Notes on Persuasive/Argument Assignment

1. Persuasive essay (used as a draft for the final E3/argument version) based on the Classic Appeals OWL started as an Op-Ed: that is the less formal, personal persuasive appeal draft/version (c.750-1000wds) on the topic (based on a loop/exploration, brainstorming, mapping, etc.).

an Op-Ed, but not a letter to editor...[ How to Write an Op-Ed | OpEds-w/evidence: OpEd--w/843wds | Sentencing by the Numbers | Skip the Annual Physical | Climate Change... | Immigration | OR search the web for "op-ed" and that will bring up lots of current ones to choose from | | [published sample-JT & Mirror Pond Op-Ed ]

2. Argument essay stage formalizes the persuasion draft (op-ed) into a reasoned argument essay (1500-2000 wds.) with 5+documented sources for evidence -- at least 2 peer reviewed..

MORE DETAILS to help the process of developing this essay:

Persuasive Notes and Stages:

Notes on Persuasion: Dictionary.com defines to persuade as, "to induce to believe by appealing to reason or understanding; convince...." In many senses all writing is persuasive, and when readers finish a piece, it proves the writing was, indeed, successfully persuasive, at least, in keeping the reader engaged. Most every decision we make, large or small, involves persuasive elements as we choose what to do. Growing up, we likely wove elaborate appeals to stay up to watch some special TV show, get the keys to the car, etc., much like we hear from kids now. But maybe the most powerful and subtle persuasion that we contact everyday is advertising. In many varieties of print, on radio, TV, and more and more on websites, we are invited, kidded and intimidated into buying what the seller is selling. Advertising, whether we admire it or not, has much to teach us about what moves us to act.

Threat and Rescue: Advertising (also in politics, media, interrogation, everyday discussion...etc.) uses a "threat and rescue" model to present a situation and "solution" to it that usually benefits, primarily, the advertiser (or questioner). Any print, internet or TV commercial shows these features. Because there is an element of manipulation in any writing, the appeals writers use to persuade readers of a problem and solution should be based in the writer's genuine thought, values and perspective of the topic. [ Links to more specifics and Classical Appeals: Using Fear (threat) to Persuade (rescue) | 5min.Youtube on the Appeals |.

In these initial stages of developing this essay, the etymological profile of the concept, the loop/exploratory material and explanatory "narrative," will serve to inform and enlarge the writer's grounding, and so, their potential voice of authority. Persuasion may occur most productively when the writer conveys the confidence/authority that stems from an honest, personal understanding of the topic/situation.

Persuasive Stages: OP-ED of the later argument version. After the op-ed that establishes the general issue, find 5 sources that can support your thesis.