Writer's Choice Grade 12

Unit 6: Persuasive Writing

Overview

A persuasive essay is written to influence readers, causing them to accept a particular view or perform a specific action. An effective essay on a controversial subject discusses a significant topic and presents both sides of the issue. The writer's position is stated in the thesis statement, and supporting evidence is presented in order of importance. Opposing arguments are refuted before or after evidence is presented, and the conclusion is stated at the end of the essay.

Effective arguments rely on strong evidence, such as statistics or firsthand observations. Strong evidence is gathered through research. Furthermore, a reasonable conclusion must be supported by a logical approach. Errors in logic discourage readers from accepting the writer's conclusion.

Inductive reasoning presents a series of facts from which a general conclusion may be drawn. Deductive reasoning uses the opposite approach; it bases a specific conclusion on an initial premise and a related fact.

Satire uses wit to criticize aspects of society. In satire, techniques such as irony, exaggeration, and understatement encourage readers to examine a topic and convince them that change is necessary. Satirical cartoons persuade viewers primarily through art rather than words. Critical reviews present information in order to persuade readers to choose or reject a particular book or movie.