With a partner, identify where you will need facts to support your assertions. Make
a list of facts, examples, and data you might find useful. Next to each item, indicate
where you might find the information you need. (Refer to pages 332–334 for help in
locating research sources.) Consider the full range of information on the topic and
then gather the most relevant and precise evidence you can find.
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CHAPTER 8
Elements of Persuasive Texts • Analyzing
Practice Your Skills
Identifying Facts and Opinions
Write fact or opinion for each of the following statements.
1. Games are an age-old way of passing time.
2. Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever.
3. Chess clubs are popular activities in school.
4. Made-for-TV movies are inferior to theatrical releases.
5. Video games are engaging and educational.
Practice Your Skills
Supporting Opinions
Write one fact that could be used as evidence to support each of the following
opinions. Use the library or media center as needed.
1. Only touch football should be allowed in schools.
2. Watching too much TV is bad for the mind and body.
3. Playing games is a good way to develop thinking skills.
PROJECT PREP Prewriting Claims and Warrants
Based on the discussions you have had with your classmates, sketch out a persuasive
text. On the subject of stereotyping, for example, ask yourself what argument might
you make based on what you know about the stereotyping. Who is your audience,
and what belief or action would you be persuading those readers to embrace?
Organize the plan for your argument into a three-column chart like the one below
in which you make a series of claims about the problem, give examples that Illustrate
each claim, and assert a warrant that explains how the example illustrates the claim.
(See pages 228–230 and 309 for more information on claims, examples, and warrants.)
Claims Examples Warrants
A stereotype takes
a few instances and
expands them into
a generality.
A few computer
experts might wear
glasses and use a
pocket protector for
their pens.
volunteer work.
Me: Sure, but it’s hard for students to get jobs without
experience; volunteer work looks good on a résumé.
Alice: I’d still rather concentrate on getting good grades so
I can get into a good college.
Me: Most colleges look at more than grades. They want to
see that students are well rounded.
OBJECTION COUNTER-ARGUMENTS
1. students have a lot of school
work to do and don’t have
time for extra activities
2. students should get paid for
work that they do
3. students need to focus on
grades to get into college
1. students will gain hands-on
experience and education, which is
the most valuable way to learn
2. volunteer experience can help
students get good jobs later
3. most colleges look for extra
activities such as volunteer work
as well as grades when considering
student applications
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CHAPTER 8
Persuasive Writing Prewriting
1 Purpose, Subject, and Audience
In a persuasive essay, your purpose is to win your readers over to your point of
view—and sometimes to convince them to take an action that you recommend.
To achieve this purpose, you need to build a convincing, logical argument and
present it in a convincing and powerful way. The strategies that follow will help you
accomplish your purpose effectively.
Thinking your subject through carefully and marshaling the best possible evidence are
the surest ways to develop a good argument. If you take your time during prewriting,
you will be able to anticipate your opponents’ reactions and be ready for them.
chOOsIng a subject
The two most important aspects of a good argumentative subject are (1) that the subject
is genuinely controversial and (2) that you feel strongly about it. Brainstorm a list of
possible subjects about which you can say, “I believe,” while some other people would say,
“I don’t believe.” Use brainstorming, freewriting, clustering, or other strategies to narrow
your list of possible subjects. Then use the following guidelines to choose one.
HERE’S
HOW Guidelines for Choosing a Subject
• Choose a subject about an issue that is important to you.
point of view.
Persuasive Writing • Prewriting
266 Writing to Persuade
CHAPTER 8
HERE’S
HOW Questions for Analyzing an Audience
• What does my audience already know about my subject?
• What is my audience’s point of view about my subject?
• Do they already agree or disagree with my position?
• What are the chances of changing the opinions and
behavior of my audience?
• Are there any sensitive issues I should be aware of?
Writing Tip
both audiences, write both.
1. A parent has offered to organize and supervise the club.
2. Small dues would pay for all the expenses of the club.
3. Chess is lots of fun. Speed chess is even thrilling.
4. The school’s prestige would rise with a winning team.
5. The club would provide a chance to make new friends
Explanation:
yo mama
