AVID 8 Persuasive Writing Lesson 72

1. AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing
all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
Persuasive Writing

2. 2
“The persuasion of a friend is a strong thing.”
– Homer
Reflect on this quote.
• Things to think about:
– What words stand out to you?
– What connections can you make?
– Do you think this quote is true? Explain why
or why not.
Persuasion

3. 3
• Set up paper for Cornell notes.
• Topic: Persuasive Essay
• Essential Question: What are the
elements of a persuasive essay?
Persuasive Essays

4. 4
• A persuasive essay is a written work in
which a writer presents a case for or
against a particular position.
• Each logical argument, powerful
image, or striking phrase leads to a
final conclusion through which the
reader sees things from the writer’s
point of view.
Definition of a Persuasive Essay

5. 5
Persuasive Essays
• May make claims based
on opinions
• May not take opposing
ideas into account
• Persuades by appealing
to the audience’s emotion
or by relying on the
character or credentials
of the writer
Argumentative Essays
Persuasive Essays vs. Argumentative Essays
• Makes claims based
strictly on factual evidence
• Makes counter-claims,
taking into account
opposing views
• Convinces audience
through the merit and
reasonableness of the
claims and proofs
From: http://rpdp.net/files/ccss/ELA/ELA_9-10_Curr_Res/Writing%209-
10/Writing%20Standard%201%20(9-10).pdf

6. 6
What are some types of persuasive writing?
• Advertising
• Letters
• Political speeches
• Position papers
• Public service announcements
• Editorials
• Personal commentaries
Forms of Persuasive Writing

7. 7
What are some careers where persuasion is important?
• Advertisers
• Real estate agent
• Salesperson
• Marketing
• Fundraiser
• Grant writer
• Lobbyist
• Hostage negotiator
• Lawyer
Careers Utilizing Persuasion

8. 8
• Includes an issue with more than one side
• Clear statement of the writer’s position
• Clear organization that leads to a
conclusion
• Powerful conclusion that usually asks the
reader to either believe as the writer does
or take some kind of action on the issue
Elements of Persuasive Essays

9. 9
• Logical arguments
• Statistics
• Expert opinions
• Personal observations
• A consideration of another side of the
issue with an argument against that
side or an explanation of why that
side is wrong
• Powerful words and images
Evidence that Supports the Writer’s Position

10. 10
Ethos: Author uses the character or personality of the
speaker to persuade, such as celebrity endorsements.
(If you believe in the celebrity, you will believe what
they are selling.)
Example: “Mom, Deputy Peterson, the school resource
officer, told us today that cell phones are needed to
create a sense of security for students.”
Ways to Persuade

11. 11
Logos: Author uses logic or reason in order to
persuade. When written, the information is meant to
be fact or data.
Example: “Mom, 9 out of 10 students have cell phones
and have used them in emergency situations.”
Ways to Persuade

12. 12
Pathos: Author uses emotions to draw in the reader.
Advertisements typically use pathos. Many ads depict
emotions, such as joyfulness, unhappiness, playfulness,
excitement, fear, and more.
Example: “Mom, what if my soccer practice is over
early, and I don’t have a cell phone? Do you really want
me sitting on the side of the road waiting for someone
to pick me up?”
Ways to Persuade