5.3 Elements of Persuasion - Strong Position

Delete "I Think..."

To make your stance stronger, you must take out I-statements like:

• I think...
• I believe...
• I know...
• I say...

Using I-statements makes your writing weaker because it highlights this information as your opinion. Also, by saying, "I think" or "I believe," it shows a level of uncertainty.  By cutting I-statements out, it makes your writing feel more like a fact. People are swayed more by facts than opinion.

Example: I think it is a good idea to read a book every day for at least 30 minutes.

Change to:

Example: It is a good idea to read a book every day for at least 30 minutes.

Go to your Persuasive Writing Journal and do Journal #3: I Think.