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Persuasive Essay
What is it?
Definition
• A short non fiction composition
• In which the writer presents his/her point
of view
• In order to convince you to accept the
author’s opinion or to act in a certain way
Characteristics of a persuasive essay
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it states the writer’s opinion on an issue
it usually contains reasons for (pro) and against (con)
the idea
usually trying to reduce the (pro) position in value
since an opinion can not be proven (as can a fact),
the author must often generalize, sometimes falsely
to defend his/her position
if reasons can not be supported with facts, then the
author can draw a logical conclusion
sometimes authors put down the opposition by name
calling
Language is important – it should be vivid, scientific,
or precise as necessary. Some authors use loaded
words, that is words that carry a heavy negative
connotation
Propaganda Techniques
Propaganda –
• is an organized effort to spread ideas
about a person, product or cause. It does
not always contain accurate information. A
critical listener is aware of and not mislead
by propaganda techniques
Bandwagon –
• the reader is being asked to do or believe
in something, so he/she will be like
everyone else, or belong to an elite group.
Example –
Be like the stars – wear sporty
sneaks!
Either – or
• suggests that there are only two possible
choices when, in fact, there are other
alternatives
Example –
You’ll be unpopular is you don’t
use Tooth Brite toothpaste.
Testimonial –
• presents a famous celebrity who endorses
the product and tells the reader that
he/she should use it too.
Example –
Actor Al Smith insists: “I always
look my best in a Worthington
Suit.”
Namecalling • someone criticizes another and then
presents some unrelated or weak
evidence to support the ideas. Often
“Loaded words” are a part of this
technique
Example –
Mr. Jones does not do an
adequate job as president of the
school board. He never even
smiles.
Loaded words/ emotional words –
• words that appeal to your emotions
Example - Clementon Action Park
land of adventure and excitement
False cause/ faulty cause and
effect –
• tries to convince the reader that one event
causes another to happen
Example - Wearing blue jeans
changed my whole life.
Mudslinging –
• tells you why competitors or others are
wrong
Example –
Don’t settle for second best. Buy
your tapes at Scotty’s
Form for Essay
Introduction – statement of thesis (idea) –
problems and opinion
II. Argument one
con position
pro position
III. Argument two
con position
pro position
IV. Conclusion – summarize/move reader to take
action
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