Persuasive writing - part 2
Natasha Thomas, Contributor

In last week's lesson we started our discussion on the persuasive (rhetoric) discourse. Today I shall be discussing the steps which you should consider when writing your own argumentative pieces.

Do you recall that I gave you a list of persuasive techniques/strategies in last week's lesson? Well, please review these with your friends and ensure that you understand how each works.

When organising a persuasive essay, you should observe the following guideline:

Step 1

Begin by introducing the topic and making clear your position in an introductory paragraph.

Step 2

Develop each point in a separate paragraph. It is most effective to present your reasons in order of importance. Some writers begin with the least important reason and then lead up to the most important one. Others, however, start with the strongest reason and follow it with the lesser ones. This section of your essay may consist of three to four paragraphs.

Step 3

Summarise your argument in a concluding paragraph by restating your position and the supporting reasons for it.

Please note that a persuasive argument is presented in a most effective manner when it is based on valid and reliable evidence, sound logical reasoning and the writer's firm belief in the position he or she holds. So when you write your essays, be confident in your approach.

Let us now take a closer look at some of the strategies you must use in your persuasive essays:

• Giving reasons

One of the major strategies in good arguments is the giving of reasons to support a writer's position, stance or point of view. Reasons can be valid or weak. In constructing your argument, therefore, it is always vital that you assess the reasons you offer in support of your position. What reasons can you give for the following statements?

• Violence and vandalism are rampant in our society today.
• Unemployment is the cause of many social problems in our society.
• There is a general breakdown in family life.

• Generalisation and supporting statements

In putting your arguments together you must present general statements (topic sentences) with supporting evidence. See if you can write at least one supporting point for the following general statements/topic sentences:

• Television shows present false ideas about the world.
• Car accidents are caused by reckless drivers.
• Carnival is a waste of time, money and effort.

• Evidence based on authority

In support of your argument, it is useful to draw on evidence based on recognised sources, such as research findings, personal experience or some authority in the particular field of knowledge. It is also helpful to use quotations from established sources. Consider the following examples:

• Television brings images of the world to the Caribbean. More precisely, it brings images of the United States. Some 75 per cent of television programming in the English-speaking Caribbean originates outside the region, primarily in North America.

In this example, the writer uses evidence of research to support his argument.

• According to CXC Report 1992, 27 per cent of the students who wrote the English A examination attained either grade 1 or 2.

In this example, the source is authoritative.

Now that you are armed with the necessary tools to build your arguments, attempt at least one of the following essays for homework:

1. Teenagers have too much freedom in today's complex world. Write an argument FOR or AGAINST this view.

2. You are the editor of your school's newspaper. For this month's issue, write an article in which you express your views on the following topic: We all have a responsibility to preserve the environment.

3. In light of the recent Broadcasting Commission restrictions on the lyrical content of songs which the media can air, write your views on the topic: Freedom of expression must remain a right.

When you have written your essay, use the following checklist for evaluating and revising it:

• Does your essay clearly express your position on the topic or issue?
• Is your position supported by reasons?
• Have you used supporting evidence for each reason?
• Are your reasons arranged in an effective order?
• Have you used appropriate language structures to connect your ideas?
• Have you summarised your main arguments in a conclusion?
• Have you checked carefully for errors in grammar, usage and mechanics?

Have a productive and blessed week!

Douglas Orane (right), CEO and chairman of GraceKennedy Limited, speaks with Dr Walton Small (left), president of the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA); and students Ramone McKenzie of Calabar, Diandra Gilbert and La-Toya Campbell of The Queen's School at the press launch of the Grace ISSA Boys' and Girls' Championship, at Terra Nova Hotel, recently. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Natasha Thomas is a teacher at Glenmuir High School, May Pen.