Carolyn C. Smith
Persuasive Writing
Objectives:
The students will be able to:
1. identify the two kinds of persuasive writings.
2. identify propaganda techniques.
3. understand how debating affects persuasive writing.
4. write a persuasive paragraph.
Vocabulary:
debate, argument, persuade, personal, personalize, narrative, proposition, propaganda
Brainstorming Questions:
1. Why do you and your parents buy certain name brand products?
2. Why are there so many commercials on television?
3. Are commercials good or bad? Why?
Procedures:
Introduce the vocabulary above. After the brainstorming session, divide the class into three groups. Choose two popular name brand products the students are familiar with for discussion such as Reebok sneakers and Puma sneakers. Allow one group to support Reeboks while another group supports Pumas. The third group will be neutral. The purpose of the first two groups is to persuade the third group to come on their side. After a small debate, take a vote from the third group to see which group was more influential. During the debate encourage the students to make use of any skills which were used in developing narrative, descriptive, and expository paragraphs. Remind the students that the use of figurative language would be beneficial in presenting a good argument also.
Related Activities:
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1. Conduct a mock election to see who would become the leader of a group for a week. Allow candidates to campaign before the voting takes place.
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2. Choose a current local, state, or national issue and allow the students to voice their opinion of the situation.
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3. Have the students to write a paragraph on the topic “Writing is Worth Learning”. Share paragraphs with the class.