Purpose
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Present a point of view around a topic and supported by evidence
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Similar to a lawyer’s job
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You aim to sway the reader’s mind to agree with your opinion on a particular topic
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Writing a good persuasive essay includes the use of a mix of emotive language supported by hard evidence or other people’s opinions
Essay Structure
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Choose a Topic, Pick your Stance and Write an Outline
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Choose your topic
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Think about the issue then pick the side you wish to advocate
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Conduct research to get evidence that you can use in your essay
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Write an outline of the essay, including at least 3 points that you will use in the essay
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Introduction (1 paragraph)
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Start with a hook to catch the readers attention (statistic, quote, question or story)
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​For example: “Driving while talking on a cell phone, even hands-free, is the equivalent of driving drunk.”
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Briefly introduce/summarize your main three points
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Finish with your thesis statement: "This paper will argue..."
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Body Paragraphs (3 paragraphs)
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Each body is one of your three main points
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Begin a paragraph with a topic sentence (central point of the paragraph)
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The sentence states the central point of the paragraph
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This is one reason that supports your thesis statement
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Then 2 supporting evidence
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State why these points/evidence are important
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Finally end with a transition sentence to flow the reader to the next idea/paragraph
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Conclusion (1 paragraph)
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Restate the thesis (use different words)​
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Summarize key points: This helps the reader remember the important details.​
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Closing Thought: Tie everything back to your thesis statement. Last chance to persuade the reader of your point of view.
Persuasive Techniques
Repetition: There is a reason why advertisements and commercials are so repetitive- repetition works!
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It is difficult to get the reader to fully agree with the writer’s opinion if they don’t fully understand it
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Saying the same thing in a variety of ways ensures the reader gets many bites of the same apple
Storytelling: Everyone likes a story. Kids learn important values through various stories
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Whether through personal anecdotes or reference to third person experiences, stories help climb down the ladder of abstraction & reach the reader on a human level
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Dealing with dissent: ignoring the opposing opinion will appear as avoidance to the reader
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As a result, the opposing view should be given some mention
A call to action: it usually forms part of the conclusion section of the essay & asks the reader to do something such as recycle, donate to charity, sign a petition, etc
Presentation & Speech
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Follow your essay structure:
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Hook
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Main three points with supporting evidence
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Conclude with calls to action
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Confident Delivery:
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Eye Contact: look at different parts of the audience to engage them.
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Clear Voice: Speak loudly and clearly, making sure to pronounce words properly.
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Pacing: Avoid speaking too fast. Pausing at key moments to emphasize important points.
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Persuasive Language:
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Repetition of key points.
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Rhetorical Questions to get the audience thinking.
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Emotion to appeal to the audience’s feelings.
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Facts and Statistics to build credibility.
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Body Language:
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Posture: Stand tall and avoid slouching.
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Gestures: Use hand gestures to emphasize important points, but avoid overdoing it.
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Movement: Use the stage or space wisely by walking confidently, but not pacing nervously.
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Visual Aids
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Use slides or props to support their argument visually.
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Keep visual aids simple, clear, and relevant to the topic.
Practice and Preparation:
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Rehearsal. More practice, the more confident you'll be.
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Anticipate possible counterarguments and how to address them smoothly.