We have been working on creating an opinion statement. We have worked on the handouts and now it is time to apply what we have learned to your own work.
Writing a Persuasive Letter
A persuasive letter is a letter
written to persuade a specific person to agree with a certain idea or to take a
course of action
Step 1. Determine the Problem
·
In order to propose a change for EM High, there must be a
reason for this change! Be clear what change you would like to see, as well as
state reasons for why this change will solve the problem.
Step 2. Determine the Audience
·
Keep in mind that the purpose of a persuasive essay is to
convince others to agree with your ideas and/or proposed course of action.
·
The people you will be trying to persuade are responsible,
adult members of the school community (ie. your teachers!). Keep your purpose
and audience in mind as you write!
·
Be very careful of your tone. You do not want to talk down to
your audience. Sarcasm and rudeness of any kind should be avoided.
Step 3. Formulate a Strong Opinion Statement
·
An opinion statement is a sentence that specifically states
the writer’s position, or what he or she wants the reader to do. It should
express a single main idea.
Step 4. Provide Reasons and Details
·
Your opinion is only as strong as your argument! In order to
persuade someone to do something, you must provide strong reasons that support
your opinion.
·
Be sure to include specific details after stating your
reason.
*For example* If you
believe that EM High should extend lunch hour (your opinion) because it allows
more time for students to eat lunch (reason), you need to explain how this will
benefit students and teachers (details).
Step 5. Address Counter-Arguments
·
There is always the possibility that your reader will
disagree with your opinion, so you should think about the possible arguments,
or objections, that your reader may
have.
·
If you consider possible objections to your opinion, then you
will be prepared to respond to these objections. Your response to these
objections is called a rebuttal.
·
Anticipating possible objections to your arguments, and
addressing them in your letter, will result in a more persuasive argument.
·
While you may want to consider both sides of the issue,
remember that you must take a firm stance on the issue. If your stance is unclear,
then your letter will lack persuasiveness.
When you write a persuasive letter,
follow this format:
1.
Opening/Introduction:
a. Salutation: Dear Ernest Manning Administration
b. Introduce yourself
c. Introduce the
issue/problem and your position (opinion statement).
d. Preview the main points of
your arguments briefly.
2.
Body:
a. Each body paragraph must
present one of your arguments and use specific details to support your ideas.
b. Remember to consider
audience when presenting arguments.
3.
Conclusion:
a. Briefly restate main
points
b. Make a strong appeal for
your proposed action (remember your purpose)
c. End your letter with a
formal expression of thanks to your audience for reading your letter and
considering your position
d. End with a polite closure;
Sincerely (add name)
