PERSUASIVE AND

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

Part of The Essay Toolbox

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS…

Present a series of arguments either for or against an issue

Are not subject to personal feelings, only solid evidence

Use examples and evidence in a highly organized manner

EXAMPLE TITLES:

Hovercrafts or Dirigibles: Choosing the Best Use of Air

Scientific Arguments Against Homework

in Junior High Schools

Dag, yo! We should have

taken the hovercraft…

Example Content:

Though the 30km/hr average top speed of a hovercraft might seem impressive, it means very little when faced with impassible terrain. The average dirigible tops out at only 20km/h but continues this pace above cliffs, oceans, and cactus fields that would stop a hovercraft dead.

PERSUASIVE ESSAYS…

Also present arguments for or against an issue

Use evidence for support but add an emotional and/or personal appeal

Are designed to convert readers to the writer’s opinion through strong language

Motivate readers to take action or stand up for an idea

EXAMPLE TITLES:

Homework In Junior High: How Students Are

Being Traumatized

This Isn’t A Zoo! Why Animal Print Clothing is

Uncivilized

Hey! You copied my outfit. Again!

Example Content:

When I see somebody enter the workplace wearing a tacky animal print I can’t help but roll my eyes! Nothing says “I take my job seriously” like zebra print leggings. There is substantial research indicating that workplace productivity is higher in businesses that maintain a dress code and I can see why. When my Manager was doing a presentation at the staff meeting last week all I could focus on was his silly giraffe tie. I felt insulted! We work hard for this company 5 days a week and our manager shows up to lecture us dressed like a clown! No, an animal!

In Comparison:

ARGUMENTATIVE

Relies on objective evidence to support or disagree with an issue

Uses a well organized point for point analysis

The evidence is used to point to a strong conclusion

PERSUASIVE

Combines objective evidence and emotional appeals to convince the reader

Carefully balances objective evidence with emotional appeals to create a unified effect

The reader is urged to agree and take action

Writing Resources

The Original Persuasive Essay Thesis Builder

• Organizes students’ main idea and supporting arguments into a thesis that responds to an opposing viewpoint.

• Great for Argumentative AND Persuasive Essays!

By Tom March, http://tommarch.com/electraguide/Copyright © 1996 Tom March -- All Rights Reserved. Last revised January, 2009.

Writing ResourcesEssay Map Builder

Maps out: Main Ideas, Supporting Details, and Conclusion

Students can print out or e-mail their planner

Great for planning any type of essay!

ReadWriteThink International Reading Association www.readwritethink.org Copyright 2010

I’d rather be having a

root canal.

Writing Resources

Citation Machine

Creates MLA (and other) citation formats quickly and easily.

Students type in the information from their original source and the generator creates a copy and paste citation!

Son of Citation Machine. Copyright (c) 2000 - 2010 by David Warlick & The Landmark Project.

Undressing The Issue of School Uniforms

THE ASSIGNMENT!

Research the Issue!Read The Following:

School Uniforms: Pros & Cons• Online Information Article by Anne Svenson• A brief introduction to research, studies, and opinions on the issue of

school uniforms

Should Students Wear School Uniforms?• Online informatin Article by Sherry Bowen• Clearly lists pros and cons

An Argument Against School Uniforms• Argumentative Essay by a student• References “School Uniforms: Pros & Cons” by Anne Svenson

Gather Facts

Use two different colored highlighters to identify the pros and cons explored in each article.

Create a pros and cons table combining all of your research.

Create citations for the sources you are using. Paste them into a new document titled Works Cited.

Form An Opinion

DISCUSS

Discuss your opinion in a small group or as a class.

Listen carefully to the other opinions you hear.

Revise your opinion or supporting evidence if it doesn’t seem convincing to other listeners.

FURTHER READING

DEBATEPEDIA

An online debate wiki highlighting key arguments for and against uniforms.

Includes other articles and links related to the topic.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!•Create a THESIS that reflects your argument FOR or AGAINST school uniforms.

•Create or use an online planner to plan out the following:

•An Introduction Strategy•Your Main Ideas•Supporting Evidence For Each Idea•A Strong Conclusion

Don’t panic! Plan!

Use Persuasive Strategies

Types of Persuasive Strategies PowerPoint & Handout

Plan to use some of the following strategies to persuade your readers:

• Drop Big Names or Brands• Provide Facts, Numbers, and Specific Information• Refer to Research• Appeal to Emotions• Appeal to Other People’s Trust• Create A Sense of Urgency

ReadWriteThink International Reading Association www.readwritethink.org Copyright 2010.

GOOD LUCK WRITING!

We’re feeling convinced already!