Persuasive Essay Writing

Persuasive Essay Writing

​Objectives

• ​Define 'persuasive writing'

• ​Discuss the features of persuasive writing

• ​Explain the outline/organization of a persuasive essay

​What is 'Persuasive Writing'?

​Persuasive writing is writing that:

• ​attempts to convince readers to do something

• ​aims to convince readers to believe an idea or adopt your opinion

• ​appeals to emotions and logic within the readers' minds

Multiple Choice

Which of these is an example of Persuasive Writing?

• Florida is the best place to visit because of its beaches, parks, and shopping options.

• An armadillo is a type of animal with a hard shell.

• Johnnycake and Guava Duff are examples of favorite Bahamian desserts.

• Matthew lived in an old house that seemed to be haunted.

​Features of Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Writing always has:​

• ​claims

  • ​the opinion(s) of writer

• ​reasons

  • ​their reasons for the opinion

• evidence

  • ​support/backup for their reasons

  • ​usually based on facts

• ​counter-argument

  • ​a rebuttal or other side that they try to disprove

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a claim?

• Cats are better than dogs.

• Jazz is a type of music.

• Chocolate can be either semi-sweet or bitter-sweet.

• There are over 700 islands and cays in the Bahamas.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would be a good reason for the previous claim that 'cats are better than dogs'?

• Cats are better than dogs because they can be friendlier and like to cuddle more.

• There are many different breeds of dogs.

• Black cats are much prettier than white or brown tabby cats.

• I've had a cat ever since I was a little girl.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would be a good type of evidence to use in an essay that talks about cats being better than dogs?

• A story about how a cat once attacked me.

• A fact about how cats can help people live longer by providing good company.

• A question that asks "do you prefer dogs over cats?"

• A definition of what a cat is.

Multiple Choice

What would be a good counter-argument to the claim "cats are better than dogs"?

• Dogs like to bark all hours of the night.

• Dogs are actually friendlier than cats and can protect humans better.

• Dogs can be left outside or inside.

• Cats  are much easier to train than dogs are.

HOW TO OUTLINE/ORGANIZE

A PERSUASIVE ESSAY​

Multiple Choice

The purpose of persuasive writing is to convince your reader to think or act in a certain way.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

What is a claim?

• an opinion that states something to be true

• a fact from multiple pieces of research

• a way to hook your reader

• a jury's statement

Multiple Choice

What is a counterclaim?

• The main argument

• An opposing argument that argues the opposite of the claim

• An argument that has lots of research and facts to support it

• An expert's opinion on a specific subject

Multiple Choice

What word means:
The support or proof that backs up an idea,conclusion, or opinion.

• Claim
• Persuasive Writing
• Evidence
• Relevant

Multiple Choice

In argumentative writing, a writer will present a/an ______________ which he/she will back up with evidence.

• statistic
• claim
• case study
• propaganda technique

Multiple Choice

In argumentative style writing we still use the 5 paragraph format.

• True

• False

Multiple Select

Each body paragraph of the argumentative/persuasive/opinion writing must contain which of the following?

• facts

• supporting details

• explanations

• reasoning

Multiple Choice

Which of the following uses persuasive skills?

• a novel

• a birthday card

• an advertisement for a candy bar

• an informational article on photosynthesis

Multiple Choice

Television commercials are a form of persuasive writing.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The first paragraph in persuasive writing is called

• an introduction
• the body
• reasons
• opinions

Multiple Choice

When I use a reason in my persuasive writing it needs to be supported by

• reasons

• opinion

• hook

• evidence and facts

Multiple Choice

Which reason best supports that schools should encourage more students to walk.

• None of the reasons are valid.
• Students can sleep in longer.
• It reduces pollution and increases physical activity.
• You don't need buses.

Multiple Choice

Which statement bests supports cell phone use during the school day?

• Students can text friends during breaks.
• Cell phones are safe.
• Students can contact an adult or call 911 in an emergency.
• Students can take pictures with their phones.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best supports the idea that nature should be conserved and protected?

• Nature provides opportunities to study and research.
• Nature is cool to look at.
• You can get nice pictures outside.
• There are many things you can do outside.

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence.

OPINION is what you _______________ about something.

• think

• feel

• believe

• think, feel and believe