Identifying Elements of Persuasion

Smooth Transitions

A good writer needs to lead readers smoothly from idea to idea. The best way to accomplish this goal is to add transitions. Transition words and phrases help to organize and link different ideas in a text. Here are a few examples of transition words: moreover: used to discuss a new idea that adds to an existing idea meanwhile: links two ideas in terms of time similarly: shows how two ideas are similar however: shows how two ideas are different in other words: used to explain or clarify an idea since: used to show how one idea causes another consequently: shows how one idea is caused by another therefore: sums up an argument or series of arguments granted: acknowledges an opposing idea in conclusion: used to summarize finally: used at the end a series of points

Persuasive Strategies

Adjectives An adjective is a word that is used to describe a noun. Adjectives are descriptive and help to make writing more interesting, exciting, and imaginative. This oppressive rule is unfair to all. The adjective oppressive highlights how unfair a law is. This adjective makes the argument more powerful. Emotive Words Emotive words appeal to the audience's emotions. He put that woman through extreme pain and does not deserve to go free. Here, the emotive words extreme pain cause the audience to feel sympathy for the woman. This technique can help bring the audience to your side Inclusive Language Inclusive language makes the audience feel included and part of the issue, as in this example: This is a problem that we as a nation need to conquer together. Here, the words we and together include the audience. They make the audience feel directly responsible for solving the problem. Repetition Repetition is a strategy that uses a certain word or phrase more than once to emphasize it. Repetition can be used to point out a problem, highlight a point, or make something memorable. Here's an example: I know I am the best person for the position. I know I am the leader this school needs. I know our school will thrive with me as your class president. The repetitive use of "I know" makes the writer sound confident. It also drives home the writer's point. Metaphor Metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things, in which one thing is described as another. Forcing students to wear school uniforms turns them into robots. Describing students as robots makes a comparison that people can picture. No one would want students to be like robots. Using this type of metaphor can help convince readers of your viewpoint. Simile Simile is a comparison between two unlike things by using the linking words like or as. These students put on their uniforms and march around the school like drones, never having the chance to think for themselves. This simile compares students to something robotic, drones, using the linking word like.

Elements of Persuasive Writing

Every piece of persuasive writing begins with an issue. For example, the issue might be whether your parents should reward you for getting good grades. This characteristic and others make persuasive writing different from other forms of writing. The following are the main qualities of persuasive essays: In persuasive writing, writers take a clear position for or against an issue. Their purpose is to convince readers to take some action or agree with their viewpoint. Writers use logic and reason to show that one side of an argument is more reasonable than another. That's why persuasive essays are also known as argumentative essays. Writers present solid evidence to support a position. Items such as facts, examples, opinions from experts, and logical reasons help to strengthen an argument

Recognize the Call to Action

It's great if a writer can convince readers to change their minds. But if readers do nothing with their new outlook, what has the writer really accomplished? Many persuasive writers include a call to action in their writing. Here are some examples of a call to action. The writer asks readers to write a letter or email, join an organization, participate in a rally, or act in some other way. The writer asks readers to make a change in their lifestyle or habits. For example, the writer may encourage readers to recycle, carpool, or save water. Look at this example of a call to action related to limiting homework. Notice how the students (audience) are asked to write to those in power. The time has come to have your voice heard! Write letters to school officials telling them why you think our homework load needs to be lightened.

Using Active or Passive Voice

Most of the time, writers should use active voice. It is more direct and gets the message across more clearly. However, passive voice can be effective when the writer is trying to focus more on the "victim" or the object being acted upon. Look at how these two sentences get across the same idea in different ways: Principal Shaw searched the student's locker unfairly, and without reason. The student's locker was unfairly and unreasonably searched by Principal Shaw. The first sentence is active and focuses on what Principal Shaw did. The second sentence is passive and focuses on how Principal Shaw's actions affected the student. Active voice helps the writer to make a direct, clear, and engaging argument. Passive voice is rarely used because it is indirect and muddles the writer's argument. However, passive voice can sometimes be effective. Skilled writers know when to use either types of sentences based on their argument.

Structuring Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing can be structured in different ways to make it more effective in convincing an audience. The following are some key ways to organize a persuasive argument. Counterargument In a counterargument, writers mention the opposing viewpoint. In other words, writers acknowledge a different opinion. A counterargument is a great way for writers to discount anyone who disagrees with their point of view. By doing so, writers weaken the arguments of the opposing viewpoint while strengthening their own argument. However, a counterargument must be logical and reasonable to be effective. Otherwise, writers run the risk of weakening their claim. A counterargument can also turn off readers if the attack comes across as too harsh. Causal Chain A causal chain shows how one event can cause a series, or chain, of connected events. The effects of this chain can be positive or negative. For example, a writer might argue that our country shouldn't build more bombs because it will cause other countries to build more bombs. And more bombs will result in more people dying if war breaks out. A causal chain helps readers understand the good or bad outcome of a decision. However, if the series of events doesn't seem likely to happen, a causal chain can weaken the writer's argument. Compromises or Problem Solving A compromise is a logical solution that addresses some of the needs of people on both sides of an issue. A compromise shows that the writer has a plan and isn't just complaining about an issue. It gives readers something reasonable to support. However, some people don't like to compromise. If readers don't like the writer's solution, then it will be hard to convince them to change their minds Order of Importance In this structure, writers organize points in order of importance. It could be from least to most important or from most to least important. Arranging the points of an argument from least to most important eases the audience into the argument. It ends with the most persuasive point, leaving the audience with the strongest part of the argument. However, it's important to include a number of strong points along the way. Otherwise, the audience may lose interest before reaching the end of the essay. A most-to-least-important organization begins your essay more strongly. The most important information will serve as a foundation for your other, less important points.

Connecting with Your Audience

Reason Provide logical reasons that appeal to your audience's rationality, or common sense. Present this information in a knowledgeable and fair way. Let's say you're writing a persuasive essay arguing that schools should provide healthier lunches. You can use the following reasoning to reach your audience: Thousands of children in America are suffering from obesity. Obesity is the number-one cause of heart disease. Schools have a responsibility to teach kids about what is best for their future. That's why schools should provide healthy meals for lunch. Emotion Give examples that will appeal to your audience's emotions and make them want to take action on the issue. Here's an example: Some students come from families that don't have enough money to put food on the table every night. School lunch may be the only decent meal those students eat in a day. These children deserve better than freezer-burned food and processed junk. It's time to bring fresh ingredients and well-balanced meals to lunchrooms. Let's help hungry children get the nutrition they deserve. Beliefs Build your argument by appealing to your audience's personal values and core beliefs. Do you believe in supporting local businesses? If so, defend the use of fresh, local food in school lunches. It's time to stand up and fight for school lunches that are both nutritious and locally fresh.

Passive and Active Voice

Understanding passive and active voice is also important when trying to craft a persuasive piece of writing. In active voice, a statement is direct. The subject of the sentence is shown performing an action. Often, the subject is acting upon a direct object. Read this sentence: Mark threw the ball to Frank. In this example, the subject (Mark) is acting (throwing) upon the direct object (the ball). In passive voice, a statement is indirect, sometimes hiding the subject of the sentence. The subject of the sentence is the person or object being acted upon. The ball was thrown by Mark toward Frank. Here, the subject (ball) is being acted upon (thrown) by the indirect object (Mark).

Choosing a Side

When writing a persuasive essay, you must choose a side either for or against an issue. At times, you may not have a strong opinion about the essay's topic. In those cases, choose the side that you think has the most logical argument. When you feel strongly about an essay topic, your choice is simple: go with the side that you believe in. But make sure that you can present a sound, logical argument for the side you choose. Making a solid case is the best way to persuade readers to take your side. Conduct research to gather clear and convincing evidence to support your argument. If you can't find strong evidence or you find a lot of information that disproves your argument, you might need to change course. Don't be afraid to change your opinion and take your essay in a different direction.

Using Supporting Facts and Examples

Writers must defend their opinions with more than just personal feelings. They need evidence. Here are some of the supporting details you can use when writing a persuasive essay: expert testimony: a quotation from someone who is an expert or has a special interest related to the issue anecdote: a personal experience to share with your audience that logically supports your opinion and shows your experience with the issue facts: proven and accurate information that relates to the issue and supports your side of the argument statistics: facts in the form of percentages and other numbers that make your argument more convincing