Persuasive Writing. Persuasive writing is writing that is meant to persuade readers or listeners to respond in some way, such as to agree with a position, change a view on an issue, reach an agreement, or perform an action. Persuasive messages can use many techniques—some of which are better than others. When a writer backs up his or her statement of opinion with strong facts, he or she is strengthening an argument. For example, if a writer says, “This is the best candy bar ever!” and then states that the candy bar has “mounds of chewy caramel, thick, rich chocolate, and fresh-tasting nuts,” he or she is making a pretty strong case for the opinion.
Other tools of persuasion include propaganda—such as spin, glittering generalities, stereotypes, circular reasoning, and bandwagon appeal. Spin is a technique used to slant public perception of the news. Glittering generalities are statements given to make something seem more appealing. They often contain unsound opinions—ones that are not backed up by facts. Stereotypes are overgeneralizations about people. Circular reasoning is the use of opinions to back up other opinions. Bandwagon appeal is language that appeals to people’s desire to belong, to be part of the crowd, and to do what everyone else is doing. Look at the advertisement on page 870 of your textbook and try to determine what techniques the writer used to try to persuade people to take a cruise.
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- On any given day, a person is bombarded with messages from countless places. These messages may intend to persuade you to vote for a particular candidate in an election or to buy a certain shampoo. Some of these persuasive messages use sneaky or misleading techniques, such as making impossible promises or criticizing the competition. Others show visual elements that make an idea or product seem particularly attractive or unattractive. For example, a fast-food restaurant may release an advertisement with a photo of a hamburger that looks better than any hamburger the restaurant ever served. A political television ad may spotlight a run-down library as the politician talks about her plans to direct more funding to libraries.
What kind of trip would be your “dream” vacation, and why?
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