Introduction
Every time you talk or write something you are trying to persuade your listener. That can be to simply to persuade them to listen or to agree with you. In writing there are many strategies that can help authors better convince their readers. Before continuing, try to think of persuasive techniques one might use in writing. The purpose of this quest is to help you better understand specific persuasive writing techniques and be able to use them in your own writing. Not only will these techniques enhance your writing, but they can improve your ability to better articulate your opinions to others.
Task
Over the course of this year, we will be introduced to new writing strategies to enhance our writing. You will be asked to write a persuasive essay using at least five different persuasive writing techniques. You will be able to use class notes, books, and the internet to better write an effective paper. You then will be asked to write an explanation paper over three of the techniques you used, to better show me your understanding of the strategies. This paper will help you better perfect your persuasive techniques and writing for your future.
Process
Suggested steps for completing activity:
1. Read and understand paper's rubric
2. Get your writing topic approved by the instructor
3. Review class handouts with list of persuasive writing techniques, descriptions, and examples
4. Visit the following links for extra help with techniques and writing (or ask instructor):
https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/blogpost/6-strategies-writing-arguments
https://thebestschools.org/magazine/tips-for-writing-persuasive-essay/
https://copyblogger.com/persuasive-writing/
https://ourenglishclass.net/class-notes/writing/types-of-writing/persuasion/persuasive-techniques/
5. Write 1 draft & have peer reviewed
6. Write final draft and citations
7. Re-read your essay and highlight your persuasive techniques
8. Write your explanation paper
9. Turn in your best work
Evaluation
Persuasive Essay Rubric:
|
Elements: |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Page Length Requirement |
Full 4 pages or more |
Full 3 pages |
Full 2 pages |
Full 1 page |
Less than 1 page |
|
Formatting Requirements: Times New Roman, 12pt font, double spaced, title, name and instructor, numbered pages |
All 6 aspects met |
Only 5 aspects met |
Only 4 aspects met |
Only 3 aspects met |
Only 2 aspects met |
|
Pre-Approved Topic |
Pre-Approved |
- |
- |
- |
Unapproved |
|
Use of Persuasive Techniques |
Use of 5 or more different techniques |
Use of at least 4 different techniques |
Use of at least 3 different techniques |
At least 2 different technique |
No techniques applied |
|
Organization & Transitions |
Clear structure and smooth & effective paragraph and topic transitions |
Decent structure and mostly effective transitions |
Aparant structure and some use of transitions |
Poor structure and poor use of transitions |
No clear structure and lack of transitions |
|
Grammar & Spelling |
Shows high control of paper structure along with no spelling or grammatical errors |
Shows good control of paper structure with few spelling or grammatical errors |
Shows okay control of paper structure with some spelling or grammatical errors |
Shows some control of paper structure with many spelling or grammatical errors |
Shows little to no control over structure with excessive spelling and grammatical errors |
|
Works Cited Sheet |
All online sources are cited on a separate page in alphabetical order |
All online sources are cited on a separate page |
Some online sources are provided on a separate paper |
Some/all online sources are provided at the end of essay |
No online sources are cited and/ or not works cited sheet |
Conclusion
Now that you know and can use more persuasive writing techniques, how will you use them? This can shape the way you present your thoughts and opinions to others, and how you perceive others. What technique do you see in everyday conversations? What technique was easiest for you to grasp and why?
Credits
I would like to credit my professor, Dr. Taiebeh Hosseinali, for introducing this website and explaining how to create one myself.
Image credits:
https://www.lynda.com/Business-Skills-tutorials/Persuasive-Selling/504664-2.html
Website credits:
https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/blogpost/6-strategies-writing-arguments
https://thebestschools.org/magazine/tips-for-writing-persuasive-essay/
https://copyblogger.com/persuasive-writing/
https://ourenglishclass.net/class-notes/writing/types-of-writing/persuasion/persuasive-techniques/
Rubric table designed using Google Docs
Teacher Page
By: Sierra Pearson
This Web Quest was designed for students to better understand and use persuasive writing techniques. This quest should make students question how often someone is trying to persuade them or vice versa, and how they can use that information to better their communication.