Persuasive writing

Persuasive writing, is a piece of work in which the writer uses words to convince the reader that the writer's opinion is correct with regard to an issue. Persuasive writing sometimes involves persuading the reader to perform an action, or it may simply consist of an argument or several arguments to align the reader with the writer’s point of view. Persuasive writing is one of the most commonly used writing types in the world. Persuasive writers employ many techniques to improve their argument and show support for their claim. Simply put, persuasive writing is "an essay that offers and supports an opinion".

This type of writing is often used for advertising copy, which is written in an attempt to get consumers to purchase specific products. It is also a form of writing in which someone tries to get readers to agree with a position. A well-written persuasive piece is supported with a series of facts which help the author argue his or her point. Many authors also include counterpoint arguments in their pieces which they can debunk, showing readers that they have considered both sides of the argument at hand, and that any arguments which could be raised against the side of the written piece could be dismissed. In addition to facts, authors may include anecdotes and hypothetical situations to build a stronger case.

Ethos, logos, and pathos in persuasive writing

By appealing to credibility, writers can make their claims more believable. This is called an appeal to ethos, as defined by Aristotle. The writer builds on his or her ethos by writing with clarity (an important element of style) and eliminating contradictions within the text itself. The writer will be more credible to the target audience if there are no internal errors in syntax and mechanics as well as no factual errors in the subject matter.

Writers can appeal to logic when writing to persuade using the appeal known as logos. This appeal is manifested in the supporting statements for the writer’s claim. In most cases, a successful appeal to logos requires tangible evidence, e.g., a quote from acknowledged written material. The writer will appeal to the rationality of the audience.

Possibly the most important appeal for persuasive writers is the appeal to emotions or pathos. “A successful pathetic appeal will put the audience in a suitable mood by addressing their knowledge of or feelings about the subject” (Mendelson). This can be a very effective way to win over an audience!

Most persuasive writing techniques use an effective combination of all three appeals.

Traditional structure

Here are the traditional parts of persuasive writing that can be used to strengthen an argument. While these do not have to be followed exactly or in this order, they are helpful in forming the structure in persuasive writing.

• Exordium, or introduction
• Narration, or background statement of the facts
• Partition, or forecast of the topics to be presented
• Conformation, or the confirmation of the piece. In contemporary English classes, this would be called the body of the text.
• Refutation, or discussion of alternatives
• Rhetorical questions, to get the reader thinking.
• Peroration, or a conclusion. It’s often helpful to tie the conclusion back to the introduction in order to strengthen your claim.

Persuasive strategies

There are many strategies for writing a persuasive essay. These include:

• An anecdote (personal experience)
• Humour
• Facts and statistics
• Rebuttal/Counter attack (This takes an argument from the opposing side and explains why it is not a problem)
• Challenges, for example: Imagine being locked in a cage for your whole life.

• An introduction will usually consist of four main segments: a topic sentence or lead in, an answer to the lead in, a "menu" (list of points to be argued), and a "tie back", which restates the introduction.
• Usually, a body paragraph will consist of a topic sentence, an explanation of the topic sentence, an example of this, and a tie back.
• Conclusions consist of an answer to the essay (restating your opinion), a summary of the essay, and a lead out.

External links

• Ten Important Triggers for Persuasive Writing by Jennifer Frost