Topic 6

Persuasive Writing

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. Describe the nature of persuasive writing;
2. Identify different types of persuasive writing;
3. Explain the reasons for and purposes of persuasive
writing; and
4. List the persuasive strategies.
 Persuasive writing is a type of writing that sets
out to influence or change the readers
thoughts or actions to agree with those of the
writer.
This type of writing is often found in
advertisements in the real world and in
argumentation essays in the academic world.
To adopt a certain point of view or to take a
particular course of action.
Uses sound reasoning & give evidence by
starting facts, giving logical reasons, citing
examples and quoting experts.
6.1 Arrangement Of Persuasive Writing
Arrangement of
Persuasive Writing

Body- Body-Proof
Body-Assertion Concession/ Presents the
When the writer
Rebuttal evidence for the
asserts a certain
Writer does not assertion
opinion to the
exaggerate or Using a series of
reader
distort the facts, examples,
State the problem
opponents view instances and
or controversy
Do not defend the observations to
and may appear
opposing side but support the
clearly and
fairly and argument
succinctly.
reasonably state Compelling
Expressed in the
what these views restatement of
thesis statement.
are. the assertion.
6.1.1 Reasons for and Purposes of
Persuasive Writing

To influence or change an audiences thoughts

or actions.
Want people to believe us, remember what
we have written and will take the necessary
action based on our written work.
To appeal to your readers sense of reason,
emotions and good characters.
6.1.2 Types of Reasoning Processes
Deduction 2 types of Induction
mode reasoning mode
process
supports a general
begins with a general
conclusion by
principle or premise
examining specific
and draws a specific
facts or cases.
conclusion from it.
The process itself.

Appeal to Good
Appeal to Appeal to
Personality /
Reason Emotion
Character
Appeal to Reason
Argument is an appeal to persons sense of reason.
Its a measured, logical way of trying to persuade
others to agree with you.
Choose ane side of an issue clearly in an effort to
persuade others.

Appeal to Emotion
Evoking emotion in our reader is to use vivid images.
Appeal to Good Personality / Character
The appeal to our good behavior or our ethics can occur
at one or more of the following levels in any argument :
Are you a reasonable person? (Are you willing to listen,
compromise and concede points?)
Can someone reason with you? (Are you ready to listen?)
Are you authoritative? (Do you have the mandate or
power to stand by your decisions?)
Are you an ethical/moral person?
Are you concerned for the well-being of your audience?
(Do you have them at heart?)
 Element for Good
Arguments

Element
Element Appeal Improper
Element Evidence
To Authority Evaluation Of
Statistics
A) Element Evidence

In order to convince the reader to agree with

you. You must ensure that your evidence is
convincing and satisfy the following questions:
Enough evidence?
The evidence trustworthy? Reliable? Informed,
valid sources?
Evidence verifiable?

Evidence must valid, reliable, sufficient,

trustworthy and can be verified.
B) Element Appeal To Authority

To clear the uneasiness authoritative, we must

consider the following elements. They are:
Do people question your authority on a particular
subject?
Is your expert opinion current or up to date?
Do your peers accept and respect your opinion?
Is your expert advice free of bias?
C) Element Improper Evaluation Of Statistics

Use them ethically, accurately and as objective

as possible
Have samples which are pool representative
and unbias
Have statistic accurately tabulated and see
that the statistics are not taken out of context.
 Possible persuasive strategies

Emphasizing Addressing Showing Presenting

Readers Readers Sound Reliable
Benefits Concerns Reasoning Evidence

Explains to readers Readers are

how they will Predict what Writer needs to
willing to
benefit from the readers persuade
accept Reliable
performing the responses readers that the
evidence
action/taking the To counteract decisions or
depending on
position/ any negative actions
the field.
purchasing thoughts or recommended
A writer needs
the product arguments that will actually
to use common
recommended arise in readers bring about
sense to
Readers are minds. benefits and
determine what
members of explain why.
type of
organization, evidence is
stress needed.
organizational
objectives &
growth needs
6.3 The Reasoning Process
(2 basic types or reasoning process: deduction and
induction refer to 6.2)

Writers The claim is the position the writer

Claim wants readers to accept.

In order to
have
The evidence consists of observations,
confidence in
Evidence facts and other information provide in
the writer, support of the claim.
readers must
understand
The line of reasoning is the connecting
the: link between the claim and the
Line of evidence * the reasons given for
Reasoning believing that the evidence proves the
claim.
6.4 Direct and Indirect Patterns of Organisation

A) Organising to Create a Positive Response

Carefully choose the organizational pattern

which best suits your purpose.
Ensure that all the parts of your persuasive
piece fit together tightly.
B) Direct Pattern Organisation
In a direct pattern of organization, the writers
main point is started first.
Evidence and other related information are
given afterwards.
The direct organizational pattern works well
when:
(i) The readers initial response is all
important
(ii) You recommend a course of action or
presenting an analysis which you expect your
readers to view favourably.
C) Indirect Pattern of Organisation
Indirect pattern of organization postpones the
bottom-line statement until all te evidence and
relates information have been presented.
You first discuss the situation, then make your
recommendations after presenting your arguments.
The writer can prepare readers for the
recommendations about to be made
Indirect pattern is particularly useful when you
convey information which your readers might view as
threatening.
The indirect pattern avoids of inciting the readers
initial negative reactions.
It can frustrate the reader who wants to know the a
bottom line first.
6.5 Voice and Credibility
Be a credible and can be trusted writer
1. Consider the Reasoning Process and Types of Reasoning
to think and consider how he reasons out his writing
2. Choosing an Appropriate Voice
3. Establishing Credibility
Belief your readers have regarding whether you are
a good source of information and ideas
When people believe you are credible, they are more
likely to accept the things you say.
If people do not find you credible, they may refuse
to consider your ideas seriously.