Types of Writing

Types of Writing

Expository writing- Writing to explain or inform.

Example: Million Dollar Question paper

Persuasive writing- Writing to convince the reader of something you feel strongly about.

Persuasive WritingCONVINCE or PERSUADE the reader as to why your way of thinking or your position on a topic is the BEST.

There are necessary elements to successfully persuade…

Statement of Fact

Claims that something is true or not true.

Example: Contrary to popular belief, most hunters are friends of the environment.

OR

A majority of people prefer chocolate for dessert.

Statement of Value

Claims that something has or does not have worth.

Example: The automobile has turned into the American nightmare.

OR

Lunch is the most important meal of the day.

Statement of Policy

Claims that something should or should not be done.

Example: All high schools should implement year-round schooling.

OR

Smoking should be illegal.

Concession

Identifying other valid opinions about your subject.

Showing the other side to the argument.

Some expressions for making a concession:

*while it is true that *even though

*I agree that *granted…

Example: I agree that students may retain more information in a year-round school setting, but I still believe that a summer break is better.

Qualifiers

These make an opinion more flexible and easier to support.

Example:

-Hunters are friends of the environment.

with a qualifier:

-Most hunters are friends of the environment.

*Most qualifies the above opinion, changing it from an all-or-nothing claim.

Useful Qualifiers

almost

often

usually

some

maybe

most

probably

in most cases

Adding SupportYour opinion needs evidence for support!

Prediction- Predict an outcome.

Shortened passing periods will mean more learning time, which I predict will increase IQ scores.

Statistics- Use a fact or survey for support.

56% of voters agree that smoking should be banned.

Observation- Include what you have seen.

In Hyde Park, people litter constantly.

Support

Expert testimony- Quote an expert.

Example: According to Emma Hernandez, the director of the animal shelter, animals are regularly mistreated.

Comparison- Compare past/present and similarities/differences.

Example: In the past, kids were more active. Today, children rely on technology for entertainment, and spend less time outdoors.

So what?We will be writing arguments in class

based on a wide variety of data/evidence.

As we do, you need to make sure that

your claim is what you believe,

your data/evidence is reliable and answers the question, “What makes

you say so?”

and that you can provide the other side to the argument, which is your

concession.

Let’s practice…Please get out a sheet of paper

1. Choose a candy bar you think is the BEST candy bar. This is your claim, so write it in a sentence on the top line of a piece of paper.

Example: Butterfinger is the best candy bar.

CHOOSE FROM THESE OPTIONS:

2.Now, write what makes you say so. This is your evidence. Write 3 reasons to support your claim.

Example: 1. Butterfinger is the best candy bar because it has a sweet, crunchy inside that’s surrounded by melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.

3. Share your choice with a neighbor who picked the same candy bar, and compare claims/evidence. Add new evidence to your claim. (at least 1)

Example: Butterfinger cures all cravings because it is the perfect combination of sweet and salty.

4. Find someone in your row or one row over who has a different choice, and write your concession using their evidence.

Example: Although Snickers has protein-rich peanuts, Butterfinger is still the better of the two candy bars.

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have successfully completed the steps to an effective argument!