Digital Literacies - Persuasive Writing

Kevin Cummins

What is Persuasive Writing Persuasive writing is a type of writing

where your main goal is to persuade or convince someone to do something that you want them to do. 

It is often a difficult task teachers to teach and students to learn as it requires you using a style of language that is rarely used in schools.

The Purpose of Persuasive writing?

Present one point of view with reasons and evidence to support it

You are trying to influence someone else's opinion.

You might be trying to sell something.

The elements of persuasive writing The following Slides are from

ReadWriteThink and they really highlight the key elements that make up an effective persuasive text.

Persuasive Strategies

Copyright 2006 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved. ReadWriteThink.org materials may be reproduced for educational purposes.Images ©2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Claim

Example: I am going to try to convince you that chocolate is a healthy snack.

State your argument.

Source:www.readwritethink.org

Big Names

Example: Former U.S. president Bill Clinton thinks that junk food should be taken out of vending machines.

Important people or experts can make your argument seem more convincing.

Source:www.readwritethink.org

Logos

Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.

Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing.

Source:www.readwritethink.org

Pathos

Example: Your donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a good home.

Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument.

Source:www.readwritethink.org

Ethos

Example: Believe me! I’ve been there before. I’m just like you.

If people believe and trust in you, you’re more likely to persuade them.

Source:www.readwritethink.org

Kairos

Example: This is a one-time offer. You can’t get this price after today.

Try to convince your audience that this issue is so important they must act now.

Source:www.readwritethink.org

Research

Example: A recent study found that students who watch TV during the week don’t do as well in school.

Using reliable research can help your argument seem convincing.

Source:www.readwritethink.org

Task One Your first task is to visit www.writingfun

and head to the Persuasive writing section and read through the six examples of persuasive writing.

Please take note of the layout and structure also.

Choosing a topic. You will need to choose a topic for your

persuasive text. You might try something as straightforward as “Chocolate is a healthy food.”

Or something more complex like “All petrol powered cars should be removed from our roads and replaced with electric ones.”

Whatever you choose please remember to have reasons and evidence to support your opinions and your argument.

Task Two Once you have selected your topic you

need to run it through the Persuasion Map.

With The Persuasion Map Students can use this online interactive tool to map out an argument for their persuasive essay.

Task Three Now that you have chosen a topic and run it

through the persuasion map you are obviously you are going to have to write one.

If you are struggling with the structure and layout please use the online planner on www.writingfun.com and then publish it in Word.

Good Luck – Don’t forget to include it in your portfolio or publish it to your blog if you have one.

Further Reading www.readwritethink.org

www.writingfun.com

www.edgalaxy.com