You may even do (or have done) some persuasive writing of your own. Perhaps you had to write a letter to a company explaining why they should reimburse you for a product or service that did not meet your satisfaction, or maybe you wrote to your boss explaining why you deserved a raise or promotion.
Persuasive writing, especially essays, has the "typical" essay format that you have seen before: an introduction, body paragraphs (where you develop your argument or reasons), and a conclusion. Today's blog post will focus on the introduction.
The introduction for any type of writing should "hook" the reader in and make him or her want to read more! There are a few ways you can do this. The following ideas are ways you can grab your reader right away and capture his or her attention! (This comes from http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/persuasive_writing.htm.)
1. Open with an unusual detail: (Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a great place to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world!)
2. Open with a strong statement: (Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales in Canada!)
3. Open with a quotation: (Elbert Hubbard once said, "Truth is stronger than fiction.")
4. Open with an anecdote (short story): An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point.
5. Open with a statistic or fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the item's authoritative source.
6. Open with a question. (Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for television?)
7. Open with an exaggeration or outrageous statement. (The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.)
Which option, out of those shown above, do you like best? Obviously it may depend on your topic, but which one would you be most likely to try?
5 comments:
"Do you vote,"yes I am asking you and everyone that reads this and answers no.Voting is a past time apparantly, the senior citizens and people who have time still vote,but far too many people do not vote.
Do we know whether it is that people do not have the time to follow the elections,or they are raised to not talk about politics.It could easily be a cultural defect that people are raised here not to talk about sex,politics and religion. Instead they discuss it in their homes and or with friends,but do not want to make a committment,or are afraid to!
In Australia every citizen votes in every election,and if they don"t they are fined heavily.Because of this law,imposed by the government the citizens take an active interest in their country and politics.You can hear politics been discussed anywhere and everywhere in schools,homes,businesses,etc.It is healthy and positive.
All countries and citizens of those countries that don't vote should take a page out of Australia's book and follow in their footsteps.
Michele T.
If my topic were to persuade people to read more I would Open with this question. (Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for television?)
First, I would most likely open with a question. Second, I would like to use a quote if I had one. Finally, I would use a statistic or fact as an opening to a persuasive article.
My favorite is, Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for television?)
Open with an unusual detail.
Melissa Lobsinger
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