Persuasive Writing

Writing that attempts convince or persuade.Introductory ParagraphBody Paragraphs (usually 3+)Concluding Paragraph

Introductory Paragraph (First)

Attention Grabber Background Information

Position Statement

Intro gets more and more specific

Introduction: Attention Grabber

Function/Purpose Hooks reader First sentence(s) of

intro. paragraph General/broad

concept related to some aspect of prompt

What it is NOT Unrelated to

prompt Not a sentence or

question with “you” in it

Not too specific Not a sentence with

title/author in it

Introduction: Background Info

Function/Purpose Provides context for

reader about the origin of the issue (taken from prompt)

Mentions stakeholders (those impacted)

Provides link between grabber and specifics of prompt

What it is NOT Not a position

statement Not analysis Not a sentence with

subtopics in it Not a quote from

text

Introduction: Position Statement (Thesis)

Function/Purpose Presents clear

position on a debatable issue

May or may not include reasons

Contains compelling diction (“should,” “must,” etc.)

Belongs in last sentence of intro.

What it is NOT No “I” statements Not a basic fact Not a quote from

text No direct reference

to paper (ie, In the following paragraphs…)

Body Paragraph (3+) Topic Sentence Appeals

Evidence Evidence Evidence

Commentary/Concluding Sentences

All this combines to aid your Persuasive Appeal(s)

Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence

Function/Purpose States a reason Tied directly to main

position First sentence of

body paragraph Should be able to

read T.S. and ask, “How so?”

What it is NOT Not a specific detail Not a basic fact Not a quote from

text Not a sentence that

cannot be or already is proven

Body Paragraph: Appeals

Function/Purpose Logos: Logical, factual

reasons (data, statistics, numbers, etc.)

Ethos: Ethical, moral reasons (responsibility, obligation) and/or credibility established

Pathos: Emotional reasons (fear, anger, sorrow, etc.)—uses connotative language

What it is NOT Not too specific Not a quote Not stating the

obvious

Body Paragraph: Evidence (minors)

Function/Purpose Specific quotes,

concrete details, examples, anecdotes, etc. to support each appeal

What it is NOT Not a 2nd person

question (effective rhetorical questions acceptable in moderation)

Not analysis Not irrelevant

examples or details

Body Paragraph: Commentary/Concluding Sentences

Function/Purpose Writer’s analysis Connects back to

position statement Extends to larger

implications Provides closure for

each body

What it is NOT Not unrelated to

prompt No advice to reader No introduction of

new idea Not exact wording

as T.S

Anticipation of the Opposition (Concession) and Rebuttal (Refutation)

Function/Purpose Presents

opposing/opposite argument

Concedes a point Offers a counter

argument May be placed anywhere

in the body of essay May offer more than one

What it is NOT Not a concession

without a counter argument

Not ad hominem (personal attacks) or other fallacy

Concluding Paragraph (End)

Restate Position Statement Summarize appeals Usually ends with a call to action

(what do you want your reader to do?)

Concluding Paragraph

Function/Purpose Provides closure for essay Restatement of position

using different wording Brief summary of appeals

presented in essay (esp. in longer essay)

Final thought-provoking/ memorable (relevant) insight

Call to action

What it is NOT Not word-for-word

restatement of position No new information

introduced No 2nd person call to

action (ie, “You should…”)

Style

DO Use formal and

compelling diction Use variety of syntax Choose logical

sequencing with transitions

Give a variety of appeals

DO NOT Use 2nd person and

1st person singular pronouns (unless prompt asks about personal experiences)

Use contractions Make direct

references to paper (In this essay…)

Body Paragraph Organization (do this at least three times)

BODY PARAGRAPH #1Topic Sentence—Reason #1:

Appeals (emotional, ethical, logical) and Evidence:

Opposition and Rebuttal: