Date: November 13th
Topic chosen: Persuasive
writing
During our sessions this week we were
introduced to persuasive writing, I was quite excited during the lesson
remembering a persuasive essay I wrote a little over a year ago, “on why
capital punishment should be reinstated”. It was quite the argument.
Although I already possess some
prerequisite experience with persuasive writing, I was quite pleased when our
tutor shared even more persuasive strategies I could employ to sway my reader's
perspective.
Time has dulled my memory a
little on the inner intricacies of persuasive writing, but, after the lesson I
have regained a clearer understanding of most of the details, for example; how
to formulate the thesis statement, choosing a stance, the topic sentence, and
supporting ideas (reasons to back up my stance and the overall structure of the
persuasive piece.
What stood out to me about the topic was the purpose/ motive for using persuasive writing in the first place. This writing style is aimed at attempting to change the readers mind, which is quite a fascinatingly feat to me, it is almost like psychological ammunition to ween readers over to
your stance. Am curious to see what strategies students might employ to
convince their readers.
In my classroom, after introducing students to
the concept of persuasive writing and its structure, we will continue by using
a topic familiar to students, something relatable. Like, “video games at
school”, my kids will definitely have a lot to say about that. More
importantly, I will allow students to brainstorm interesting topics that will
help the ideas to flow. After deciding on a favoured topic, students will
choose their stance and start working on a thesis statement. Then, we
will move on to organizing the topic sentences and supporting ideas. It’s going
to be interesting to see what reasoning and convincing ideas students come up
with to change their readers minds.
Wow! Belfon, it always amazes me how well you remember things from your past, whether it's 2 years or 5 your memory does serve you well. I do share some of your sentiments about gaining a clearer understanding. In COM 101 I missed some of the important points one must pay attention to when writing thus, this is putting things into perspective. My memory is still a bit foggy, however the information that Miss Lazarus will be sharing along with our blogs I believe that fogginess will soon be cleared up and I can put what is been taught into practice.
ReplyDeletePersuasive writing is all about persuading your readers and I like how you phrase it ‘’psychological ammunition’’ because it is indeed like mind games. Thinking back to some stories and even movies of a psychological nature it is scary how a good piece can change your point of view before even getting to the end of the story or movie, making you question your stance at the end.
Indeed, I am waiting patiently to see how your students will gravitate toward persuasive writing and how they will persuade their readers.
Yes indeed! All those techniques, for example, emotional appeal, interest, logical reasoning, vicarious experiences, and more are almost like the ammunition used to sway you.
DeleteI do agree, that these techniques are used so well in movies and documentaries, and may even force you to question your values and ideas. Interestingly, without being aware of it you may not even notice you are being involuntarily led to acquiring another perspective. So fair warning, be careful what you expose yourself to.
I am also looking forward to seeing how the students will respond to the lesson, but, what am most interested to see is what techniques students will use to convince the readers of their stance.
Yes, Malanda his long-term memory serves him well lol... Mrs. Laz never ceases to amaze me with the strategies to aid our understanding. I enjoy reading and writing persuasive pieces. Of course, it is always thoughtful for us teachers to want to share new knowledge with our students.
ReplyDeleteDo you think it is easier to convince a person orally or in writing?
Am happy that you asked me that. There are pros and cons to each.
ReplyDeleteOrally a person can utilize techniques at his or her disposal that they would not be as effective in writing.
Imagine for a second am speaking to you about, "why I think capital punishment should be reinstated". I can express on my face that the pain of the scenario is deep-rooted and is still affecting me. I can project the pain in the tone of my voice, and pause at intervals to give you the impression that speaking about it is hard for me. I can convey conviction in my stance or supporting ideas. I can use my voice and my body to create the illusion that the situation is still eating away at me to the core. Naturally, as compassionate creatures, my audience may sympathize with my stance more, if they see and hear me. Because it would help conjure a stronger more convincing emotional appeal. Although all the above can be described and expressed in words to the reader, it won’t have the same immediate effect as voice would.
As effective as writing can be. The scenario has to be formulated in words only. Orally, the audience hears my stance, sees my expression, and observes my body language. So, if I had to choose which method to use to be most effective in convincing my audience, I would choose oral. :) Thanks for the question, that was a most interesting question to think about and tackle. However, I still feel like there are more techniques oral persuasion offers that writing does not.