Aim and Persuasive Writing. A writer’s aim is his or her purpose, or goal. One aim an author may have in writing is to persuade readers to respond in some way. The goal of persuasive writing could be to persuade readers to agree with a certain position, to change a viewpoint on an issue, to reach an agreement, or to perform an action. Petitions and editorial articles are also examples of persuasive writing. As you read this essay, determine what the author’s aim is. What is he trying to persuade you to believe or do?
Anecdote. An anecdote is a brief story, usually told to make a point. The writer uses several anecdotes in this selection. As you read, try to identify the anecdotes.
Coherence. Coherence is the logical arrangement of ideas in speech or writing. Writers achieve coherence by presenting their ideas in logical order and by using transitions to show how their ideas are connected to one another. As you read, pay attention to the way in which the writer organizes his ideas. Use a chart like the one to the right to keep track of the argument he constructs.
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- Almost half of all Americans give of their time to volunteer their services for causes they believe in. Teenagers make up a growing number of volunteers. People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons, often to support a particular group, organization, or cause. Many people think that citizens of a democracy are not only able to participate actively in their communities, but that citizens should feel a certain sense of obligation to become active.
- It doesn’t have to be difficult—or even time consuming—to get involved in something you believe in. Local libraries and the Internet have lots of information about organizations that support causes you may be interested in.
Write about a time when you helped somebody or when somebody helped you.
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