Persuasive Writing Notes

Persuasive Writing Notes (adapted from Karen Nakaska RVSOnline)

How to Complete the Persuasive Writing Assignment:

In the persuasive writing assignment you will be required to write either a speech or a letter.  You will be given a situation, an issue and an audience.  You will be told who you are writing as.  You will receive background information on the issue and research that supports both sides of the issue (or you can use textual support)

You must read through the issue and the arguments that are presented (they will be on the diploma, but won’t be in the course).  You MUST take a stand on the issue and you will have to back up your point of view with a variety of supporting arguments.  Your writing should demonstrate an understanding of the subject and the opposing views on the topic, but ultimately you must express your opinion on the subject.

Be aware of using an appropriate tone as you write your letter or speech.  Use formal and polite language and remember that you are not only expressing your views, you are trying to PERSUADE your audience to also take your point of view.

Your writing prompts will take this format:

Write a speech or letter that will persuade _____________ (this will change depending on the situation) to either ACCEPT or REJECT the proposal to _________________ (this will be the situation you will be given).

Persuasive Writing Format

First Paragraph

• At the beginning of the speech or letter you should introduce yourself (give your name and your title- ie.  Student at Prosper High School, member of a committee)
• Be sure to greet whomever you will be speaking/writing to about the issue
• Present the issue in general so that your audience will know what you are going to be writing about.

Second Paragraph

• Discuss your opinion on the situation in detail and give your readers several strong reasons why you have taken that stance.
• Use specific examples that support your opinion
• Cite other people involved that also support your opinion

Third Paragraph

• Discuss the opposite viewpoint so that your audience understands that you are thoroughly familiar with the subject and understand your opponents’ viewpoint.
• Use specific examples and cite support from others that undermine the opposing view.
• Be sure not to be diminutive or rude while discussing the opposing viewpoint

Fourth Paragraph

• Use a strong example (different from the one that you used in paragraph two) to reaffirm your opinion.
• Use specific examples to support your viewpoint

Concluding Paragraph

• summarize your points,
• clearly restate your position on the subject
• politely urge your audience to accept your viewpoint
• thank your audience for their time and consideration in listening to/or reading your opinions on the subject