Writer's Choice Grade 7

Unit 6: Persuasive Writing

Overview

Examples of persuasive writing are all around us—in magazines, newspapers, books, posters, and radio and television programs. All forms of persuasive writing are designed to convince readers or listeners to think or act in certain ways.

Persuasive writing begins with selecting a topic. It is usually best to choose an issue about which you feel strongly. Your key statement, which tells readers where you stand on the issue and what you want them to think or do, usually appears at either the beginning or the end of your opening paragraph.

The body of a persuasive piece consists mainly of evidence—facts, statistics, and examples—to support an argument. Often, making a list of "pros" (reasons to agree) and "cons" (reasons to disagree) can help you in your search, selection, and organization of evidence.

Persuasive writers carefully choose words that will be meaningful to their readers. Knowing your readers' level of knowledge about and interest in your topic can help you choose words and information that will have the greatest impact and influence.