Developing a Persuasive Paper

What is the general purpose of a persuasive paper? To present a series of logical arguments in support of a thesis. You may not convince EVERYONE. That is not the point. The point is to make the best arguments you can in support of your thesis.

How can you do that? Choose an appropriate topic. Make sure you take a position on whatever topic you choose. Make it narrow and focused -- like a laser

Know and remember your audience. Ask yourself questions about your audience What do they already know about your topic? What information or terms do they need to know to understand your point of view? What biases might they already have for or against your opinion? What special concerns might your readers have that influence their receptiveness?

Know why you hold your views List the reasons you believe in your point of view before you write Are there enough? Are they persuasive? Anticipate opposing views. List all opposing views and an answer to each one before you write

Organize your points with a Pro/Con Chart Pros Cons

Organization Idea Start the paper with your introduction and thesis. Start the body of the paper with your second strongest point. Go to your third strongest, fourth strongest, and so on. Finish the body of the paper with your strongest point. In the conclusion of the paper, you need to include a “call to action.”

Types of Persuasive Arguments 1. Necessity-- find reasons it needs to be done or why you need it 2. Benefit-- point out how it is good for someone (or yourself) either now or in the future 3. Cost-- let your reader know it is inexpensive or the reasons it is the best value or why it is worth what it costs 4. Quality-- talk about the excellent characteristics of the idea, item, place, or person you are recommending

Types of Persuasive Arguments 5. Fun-- explain the ways it will bring pleasure 6. Personal Values-- tell the ways it meets your own sense of what is right or good 7. Social Values-- describe the ways it is the most good for the most people REMEMBER-- also look for reasons against what you don’t want.

Types of Evidence Fact Definition: something known to be true Example: The school already has TV’s in most of the rooms. Statistic Definition: a fact expressed in numbers Example: A poll has shown 86% of the students want a morning news show. Example Definition: a particular instance or event Example: The high school has a morning program like the one we want.

Types of Evidence Opinion Definition: a personal judgment based on feelings or beliefs. Example: Such a program would be extremely popular with our students. Reason Definition: a sensible explanation Example: The morning news service would help our students be better informed on local current events.

Find the appropriate tone. Don’t get carried away and become nasty and/or sarcastic Be respectful of the other side Be moderate

Again--Think of the Audience! About 15% of the people reading your paper will agree with you no matter how weak your arguments. About 15% of the people reading your paper will disagree with you no matter how strong your arguments. This leaves about 70% that you can persuade. Some more easily than others. If you sound too over-the-top, you will turn a large number of those people off.