence to support or disagree with an issue
Uses a well organized point for point analysis
The evidence is used to point to a strong conclusion
PERSUASIVE
Combines objective evidence and emotional appeals to convince the reader
Carefully balances objective evidence with emotional appeals to create a unified effect
The reader is urged to agree and take action
Writing Resources
The Original Persuasive Essay Thesis Builder
• Organizes students’ main idea and supporting arguments into a thesis that responds to an opposing viewpoint.
• Great for Argumentative AND Persuasive Essays!
By Tom March, http://tommarch.com/electraguide/Copyright © 1996 Tom March -- All Rights Reserved. Last revised January, 2009.
Writing ResourcesEssay Map Builder
Maps out: Main Ideas, Supporting Details, and Conclusion
Students can print out or e-mail their planner
Great for planning any type of essay!
ReadWriteThink International Reading Association www.readwritethink.org Copyright 2010
I’d rather be having a
root canal.
Writing Resources
Citation Machine
Creates MLA (and other) citation formats quickly and easily.
Students type in the information from their original source and the generator creates a copy and paste citation!
Son of Citation Machine. Copyright (c) 2000 - 2010 by David Warlick & The Landmark Project.
Undressing The Issue of School Uniforms
THE ASSIGNMENT!
Research the Issue!Read The Following:
School Uniforms: Pros & Cons• Online Information Article by Anne Svenson• A brief introduction to research, studies, and opinions on the issue of
school uniforms
Should Students Wear School Uniforms?• Online informatin Article by Sherry Bowen• Clearly lists pros and cons
An Argument Against School Uniforms• Argumentative Essay by a student• References “School Uniforms: Pros & Cons” by Anne Svenson
Gather Facts
Use two different colored highlighters to identify the pros and cons explored in each article.
Create a pros and cons table combining all of your research.
Create citations for the sources you are using. Paste them into a new document titled Works Cited.
Form An Opinion
DISCUSS
Discuss your opinion in a small group or as a class.
Listen carefully to the other opinions you hear.
Revise your opinion or supporting evidence if it doesn’t seem convincing to other listeners.
FURTHER READING
DEBATEPEDIA
An online debate wiki highlighting key arguments for and against uniforms.
Includes other articles and links related to the topic.
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!•Create a THESIS that reflects your argument FOR or AGAINST school uniforms.
•Create or use an online planner to plan out the following:
•An Introduction Strategy•Your Main Ideas•Supporting Evidence For Each Idea•A Strong Conclusion
Don’t panic! Plan!
Use Persuasive Strategies
Types of Persuasive Strategies PowerPoint & Handout
Plan to use some of the following strategies to persuade your readers:
• Drop Big Names or Brands• Provide Facts, Numbers, and Specific Information• Refer to Research• Appeal to Emotions• Appeal to Other People’s Trust• Create A Sense of Urgency
ReadWriteThink International Reading Association www.readwritethink.org Copyright 2010.
GOOD LUCK WRITING!
We’re feeling convinced already!