Persuasive writing is a way of influencing or changing another’s thoughts or actions. High school students are junior citizens and, if they try, can effect their surroundings through persuasive writing.
For example, when funding was threatened for 5 million Houston students, high schoolers decided to persuade the Supreme Court of Texas that the current system of funding is unconstitutional. Using their unique point of view, evidence about class size reduction, and persuasive reasoning, the students submitted an Amicus Brief. The court ultimately did not side in their favor, however the process of preparing rhetoric no doubt converted many students into citizen watchdogs. |
The above presentation is adapted from readwritethink.org and outlines our process for writing persuasive essays. Note that we use the claim - data - commentary style in our supporting arguments (body paragraphs). This format works well for any persuasive task, whether long or short.
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Do:
- Please review the model at the end of the presentation and decide whether the writer has truly persuaded you or not. Write a short response explaining your answer and email it to me.
- Next, take a look at the resource for Writing Arguments, from the Colorado State Writing Center.
- Using the Toulmin Method, respond to the argument in the presentation and email it to me.