Persuasive Wrting

By Anonymous -
  • How can persuasive writing strengthen my opinion?
  • Why do we need to tailor our arguments to our audience?

Above are two of the goals that we have been pursuing in writing these initial first weeks into our study of Persuasive Essay Writing.  Our students began by looking at commercials of a popular soft drink and a well known sports brand which were tailored to different target audiences. T&L talked about what they observed and wrote about the differences in each commercial.
We then brainstormed different topics, such as, "Pets should be allowed in school" and "Pets make your life better". The students wrote arguments that convinced parents and arguments that convinced children.  After several more topics and arguments,  the students were ready to pick their own topic!
Several students felt strongly about a school soccer team, longer park time, and having a student lounge in school. While students this age are experts at persuading, we also learned about different strategies that can strengthen your argument, such as Logos, Pathos, Ethos, and good old research. And so our students began their research in earnest!
What's next? Our students are beginning their second draft and revising their work.
More to come!

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