Persuasive Writing Video and Questions

Persuasive Language

By Valerie Rose

Objectives

I can analyze examples of persuasive writing and ...

• identify claims and counter claims

• find evidence that supports claims

• determine the audience

• identify types of persuasive language used in advertising

• differentiate between weak and strong arguments​

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Examples of persuasive language are all around us: in advertising, politics, editorials, reviews (just to name a few). It is important to understand techniques of persuasion so that you can identify and analyze them in use, but also so that you can utilize them in your own writing and speech.

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​https://www.flocabulary.com/unit/persuasive-language/

Making an Argument - Claims

When you argue, you are giving reasons for or against something. You might make an argument in school for a paper or presentation. Or you could make an argument at home when you're talking with friends and family. You're much more likely to make a strong point with your argument if you prepare. You will also make a strong point if you provide a lot of solid evidence to back up, or support, your claim.

Multiple Choice

Read the following passage.

Bike riding should be banned from public parks. Cyclists may enjoy riding on the trails, but there is not enough room for both bikers and walkers. Bikes also sometimes crash into people walking or playing in the park. Cyclists should be asked to get off their bikes and walk them through the park instead of riding. This way, everyone can enjoy the park.

Which detail from the passage uses evidence to support the claim that bike riding should be banned from public parks?

• “Cyclists may enjoy riding on the trails…”

• Bikes also sometimes crash into people walking or playing in the park.”

• “Cyclists should be asked to get off their bikes and walk them through the park instead of riding.”

• “This way, everyone can enjoy the park.”

Counter Claims

Smiling can be a great strategy to use when presenting an argument in person. In writing, there are other strategies you can use to be persuasive. You can use facts to support your claims. You can anticipate a counterclaim. This means you can imagine what someone may argue against your claim and then write about those concerns.

Multiple Choice

Read the following passage.

Bike riding should be allowed in public parks. Both cyclists and walkers can easily share the trails as long as they follow the rules of the park. According to the rules, cyclists should stay on the right side of the trails and always let walkers pass first. Some people may argue that cyclists do not always follow the rules. The parks department should make sure that the rules are clearly posted in the parks. This will remind people of how they should share this space.

Which of the following details from the passage anticipates a counterclaim to the argument that bike riding should be allowed in public parks?

• “Bike riding should be allowed in public parks.”

• “According to the rules, cyclists should stay on the right side of the trails and always let walkers pass first.”

• “Some people may argue that cyclists do not always follow the rules.”

• “Both cyclists and walkers can easily share public trails…”

Know Your Audience​

When you are trying to persuade someone, appeal to your listener. Make your argument about the other person and not just about yourself. For example, if you’re selling lemonade, saying, “Buy my lemonade because I’m awesome” is not a strong argument. Instead, give the other person examples of why buying your lemonade will benefit them. “It’s a hot day, and you won’t be thirsty if you drink my lemonade!” is an argument that appeals to the listener.

Multiple Choice

The following passage is written for teachers. Use it to answer the question below.

School buses should play music in the morning for students. As a teacher, imagine how much more energized, focused and ready to learn your students would be if they were motivated by the music they enjoy. I love listening to music in the morning. Other students would certainly enjoy this, too. It would also give students the chance to relax and reflect before beginning the school day.

Which detail from the passage provides the best example of appealing to an audience?

• “As a teacher, imagine how much more energized, focused and ready to learn your students would be...”

• “I love listening to music in the morning.”

• “School buses should play music in the morning for students.”

• “Other students would certainly enjoy this, too.”

Be Specific!​

Weak arguments might might be very general instead of being specific. If Elsie had said that the camping trip would be “fun,” she would not have been as convincing. Instead, she is specific about why the trip would be fun for her.

Multiple Choice

Read the following passage.

I should be allowed to go to the dance because it will be awesome. I’ll get to see my friends and show off my dancing talents. I’ve been practicing a new dance for two months! Going to the dance will help build my social skills, and there will be teachers chaperoning the whole time.

Which detail is the weakest part of the argument?

• “Going to the dance will help build my social skills…”

• “...there will be teachers chaperoning the whole time.”

• “I should be allowed to go to the dance because it will be awesome.”

Persuasive Language Techniques

is the power of the mind to think and form judgements logically; its used to appeal to the rationality of an audience

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​Some text here about the topic of discussion.

Reason {Logos}

is the reoccurrence of certain words or phrases and it is used to emphasize certain ideas, and make them more memorable

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Repetition

is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in order to emphasize certain words and make them more memorable

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Alliteration

Multiple Choice

What persuasive language technique is used in the names of these products/companies?

• Reason (Logos)

• Repetition

• Alliteration

• Anectodote

Multiple Choice

Quick Chill Veggies

Our frozen vegetables have 30% more vitamins than fresh ones.

Which persuasive language technique is used here?

• Reason (Logos)

• Alliteration

• Repetition

• Anectodotes

Multiple Choice

What persuasive language technique is used in this advertisement?

• repetition

• alliteration

• anectodotes

• reason (logos)

is the ideas or feelings that a certain word invokes and is used to create certain emotional responses in the audience

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Connotation

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is the establishment of authority and reliability, and is used to gain the confidence and trust of the audience. Experts or well known persons may endorse the idea or product.

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​Credibility (Ethos)

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Multiple Select

Love comfort. Love value.

Love Super Soft Sofas.

Which persuasive techniques are used in this slogan. Choose more than one!

• repetition

• alliteration

• positive connotations

Multiple Select

Celebrity Hairstylist Rob Hall uses

Nature's Nectar shampoo.

What techniques are used in this ad? Select all that apply.

• Alliteration

• Reason (Logos)

• Repetition

• Credibility (Ethos)

is feelings accentuated by experiencing love, hate, fear, etc. An appeal to emotion is used to engage an audience and create an emotional response .

Emotion (pathos)

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are descriptive words used to add emphasis and to create an emotional response

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Adjectives

Multiple Choice

Do you want to take care of your family's health?

VITA-HEALTH VITAMINS

Supplements for men, women, & children

What technique is used in this advertisement?

• reason (logos)

• credibility (ethos)

• emotion(pathos)

Multiple Select

Pearl Clear

Our new, improved moisturizing cream gives you cellular level cleansing with ani-wrinkle microtechnology.

What techniques are used in this ad?

• reason (logos)

• adjectives

• positive connotation

Poll

Did you enjoy today's lesson?

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