Persuasive writing addresses topics that are somehow controversial or template discussion because of their complexity. To select a topic, first consider your own opinions. Ask yourself these questions: * What issues do I feel strongly about? * What debatable subject, or controversial topic, would like to learn more about? NOTE: If you can’t decide on a topic important or relevant to you, try searching the database on the library’s webbing or answer the questions on the handout titled “Choosing an Issue that Matters to You” (you may request a copy of the handout before or after class).
Be sure your thesis, or claim, is arguable. Avoid arguing following: Irrefutable facts: Example – there is no point in trying to argue heart disease is deadly. Everyone knows that, so a better argument would revolve around how to stop the rise of heart disease within the current American * Preferences: Opinions can be changed, but some people just society. Prefer one thing over another. Example – some people do not like to scuba dive. You cannot convince them to enjoy something they simply do not. Religion and other deep-rooted beliefs: Religious or moral issues are beyond empirical analysis and are therefore futile to argue.
Take an angle that does not directly argue these issues. For example, you would not want to try arguing that Christianity is a false religion. This would only incite anger in the people who hold Christianity as a core value. Once you’ve selected a topic, take time to write down everything you know about it. You probably will not use all the ideas you jot down, but this will at least get you thinking. (Step 1 prep marinara; previously assigned) Once you’ve decided on your topic and thought about your feelings towards the issue, then you’re ready to state your claim.
The claim, remember, is simply the statement you will attempt to persuade your audience to agree tit. Example: If my topic is “Social Networks” then my claim might be, “Minors should not be allowed to use social networking websites. ” Now my job as a persuasive writer is to get my audience to agree with this claim. DUE DATE ALERT: Have you chosen your topic? Did you state your claim? Did you consider arguments for/against your claim? Was your topic approved? Is Assignment #1 checked and placed in the Research section of your binder?
CHECK IF COMPLETE: Please do not continue until this step is complete STEP 2: DETERMINE CREDIBLE RESOURCES FOR YOUR TOPIC AND MAKE A BASIC CLAIM In order to persuade the audience to agree with your claim, you need to share with them the strongest, most credible reasons you have for making the claim. Unfortunately, you are not yet considered an “expert” on the issue; your word is not enough to persuade a reader. However, as a researcher you are able to find and share expert opinions, fascinating facts, sobering statistics, and any other credible data that’s considered relevant evidence in support of your claim.
Keep in mind; it takes thorough extensive research to find such relevant information. Also remember, only by fully understanding al sides of the issue will you be prepared to take a position, make an informed claim, and effectively write your persuasive research paper. You most likely already have some idea of the arguments that support your claim; so, now it’s your job to find out what the experts have to say, what the actual facts are, and what statistics, if any, support your arguments. While in the library, you will scan various resources to determine what the experts say the arguments are for your claim.
Remember to research all sides of the issue. Keep in mind; your goal is to find experts who agree with you and aka the same arguments you want to make; however, if they have different arguments than you do, then use the arguments set forth by the experts. The idea is to find sources/evidence that supports your claim, from there you can determine what the BEST arguments are. It is imperative that you find credible evidence in order to be persuasive; be careful when considering what type of evidence to use. Review the handout “What Type of Evidence Should I Use? To assist you in determining a credible source from all the rest. Key Idea: Find out what the experts have to say on the issue; what are their arguments for and against your claim? Scan lots of resources looking for expert opinions, facts, statistics, etc. That support your claim. Be sure to look for information in support of your claim and some that argues assignations claim. Be sure the evidence you decide to use is credible. Lastly, you must assume your reader is not already familiar with your issue. Part of your job, in the beginning, is to inform the reader of the history or background of the issue.
