How can I write a better

persuasive letter/essay?

Help me write!

Hook your reader!Begin your writing with…A rhetorical questionExample: Have you ever noticed that dreams start

early on?Cause an emotional responseExample: Our children are being neglected, I know

that you cannot sit back and deny that something must be done.

Set the mood—paint a “mind” picture.Example: Students march around like ants on an

important mission. Give an amazing factExample: You will be shocked to learn…Use a quoteExample: “We should be a health conscious student body

and staff,” exclaimed Mr. Pulit

State your position!

State your position in the first paragraph.

I believe…I know…Trust me when I say…Only defend one side of the issue. Don’t flip flop by saying both sides of the issue are good or bad.

Use DRAPES to make your writing more interesting!

DialogueRhetorical questionsAnalogiesPersonal experiencesExamplesStatistics

Dialogue

Dialogue:Include what someone said in your essay,

like an expert, teacher, parent, or friend.

Reading an essay that includes dialogue is more interesting to read. Don’t forget to use quotation marks!

Example:According to Dr. D, “Our budget has decreased since money has been spent on…”

Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical Questions:Include a question that makes your

reader think deeply about your position.

Engage your reader by asking him/her to participate in thinking about your important issue.

Example:Do you think adolescents are equipped to make their own decisions?

Analogies

AnalogiesMake comparisons to get your reader to understand what you mean.

Example: Children are like plants. If you give them

lots of care and attention, they grow strong and healthy. If you neglect them, they become weak and sickly.

Personal Experience

Tell a story or an anecdote. Stories can show your reader that you have first hand experience. Furthermore, people love stories.

Examples:This reminds me of…As a matter of fact, once…I’ll never forget the time…

ExamplesUse specific details and examples

to prove what you mean.Don’t write general nouns, instead

use proper or specific ones.

Examples:No Yessoda Coca Colapeople citizens of Meridenchildren eighth graders or TEMS students

StatisticsGive your reader data: percents, numbers, etc… People love facts!

Examples:Can you believe that…As many as…In fact,…Research shows…