Persuade Paper

ENG 201: Intermediate Composition—Assignment #2: Writing to Convince

DUE DATES: Listed on your course schedule

REQUIRED READING IN TMHG: 238-243, 246-257, 274-277

REQUIRED READING IN RULES: 332-333 (this section covers the dash and parentheses)

Your text reminds us that most modes of writing, to some degree, are persuasive. Different modes of writing require different persuasive strategies: most common are appeals to logic, ethics, and emotion. Learning to construct strong written and oral arguments is a valuable skill, which one will use regularly in academic, professional, and personal arenas.

The Assignment

After you have completed the reading and considered our class discussion, write a 6-8 page paper that attempts to persuade a self-selected audience to think or act a certain way. In this regard, your paper should be centered on a claim of value, which your text presents as “a statement about which reasonable people may disagree” (246). For example, you might persuade an audience of parents to relax their rules regarding screen-time limits; or, you might persuade a group of your male peers to participate in Movember. We will discuss many other topic choices in class. Your paper should also have a specific purpose: it shouldn’t be simply “to persuade”: rather, think about what you want your chosen audience to do with the information provided. Your persuasive paper your paper should incorporate information from 5-7 outside sources, and use a variety of appropriate appeals (logos, ethos, and pathos) to build your content.

In your introductory paragraph:

· Present the issue/topic in an engaging, attention-getting way, to show the reader “that the issue exists and they should be concerned about it” (246).

· Identify your audience. The reader should be able to tell from content who you’re attempting to persuade; don’t announce who your audience is—“I am attempting to persuade all you cat lovers out there to adopt 15 MORE furry feline friends!”

· End with a clearly-stated claim. This is the thesis of your paper, and may also reveal your purpose.

In your body paragraphs:

· Organize and develop your content according to one of the methods presented on p. 265 in your text.

· Integrate content from 5-7 outside sources.

· Use appropriate appeals (logos, ethos, and pathos).

· Address the other viewpoint(s).

In your conclusion:

· End with a call to action.

Throughout your paper:

· Adhere to your Grammar Goal. Use the dash correctly two times, and parentheses correctly two times.

· Maintain a civil, professional, accessible tone.

· You may use “you” to address your chosen audience.