Persuasive Writing

Mission

• I will be able to determine the author's specific purpose for writing a persuasive text.

• I will be able to identify the facts and details that support the author’s argument regarding a particular idea, subject, concept, or object.

• I will be able to describe the intended effect of persuasive strategies and propaganda techniques (e.g., bandwagon, peer pressure, repetition, testimonial, transfer, loaded words) that an author uses.

Purpose of persuasive writing

To influence the reader’s thinking, and sometimes to change his/her mind about

something or prompt some action.

Good persuasive writing…

1. Clear 2. Compelling 3. Well supported 4. Opinionated without relying just on

opinions 5. Lively 6. Knowing issue/topic inside and out

(both sides)

Testimonial Using words of an expert or famous

person to persuade

“Just do it” Michael Jordan

“So easy a Caveman can do it.”

Bandwagon Persuade people to do something by

letting them know others are all doing it

“Everyone is reading Twilight series, you should to

it’s the best ever.”

“All of the 6th grade is going to Sea World,

you should to.”

RepetitionIdea is repeated over and over again

5 $ Foot longMcDonald’s

Common Sense Trying to persuade using everyday sense of good or bad/right or wrong

Loaded/Emotional Words

Words that are used that make you feel strongly about an idea

afraidagitatedalarmedangryantsyanxiousapprehensive ashamedawfulawkward

eageredgyembarrassedencouragedenragedenthusedexasperatedexcitedexhausted

fatiguedfearfulfidgetyfrightenedfrustratedfunnyfurious

Reasoning Luring the reader by listening or

explaining reasons or an idea

Card Stacking Ads giving only the positive side of a product or service, ignoring negative

aspects

“Will lose up to 6 pounds in two weeks eating Special K cereal.”“Thirty-three people wrote in support of our decision.”“This product has absolutely no trans fats.”