Persuasive Writing: Editorial PDF

LESSON Persuasive Writing: Editorial When you write to persuade, you try to make your reader agree with 4.2 CO...

LESSON Persuasive Writing: Editorial When you write to persuade, you try to make your reader agree with 4.2 COMPOSITION your opinion. To do so, you present an argument: a thesis statement, or claim, followed by a logical presentation of reasons and evidence that support and develop the claim. You build an argument based on the logical appeals of reasons and ­evidence. You may also add emotional appeals to persuade by ­influencing your reader’s feelings. An editorial is an argument that ­appears on special pages of a newspaper. As you read the editorial below, think about how the writer tries to persuade you. Look for the placement of the claim and the kinds of reasons and explanations used to ­support the claim. Listen to the writer’s tone. Also, think about the word choices. Remember that all words have denotations, the meanings found in dictionaries, and that many words and expressions also have ­connotations, or emotional associations. These are often called loaded words. One way that writers appeal to readers’ emotions is by choosing words with positive or negative connotations. The Benefits of Zoos and Aquariums by Mia Johnson and Lucas Davis from The Glendale Newsweekly On a list of places to go on a family outing or school trip, a visit to a zoo 1 Grabs reader’s or an aquarium is at the top of the list. 2Most children and adults are capti- attention vated by both native and exotic animals. 3These popular destinations should States position in thesis be treated as community assets. statement, or claim There are many benefits to zoos and aquariums besides a fun-filled day. 4 5 According to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), more Supports position with than 700 million people visit zoos every year. 6More than $350 million in statistics revenue is used to support animal welfare and conservation efforts. 7Zoos and aquariums also work closely with scientific institutions to study and treat wildlife diseases that threaten conservation. The need for intensive conservation efforts is now more urgent than ever 8 Copyright © by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved. before. 9In 2019, the United Nations issued the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. 10It stated that more than 33 percent of marine mammals, 40 percent of amphibian species, and 10 percent of insect species are Supports position threatened with extinction due to human activities. 11Well, zoos and aquariums with statistics and have a unique position in combating these threats. 12By participating in additional factual breeding programs, zoos and aquariums fund and facilitate projects to increase information the population of endangered species and then reintroduce them into the wild. 13 These programs have saved numerous species from extinction, including the European bison, the red wolf, and the Oregon spotted frog. Chapter 4 Writing Workshops 53 Persuasive Writing: Editorial Zoos and aquariums are often called upon to treat injured animals. 14 Supports These animals have been rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to the wild 15 position with additional factual with the help and care of the staff at zoos and aquariums. 16This involvement information has helped eagles, owls, sea turtles, manatees, sea otters, and even koalas, among others. Another benefit of zoos and aquariums is the opportunity to view 17 animals up close. 18Watching a video is not as fascinating as the in-person experience of observing how long a giraffe’s neck is or how fast a penguin can swim. 19These exhibitions provide visitors with exposure that helps to con- Makes an nect with wildlife. 20Hopefully people will then be inspired to protect these emotional appeal animals, both in human care and in the wild. But some people have argued that these places are not natural environ- 21 Addresses counterarguments ments for animals. 22Other critics say that zoos and aquariums are negligent and abusive. 23To be sure, there are bad actors. 24However, it is important to note that the conditions and treatment of animals can vary widely. 25 Funding, management, and location influence the conditions in zoos and aquariums. Proposes a One way to be sure that the animals are being well cared for is to sup- 26 solution to the counterarguments port zoos and aquariums that meet acceptable standards. 27Zoos endorsed by organizations such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) have strict stand- ards for animal care and welfare. 28According to the AZA, accredited zoos and aquariums undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure that they meet high standards of animal welfare, conservation, education, and safety. 29Addi- tionally, the EAZA has a program called the Welfare Quality Assessment. 30 This program assesses the welfare of animals based on scientific research and animal behavior. Restates claim in In conclusion, a visit to a zoo or aquarium is a worthwhile recreational 31 conclusion activity. 32But, more importantly, zoos and aquariums provide a valuable resource. 33They care for wildlife and enlighten us about the workings of Concludes with a the natural world. 34So, go visit your local zoo or aquarium! 35While there, call to action attend an educational program or become a member of a conservation group. Copyright © by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved. 36 Learn to appreciate and protect animals and their habitats! 54 Chapter 4 Writing Workshops  Persuasive Writing: Editorial Critical Thinking After you read the editorial, answer the questions below. 1. Who is the audience for this editorial? What is its purpose? 2. Briefly outline the editorial. What is the writers’ opinion on the issue? 3. Do you agree with the statement in sentence 18: “Watching a video is not as fascinating as the in-person experience of observing how long a giraffe’s neck is or how fast a penguin can swim”? Explain your answer. 4. In sentence 21, the authors write “But some people have argued that these places are not natural environments for animals.” Do the authors a ­ ddress this concern effectively? Why or why not? 5. Is this piece of persuasive writing effective? Why or why not? Build Your Vocabulary. List at least two words or phrases from the editorial that you consider to be “loaded.” Explain the connotations these words or phrases carry that go beyond their literal, dictionary meanings. Writing Strategies When you write persuasively, you present your opinion on a topic or on an issue that you feel strongly about. The audience is, typically, people who do not share your opinion. Your purpose is to sway the members of your audience so that they can see your point of view. To write persuasive pieces effectively, keep the ­following strategies in mind. 1. Present your opinion clearly in your claim. State your claim as clearly as you can in a single sentence or two. Use precise language and an objective tone to focus your argument. In an argument, the claim usually comes in the introduction—but not always. 2. State reasons for your claim. A reason is a statement that tells why you hold your claim. Usually, two or three strong and distinctly different reasons are the minimum number required to support a claim. Include a new paragraph for each new reason, and state the reason clearly in the paragraph’s Copyright © by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved. topic sentence. 3. Support your reasons with relevant evidence. Use the strongest evidence to support your relevant evidence. Don’t stick to just one kind of evidence—use several different kinds. Chapter 4 Writing Workshops 55 Persuasive Writing: Editorial A fact is a statement that can be proven. Make sure that you get your facts from reliable reference sources. One effective Build an argument this way: way to introduce such facts is to begin 1. Present your claim. with a reputable or known source, as 1. S upport it with your first reason. in “According to ­historian Stephen E. Develop that reason with evidence, Ambrose in Undaunted Courage,...” including facts, examples, statistics, and other support. Use expert opinions and quotations. Be 1. R  epeat the process with your sure to identify the expert and, when you second and third reasons. are quoting, use his or her exact words. 1. E  nd strongly, restating your Again, you may want to introduce such claim. Add a call to action, expert opinion in this way: “As Ira Glass noted on National Public Radio,...” Statistics are facts expressed in numbers, such as “In the 2012 presidential election, only fifty-seven percent of all registered voters showed up at the polls.” A definition is a statement of meaning. You can use definitions for clarification, as reminders of your focus, or as a way to express your point of view. An example is a particular type or instance used as an illustration. For a paper on why dress codes don’t work, the writer might say, “A dress code was instituted at Liberty High in January 2022, but it has never had a favorable reaction from students.” An anecdote is a brief true story; it sometimes introduces the writer’s personal experiences or observations. An interesting anecdote can have an ­emotional impact, but use it only when it fits your topic and audience. 4. Use emotional appeals sparingly. Persuasive writers sometimes appeal to a reader’s fears, hopes, wishes, or sense of fairness. Loaded words—words with clear positive or negative connotations—can sway the reader’s emo- tions. They can also make the writing sound like unsubstantiated opinion or advertising copy. Use emotional appeals selectively. Copyright © by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved. 5. Anticipate and refute counterarguments. A counterargument, or c ­ ounterclaim, is a viewpoint that is the opposite of your opinion and claim. Address a counterargument by first acknowledging its strengths and some possible weaknesses in your own argument. Then refute the counter- argument by using logical reasoning and evidence to reveal its weaknesses or limitations. Ideally, use your logical response to the counterargument as further evidence that your argument is more convincing. 56 Chapter 4 Writing Workshops  Persuasive Writing: Editorial 6. Include transitions. Use a variety of transitional words and phrases to link your ideas. Connect claims to reasons, link reasons to evidence, and distinguish claims from counterclaims. Transitions can also connect ideas across paragraphs and help readers follow your argument. 7. Establish a formal style and objective tone. Your style and tone, or your ­attitude toward your subject, is crucial in winning your reader’s respect. M ­ aintain a formal style and confident, objective tone to suggest you are reliable and ­knowledgeable about your topic. Keep your tone reasonable and respectful, ­ particularly when refuting counterarguments. 8. End with a call to action. End your argument with a concise conclusion that ­supports your claim and follows logically from the evidence presented.Some kinds of persuasive writing, like editorials, end with a call to action that urges the reader to do something—write a letter, donate money, or participate in an event, for example. Working Exercise 6 Choose a Topic Together Work with a partner or small group to brainstorm at least six topics for a persuasive essay. Use these hints. Decide on something you feel strongly about. Consider things you wish you could change in your own school or neighborhood. You might even think about things you would like to change in your state or country or in the world. Make sure your topic is arguable. No one would say that the environment is not important, for instance. But people would argue strongly about the best ways to protect it, as well as the degree of protection or intervention required. Keep in mind that not every topic is suitable for a school assignment. Check with your teacher if you are unsure about the appropriateness of your topics. Working Exercise 7 Analyze Claims Together With a small group, analyze each of the following three claims. Decide which is strongest, and tell why. Give suggestions for improving the others. Copyright © by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved. (a) Everyone should see Citizen Kane by Orson Welles; this is the best movie that was ever made. (b) Cutting funding for the high school band is a mistake for many reasons. It will diminish one of the greatest assets of Concord High and therefore reduce school pride and spirit; it will send a message to our students and our community that music is not important; and it will hurt students currently in the program. (c) In my opinion, the student council needs to be reorganized because it is operating poorly, not benefiting anyone at Millbrook High. Chapter 4 Writing Workshops 57 Persuasive Writing: Editorial Exercise 8 Write a Claim Choose one of the topics you brainstormed in Exercise 6. On a separate piece of paper, state your claim on your chosen topic in one or two clear sentences. You might draft several versions of your claim and then choose the best one. Exercise 9 Consider Your Audience Before you begin drafting, be sure you have given adequate thought to your audience and the relationship of your topic to that audience. On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions. 1. Why should your audience care about this issue? 2. In what ways can your audience help solve the problem or take the action you are calling for? 3. How well informed is your audience on this topic? What might the members of that audience not know? What do they already know well? How can you deepen their understanding of the issues? 4. Can you see a weakness in your argument or some strength in the opposing point of view? What counterarguments can you offer? 5. In what other ways can you sway your audience to accept your point of view? Exercise 10 Develop Your Argument Be sure your reasons are both strong and persuasive. Once you have gathered ­information on your topic, use the organizer on page 59 to plan the body of your persuasive essay. Remember that each topic sentence should be directly related to your claim. For evidence, be sure to include specific examples, facts, and statistics from reliable sources. Keep in mind other types of evidence as well, including quotations and definitions. Copyright © by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved. 58 Chapter 4 Writing Workshops  Persuasive Writing: Editorial { Reason 1 {      Topic Sentence: Evidence: Claim Reason 2     { Topic Sentence: Evidence: Reason 3 {      Topic Sentence: Evidence: Exercise 11 Draft Your Persuasive Essay As you draft your persuasive essay, be clear and stay focused. Make sure that your claim, reasons, evidence, and counterarguments are logically organized. Each of your reasons should clearly support your claim, and each piece of evidence should clearly support your reasons. Use precise language, and avoid including irrelevant evidence or ­unnecessary repetition. Also keep the following guidelines in mind: Introduction Grab your reader’s attention. State your claim clearly. Briefly introduce the strong and persuasive reasons that you will develop in each body paragraph. Give the reader helpful cues, perhaps by mentioning the number of reasons you will develop (“I oppose the dress code for three reasons...”) or by providing a guide to your method of organization (“First, I’ll start with the most important reason...”). Copyright © by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved. Body Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence, which should be a clear statement of each reason. Make sure each reason strongly and directly supports your opinion. Use transitional words and phrases such as first, second, in addition, and furthermore to link paragraphs and sentences. Chapter 4 Writing Workshops 59 Persuasive Writing: Editorial Provide ample support for each reason. The more support you give for each reason, the more persuasive you’ll be. Mention your sources. This helps send the message that you are being objective and that you have researched your topic thoroughly. Avoid general expressions, such as “in most cases...” or “many people....” These general expressions tend to weaken your reliability. Conclusion Restate your opinion and, when appropriate, urge your readers to take action. End with a strong conclusion. Check to be sure that it challenges the reader to think in a new way or to take action on an issue. Exercise 12 Revise and Edit Revise your essay by adding, deleting, or moving content. Eliminate unnecessary words, vary sentence structures, and add more transitions where they are needed. This will help you tighten your argument. Also, evaluate your reasons and your use of supporting details. Be sure your details are both substantial and clear. Also make sure your arguments aren’t too emotional. Although emotional appeals can add force to your argument, you cannot rely on them exclusively. Remember that a persuasive writer should appear logical, reasonable, and well informed. After ­revising, edit your essay to correct mistakes in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and usage. Exercise 13 Publish Your Persuasive Essay Share your essay with a writing group, or use the following publishing suggestions. Send your persuasive essay to a school or community official, or to another local or national leader who might act on the issue you’ve discussed. You might also post it to a related blog. Submit your essay to a local television or radio station that may be Copyright © by William H. Sadlier, Inc. All rights reserved. interested in ­publicizing your issue. 60 Chapter 4 Writing Workshops