Lets write - Part 3 - To persuade or argue a point - Information for teenagers (and adults)

in #steemiteducation5 years ago

We are on the third type of writing you must be able to do and today we will learn how to write an 'argumentative' essay or a piece where you want to persuade the readers to listen to or understand your point of view on a given topic.

If you have an argument with your family or friends, it can get heated and you use strong words, but writing a piece to argue a point is different.  The written piece will be more formal and structured than just blurting out words in the hope to win an argument.  You will even have to find some 'evidence' to support the point you are trying to make.

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You have to have certain information and a plan on what you want to write, otherwise it will end in a loose bunch of words that are not convincing to the reader.

  • In your first paragraph, you will mention the issue that you will argue on and you will also state how you feel about this (do you agree or disagree).
  • In the next few paragraphs ('the body') you will mention some facts and opinions of others and you will look at both sides of the argument ('for and against') but you will also make sure that you can convince the reader that your point of view on this issue is the best side to choose.  You cannot just depend on your own opinion, you need to show the reader that you have an understanding of the topic and you have facts and quotes to back it up.
  • In your last paragraph you will make a brief summary of both sides views, but once again stress your point of view to try and persuade the reader.

In order to make your view clear and to argue a point, their are different techniques that you can apply to your writing

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  1. You can use a short story to start with to reinforce your view point.  If you make up this story it must still sound believable and not too far fetched.
  2. You can use words like ' it is great/wonderful/exciting', but add a reason or example on why you say this.
  3. Be fair between the contrasts that you write for both sides of the argument - you can still make sure that your point of view comes across stronger, but do not say things like, 'the people are stupid if they believe anything else'.  Everybody are entitled to their own decisions.
  4. Write in such away to create a picture in the reader's mind, so that they can 'see' what you see and believe and have experienced.
  5. Ask 'rhetorical questions.'  This will not only make the reader think about the issue at hand, but they will also feel involved and feel as if they also have a say or a point of view.
  6. Use quotes from other people (remember to give them credit) so that the reader can see that more people share your view.

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If you want to write only a persuasive piece, you can stick to your point of view.  This is not an argument, but only a piece to try and convince people to believe in something or take part in something.

If you want to persuade people you have to be confident in your believe, but also positive about it.  If people can get the feeling that you really enjoy a certain event or product and you would like to share your experiences with them, they will be more open to be persuaded.

If you do not stand out and you give the idea that you are not convinced yourself, others will also not be convinced.

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If you want to persuade someone, you do not have to write in a 'formal' style like when you want to argue a point, it can be more in the way you would talk to somebody.  Do not try and sound like a 'know it all' or be offensive in your writing.  State the facts and tell the reader why you feel this way about a certain item or event.

You can bring in certain emotions to show how you feel about a certain topic.

Remember that all people have the right to make up their own minds, you cannot force them to believe in something specific, but if you feel strongly about something, you can try your best to persuade them.

Activity

Decide whether you would like to write an 'argumentative' or 'persuasive' essay.

If you choose the argument, go to the link and choose any of the topics that you feel most strongly about. Choose a topic that you not only believe in but also have some knowledge of or experience in.  Do research to find extra information on the 'pros and cons'.  https://www.thoughtco.com/argument-essay-topics-1856987

If you choose to write a persuasive essay, pick a topic from the link https://www.kibin.com/essay-writing-blog/20-persuasive-essay-topics-help-get-started/

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