Persuasive/Argumentative Writing

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1 Name Persuasive/Argumentative Writing Persuasive -- or argumentative-- writing is focused on developing an argument to convince your reader that your opinion is right. You make a claim, and then you use reasons and evidence to support your claim. On the NJ ASK you will be asked to complete a persuasive writing in response to an authentic (real world) writing task. There is no set requirement for the length of the essay; however, you should have an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The total time for this portion of the test is about 45 minutes. It is often in letter format, so remember to write in the genre you are asked. Pre-writing Strategies 1. Carefully read the writing task more than once and underline key words. 2. Use the space provided in the test booklet to create a pre-write to help you organize your ideas. 3. Use an egg web, outline, or other graphic organizer to organize your ideas. At least complete a pro/con chart to help you decide which side you want to take. Drafting Strategies 1. Write an introduction with a hook to get the reader s attention. Clearly state your position (claim) in the form of a thesis statement at the end of the introduction. 2. *Choose ONE side of the issue at hand and stick to that side throughout the essay. 3. Use clear reasons and relevant evidence to support your claims. 4. Keep your audience in mind by making sure the essay follows proper format. For example, if the writing task asks you to write a letter to your principal, remember to begin the letter, Dear Principal. Sign the letter when you are finished. 5. Make sure your voice and tone are appropriate for the audience to whom you are writing (adults, classmates, editor of a newspaper, the mayor, etc.). 6. Remember to balance logic with emotion. Take a risk and try propaganda techniques. 7. You are encouraged to also take risks by using sophisticated vocabulary throughout your response. 8. Write a conclusion that refers back to the thesis statement to remind readers of your claim. Tell readers what they should do or think about the issue by giving them a call to action.

2 Anticipate and Refute the Opposition Concession is when you acknowledge or recognize the opposing viewpoint, conceding that it may have some value. Think about the arguments against your position. Anticipate and plan ahead to answer concerns. Meet opposing ideas head on with persuasive arguments of your own that refute (disprove) the opposition. A reader of your essay is more likely to pay attention if you show you can see his/her point of view before you counter that argument. Now for the Persuasive Writing DON TS Don t apologize or make excuses for your point. Never suggest that you don t know what you re talking about or that you re not enough of an expert in this subject that your opinion would matter. Don t announce what you are about to do in the essay. In this paper, I will The purpose of this essay is to Just state your position. Don t write I believe, I think, or In my opinion. It weakens your arguments. State your opinions as if they were FACTS. With persuasion, write with confidence even if you re not feeling it. As the saying goes, Never let em see you sweat! Getting Started While 45 minutes is a significant amount of time, use it wisely. Prewriting should focus on creating well-developed support for your thesis statement. First, decide whether you will be for (pro) or against (con) the idea presented in the prompt. When deciding which side to take, you do not have to pick the side with which you personally agree. Pick the side on which you feel you can write a better essay. To help you decide which side to select, you can create a chart showing the pros and cons for each side of the issue in the prompt. After you make the chart, see which reasons you feel you can support more and start brainstorming facts and examples to support those reasons. Let s look at an example.

3 Example 2 Across New Jersey, middle schools have banned students from using cell phones in school. The Board of Education in your town is considering allowing students in the middle school to use cell phones. Write a letter to your Board of Education stating whether or not you feel that this is a good idea and will create positive results. Example 3 The basketball coach is concerned about his team s poor grades. To combat the low grades, the coach has decided to make all players attend mandatory study sessions twice a week after practice. Write a letter to your school s newspaper stating whether or not this policy is fair.

4 Example 4 Recently, your community has become concerned with the overall health of its young people, especially with how much sugar students are eating. They have suggested banning clubs from having bake sales or selling candy. Write a letter to the parents explaining whether you feel this suggestion is appropriate or not Example 5 The mayor of your town has been asked to make a big decision. Should some land in your town be used to build a new shopping mall? Think about how having a new shopping mall would affect your community and why. Write a letter to the mayor with your opinion on whether your town needs a new shopping mall

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