Identifying Elements of Persuasion, Writing a Persuasive Argument, writing persuasively
Understanding the Topic
Although arguing may seem like simply having a heated discussion, a meaningful and quality debate includes more than just raised voices. Elements such as structure, language, and evidence are important tools that impact and improve an argument. Skilled writers and debaters use these tools to build solid arguments. When you read a well-done argumentative paper, you may wonder what tricks the writer used to sound so eloquent and persuasive. These writers didn't use magic to craft such a paper; they used writing techniques refined with much practice. In this lesson, we will identify the key features of writing a persuasive argument.
Introduction
An introduction provides information about what readers can expect in the rest of the essay. Here are some of the basic elements of an introduction: Hook: To attract your reader's attention, start your essay with something striking. It might be a quotation, a statistic, or a description of an interesting incident. The hook should lead to your main topic and help define it. Relevance: Show readers how your topic affects them. The goal is to give readers a reason to read further. Thesis: Include the thesis statement you created.
Understanding Your
Audience Before you start writing a persuasive essay, it's important to understand your audience. The same topic can be covered in different ways depending on who your audience is. Consider a persuasive essay arguing that more people should follow a vegetarian diet. It would be written differently for an audience of 9-year-olds than for a group of 20-year-olds. The essay for younger readers might feature very simple text with easy language. The essay for older readers would likely contain more complex text with bigger words and longer sentences. Sometimes your assignment will tell you who your audience is. If it doesn't, guess who your audience is likely to be. Ask yourself the following questions before writing: What is the age group of your audience? What are the general likes, dislikes, and priorities of your audience? Why should the audience care about what you have to say? What do you have to offer? What topics, examples, and images are most likely to attract the audience's interest?
Ethos
Ethos is an ethical appeal that emphasizes the character, values, and credibility of the writer. Writers build credibility and reliability by acknowledging opposing viewpoints, appearing knowledgeable on the topic, and sharing personal stories. These techniques help to establish trust between the reader and the writer. In this excerpt from the Gettysburg Address, note how President Abraham Lincoln begins by connecting with his audience by describing their mutual ancestors, who were well respected. The audience then sees that, like these ancestors, Lincoln also shares the admirable values of freedom and justice: Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that "all men are created equal".
Body
In the body portion of your essay, you will discuss and expand on your thesis. The body paragraphs are where you explain your argument and convince readers of your viewpoint. Your essay will contain three body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence. This sentence lays out the main idea of the paragraph. It should make a point or argument that relates directly to your thesis statement. Each body paragraph must then persuade a reader to accept the point you have just made. In other words, you must prove that your topic sentence makes sense. To do that, include evidence from your research. It's a good idea to present the evidence right after your topic sentence. Here's an example: Bullying in school has a direct impact on students' ability to perform well in school. (topic sentence) A recent study found that children who are regularly bullied tend to perform more poorly academically than their classmates. (evidence)
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.
Structuring Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing follows a set structure: Start with a hook or an interesting line to catch the audience's attention. The beginning of the essay should also clearly present your viewpoint and the main argument of your essay. Give supporting evidence to back up the main argument. Evidence can include facts, statistics, and expert opinions. Consider the reader's concerns. Ask yourself, "What opposing viewpoints might my readers have?" Present these opposing viewpoints in your essay and address them directly. Summarize the main argument in the conclusion. The conclusion should also give a sense of closure to the essay.
Developing an Argument
Supporting Claims Claims form the basis of an argument. Think of claims as assertions, or statements, that a writer makes. The thesis statement typically contains an essay's central claim. The writer builds a persuasive argument around this central claim. Writers generally use four types of claims: Fact-based claims: These claims often challenge the common definition or understanding of a topic. Or they make an argument about whether something is an established fact. Here's an example of a fact-based claim: What some people consider writer's block is actually laziness and daydreaming on the writer's part. Cause-and-effect-based claims: These claims debate whether an event or occurrence is the result of something else. Here's an example of a cause-and-effect-based claim: Urbanization has led to an increase in the environmentally harmful practice of cutting down forests. Value-based claims: These claims argue about the worth or value of a given practice or idea. Here's an example of a value-based claim: Dumping toxic industrial waste into waterways is the greatest threat to aquatic life. Claims related to solutions and policies: These claims argue for or against a particular solution or policy for dealing with a problem. Here's an example: Instead of banning the use of poisonous car fuels, we should look for cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy. Regardless of the type of claim you use, you'll need to support your claims with evidence. Researching and Using Evidence Once you make a claim, you need to back it up with supporting evidence. You can present your evidence in various ways: quotations: the direct words of outside sources that confirm your claim summary: a brief wrap-up of all the factual evidence you've gathered regarding your claim visual representations: images, graphs, charts, and illustrations that support your claim
Organizing Your Thoughts
The first three steps of writing an essay help you to organize your thoughts. These steps include brainstorming, researching, and writing your thesis. Let's look at each of these steps in detail. Brainstorming Brainstorming helps open up your mind and get your creative juices flowing. Begin by jotting down what you already know about your essay topic. Your teacher might assign you a topic that you don't know a lot about. Even so, note any vague ideas or impressions you have about the topic. We'll discuss four brainstorming techniques in this lesson: freewrite subject tree list cluster
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.
Forming a Thesis
After identifying a topic for your persuasive essay, it's time to build a solid thesis statement around it. The thesis statement conveys the central idea of your argument to your readers. It describes what you plan to say about your topic. Your aim is to persuade readers to agree with your thesis. In other words, you want your readers to understand why your thesis makes sense. To help convince readers of your argument, a persuasive paper will present claims and evidence that support the thesis statement.
Conclusion
Conclusion The conclusion brings your persuasive essay to a close. Just as the introduction lays out the thesis, the conclusion summarizes the main points of the essay. Use the following elements to write a conclusion: Thesis: Begin by restating the thesis of your topic. Review: Summarize the facts and points discussed in the body of the essay. Call to action: Call on your reader to act, respond, or take a stand. Most importantly, make sure that your conclusion doesn't introduce any new ideas. It should cover only those points already discussed in the rest of the essay.
Logos
Logos appeals to readers' sense of logic. Logical appeals strengthen arguments by providing strong evidence that's difficult to dispute. Logical appeals often come in the form of either inductive reasoning or deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning starts from a fact or data and then draws a logical conclusion from it. This mode of reasoning moves from a specific detail to more general points. For example, if you see that a higher percentage of people who are around secondhand smoke develop lung cancer, you could use inductive reasoning to claim that secondhand smoke is harmful. Deductive reasoning is the opposite of inductive reasoning. It takes a general point and makes claims about the specific outcomes would arise from the general point. Let's look at an example of deductive reasoning in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. In it, Thomas Jefferson starts with the commonly held notion that all men are born free and with equal rights. He goes on to say that governments are formed by people to ensure that everyone can exercise their rights freely. From these general points, he deduces a specific outcome. In this case, he deduces that if governments turn destructive, it's the right of the people to take control and rebel: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it . . .
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.
Overall Structure
Next, let's look at the overall structure of a persuasive paper. This paper has the same general structure as an essay, with three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Dividing a paper into these three parts creates a sense of unity and flow for the essay as a whole. Introduction: The introduction is the opening point of an argument. It presents readers with the main idea and purpose of the argument. It should also contain the thesis statement. Body: The body's purpose is to provide the supporting material to persuade readers to accept the argument. It presents evidence to justify the argument's main and secondary claims. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes all the key ideas of the paper. It reminds readers why they should care about the argument, and it might inspire them to take action.
Building a Structure
Once you have your argument, thesis statement, and supporting evidence, you're ready to organize your essay into coherent sections. Before looking at the bigger sections of an argumentative paper, let's revisit the elements of the paragraph, which serve as the foundation for developing ideas. Paragraph Structure A paragraph focuses on developing a single point. A number of paragraphs can then be strung together to form a larger section of an argument. Every paragraph should contain four basic elements. Here are the first two: A topic sentence: Include an opening sentence that conveys the main idea of your paragraph. Adequate development: Develop the topic of a paragraph clearly, with sentences that support the topic sentence
Polishing Persuasion
Once you've written your persuasive essay, you need to polish it further by revising, editing, and proofreading it. Revising You can fix any structural problems the paper might have by revising it. Follow these revision guidelines: Consider the main point of the paper by asking yourself if it contains a clear thesis. Make sure that the content of the paper fits its purpose and target audience. Check whether the evidence presented in the body adequately supports the thesis. Eliminate any ideas that don't fit the thesis. Make the language tight and accessible by deleting unclear and confusing words and ideas. Try to analyze the paper from an outsider's perspective. It will help give you an unbiased view of the paper and help in effective revisions.
Proofreading
Proofreading will help you find any spelling or grammatical errors in your paper. Here are a few broad areas to pay attention to while proofreading: Spelling: Use a dictionary or another reliable resource to ensure correct spelling. Missing or doubled words: Reread the paper to catch any missed or doubled words. Complete sentences: Check that all the sentences contain a subject and a verb to form an independent clause. Comma usage: Refer to reliable grammar sources to avoid common comma errors, such as comma splices. Uniformity: Ensure that all the grammatical elements in the paper, such as nouns and pronouns, tenses, and so on, remain consistent. Apostrophe use: Remember that apostrophes are used only to indicate possession and in contractions such as you're and we're.
Using Rhetorical Language
Writers use rhetorical language and certain types of appeals to persuade their readers to adopt their viewpoints. Writers of persuasive arguments generally use three kinds of appeals: logical appeals (logos), emotional appeals (pathos), and ethical appeals (ethos).
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 Essays
A persuasive essay is meant to persuade readers to accept a point of view or to drive them to take action. Persuasive essays are written for a number of reasons. For example, they might express disapproval of unethical behavior, such as an opinion piece against wearing animal fur. They might promote a specific goal, such as an argument for saving a town's movie theater. Or they might argue for a type of change, such as an essay urging people to recycle plastic rather than throw it away. Think of a persuasive essay as a written debate. Writers express an opinion and try to convince their readers to agree. A good persuasive essay will define the issue, show both sides of the argument, and take a clear stand on the topic. Note that if your main goal is to inform an audience about a topic or offer a critique, a persuasive essay probably won't suit your needs.
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.
Developing a Thesis Statement
After researching your topic, it's time to write a thesis statement. A thesis statement presents your main argument in one sentence. Keep in mind that a good thesis for a persuasive essay must be debatable. A thesis that presents an obvious fact defeats the whole purpose of writing a persuasive essay. Look at this example of a thesis statement: Exercising regularly is good for health. This statement is a weak thesis. No one needs to be persuaded that exercising is a healthy habit. Now consider this example: Schools should allow for two hours of physical activity each day. This statement is a better thesis because it's likely to draw mixed opinions. Not everyone reading it will share the author's viewpoint. Such a statement calls for a persuasive essay.
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
Researching Your Topic
Now that you've identified the ideas to include in your essay, it's time to find more information on them. The next step is research. Research provides you with evidence to support your main argument. The best sources for research are reference works, books, and scholarly articles written by experts. You can also choose online sources, but the sites need to be reliable. Learn more about how to evaluate sources. Make sure that the information you choose to include in your essay is up to date. Also, remember to give credit to authors. Read more about quoting sources and crediting authors.
Outlining Your Essay
Once you are done organizing your thoughts and crafting your thesis statement, it's time to write your essay. The first step in writing a good essay is to create a solid outline. Think of the outline as a map for your essay. The outline will help keep you on track. It will also help you include enough relevant information for your essay. Look at this template to understand how to write an outline for a persuasive essay. Note that this outline has only one body paragraph, but your essay will have three. Use the template to plan your essay
Pathos
Pathos is an appeal to the readers' feelings and emotions. In special cases, emotional appeals work better than logical appeals to present a more heartfelt and moving picture of reality. Keep in mind, though, that writers should use pathos only when they have strong evidence to support their claims. Otherwise, pathos can be used to make manipulative or illogical arguments stronger. Emotional appeals can affect readers' ability to analyze an argument objectively by feeding on their insecurities, biases, and personal desires. So, use emotional appeals with care and beware of their use in the writings of others. Consider this excerpt from the Gettysburg Address: It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom— and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Note how Lincoln uses pathos to appeal to emotions arising from the tragic loss of soldiers during the Civil War. By doing so, he brings a heartfelt quality to his audience's sense of brotherhood and their feelings of patriotism.
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.
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
