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Persuasive Writing
We are going to look at how to go about planning an essay on the following topic:
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin
• Cocaine• Cannabis
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
• Child abuse• Domestic violence
• Murder.
Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
You are going to end up with a plan which looks something like this.
Step 1:Background: It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction (although there are laws about the exact hours that bars and shops are allowed to sell alcohol, and laws against drinking and driving). This is in contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering (or ‘psycho-active’) drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. Consider: What are the advantages or disadvantages of banning alcohol altogether?
Task: Write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not banning alcohol would solve the social problems caused by drinking.
Research
Step 2:
Think about what your opinions are of the proposal that alcohol should be banned.
One way to navel gaze!
Ponder
Step 3:Look at the sheet of paper which you have been given.You will write a sentence in the central box to convey your
point of view.
Prepare Your Notes
Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Write one reason you think alcohol should be banned.
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. If cannabis, which is not very addictive and which results in virtually no violent crime or public disorder, needs to be banned because of its mind-altering effects, then alcohol should definitely be banned.
Summarise your 3 reasons.
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs.
Write another reason you think alcohol should be banned.
Write another reason you think alcohol should be banned.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Write 3 details about this reason.
In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
We need consistency in our drug laws.
Summarise your 3 reasons.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis
Write 3 details about this reason.
Write 3 details about this reason.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Cannabis
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
It is just as addictive as other drugs.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
Elaborate on one detail.
ELABORATE
Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.
In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.
Elaborate on one detail.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
ELABORATE
We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Murder.
Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Elaborate on one detail.
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
ELABORATE
We need consistency in our drug laws.
• Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.
• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
Step 5:
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin
• Cocaine• Cannabis
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
• Child abuse• Domestic violence
• Murder.
Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.
Firstly, Moreover,
Furthermore, For these reasons,
Now you need to add
connectives
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Add transitions
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin
• Cocaine• Cannabis
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
• Child abuse• Domestic violence
• Murder.
Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.
Firstly, Moreover,
Furthermore, For these reasons,
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Step 6: From your notes to paper
Each square will become a paragraph.
From your notes to paper
The introductory paragraph will sum up each reason from your planning sheet.
Here is a reminder of the reasons from the plan.
It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Teenagers create disturbances in the street and intimidate law-abiding passers-by. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction. This is in direct contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Step 6:
From your notes to paper
Begin the introductory paragraph with a hook.
In the UK, 24% of people are considered to be “hazardous drinkers”. How can we let such a large percentage of people devastate their health, their society and ruin the lives of others? It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Teenagers create disturbances in the street and intimidate law-abiding passers-by. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction. This is in direct contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Step 6:
Step 6: From your notes to paper
Next Paragraph
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin
• Cocaine• Cannabis
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
• Child abuse• Domestic violence
• Murder.
Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.
Firstly, Moreover,
For these reasons,
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
Step 6: From your notes to paper
Firstly, alcohol is just as addictive as other drugs. Heroin, cocaine and cannabis have all been shown to have very similar effects to alcohol. Why would we continue to keep alcohol legal, when it has the same mind-altering effects as many illegal drugs? Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of otherwise illegal drugs. It also makes it highly addictive. It seems absurd that anyone in their right mind would want to keep a mind-altering drug, which endangers the user and others, legal.
Next Paragraph
Step 6: From your notes to paper
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin
• Cocaine• Cannabis
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
• Child abuse• Domestic violence
• Murder.
Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.
Firstly, Moreover,
For these reasons,
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
Next Paragraph
Step 6: From your notes to paper
Moreover, alcohol significantly increases the chances of a violent crime being committed. Alcohol is a contributory factor in 65-70% of violent crimes, such as child abuse and murder. For instance, statistics from the U.S. show that alcohol is a factor in around a quarter of domestic abuse cases. It is clear that if we want a more peaceful, more ordered society that alcohol has to be removed from it.
Next Paragraph
Step 6: From your notes to paper
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin
• Cocaine• Cannabis
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
• Child abuse• Domestic violence
• Murder.
Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.
Firstly, Moreover,
For these reasons,
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
Next Paragraph
Step 6: From your notes to paper
Furthermore, it is about time that we achieved some consistency with our laws on drugs. We recognise the damage heroin does to society by banning it. Cocaine, just like alcohol, is also used recreationally, yet is still illegal. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007. This means that if we continue to allow people to drink alcohol, that we are nothing but hypocrites. We can’t ban one “bad” drug and not another. By not banning alcohol we risk great damage to society and show inconsistency.
Next Paragraph
Step 6: From your notes to paper
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin
• Cocaine• Cannabis
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.
• Child abuse• Domestic violence
• Murder.
Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.
• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.
It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.
The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking causes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.
Firstly, Moreover,
For these reasons,
Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.
Furthermore,
Next Paragraph
Step 6: From your notes to paper
For these reasons, it is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Ban alcohol and save our society from further ruin!
Summary Paragraph
Ending PUNCH
Step 7:
Review your paragraphs. Can you add adjectives (describing words) and interesting adverbs (describing action words)?
Vocabulary
These will help to make your work more opinionated and help you to express your point of view more clearly than you would expect in a more neutral discursive essay.
BEFORE:Many resources are used caring for those injured as a result of being drunk.
AFTER:Many precious resources are exhausted caring for those seriously injured as a result of being stupidly and carelessly drunk.
Step 7: Vocabulary
Discursive essay style
Persuasive essay style
How could you rewrite this for a persuasive essay?
Step 7: Vocabulary
Remember: The more sophisticated vocabulary you use, the better your writing. How can you “pull the heartstrings” of the reader?
bad
dreadful
Step 8:
Use metaphors and similes to give your essay more visual expression.
The cost of alcoholism to the health care system is great.
The cost of alcoholism to the health care system is massive; it drains the tank of our economy like a leaking tap.
Visual Expression
Step 9:1. Rhetorical questionCan we really expect the school to keep paying from its limited resources?2. Emotive languageImagine being cast out into the street, cold, lonely and frightened.3. Parallel structuresTo show kindness is praiseworthy; to show hatred is evil.4. Sound patternsAlliteration: Callous, calculating cruelty – is this what we must expect?Assonance: A fine time we all had, too.5. ContrastSometimes we have to be cruel to be kind.6. Description and Imagery (i.e. using metaphor, simile and personification)While we wait and do nothing, we must not forget that the fuse is already burning.7. The ‘rule of three’I ask you, is this fair, is it right, is it just?8. RepetitionEvil minds will use evil means.9. Hyperbole (using exaggeration for effect)While we await your decision, the whole school holds its breath.10. AnecdoteUsing a story from your experience to illustrate a point or idea.
Use of Rhetorical Devices
Step 9: Use of Rhetorical Devices
1. Rhetorical question
2. Emotive language
3. Parallel structures 4. Sound patterns
5. Contrast
6. Description and Imagery
7. The ‘rule of three’
8. Repetition
9. Hyperbole
10. Anecdote
Step 9:Reread your work to make sure you have:
Taken a stand and stay on the topic
Given your reasons in the introductory paragraph
Have paragraphs that support each reason
Elaborate on a reason in each paragraph
Have a summary paragraph that restates your reasons
Begin each paragraph with a transition word
Include adjectives, adverbs, similes, metaphors and other rhetorical devices.
Reread Your Work
The Planning Process
Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.
Title
1) Write one reason for your
point of view
4) Summarise your 3 reasons
2) Write another reason for your point of view
3) Write another reason for
your point of view
Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.
Title
5) Write 3 details about this reason
Summarise your 3 reasons
6) Write 3 details about this reason
7) Write 3 details about
this reason
Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.
Title
8) Elaborate on one
detail
9) Elaborate on one
detail
10) Elaborate on one detail
Summarise your 3 reasons
