ELA6, CSS, Sferrazza

Persuasive writing takes a strong stand. The message is clear.

Read the following statements. Do they sound very persuasive?

“I sort of think that the pipeline maybe isn't a good idea.”

“It could possibly help me if you would maybe vote for me as Kindness Club secretary. I might be able to do some stuff.”

“It might be an idea to visit the Eco-Store. Maybe you could bring your friends. We offer a discount.”

These statements sound weak and wishy-washy. They are not very convincing.

So how can they be written to be more convincing?

1. DELETE "I THINK" AND OTHER "I STATEMENTS".

Sentences become stronger when "I-statements" are removed.

I-statement examples are:

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

Using I-statements makes your persuasive 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 out I-statements, 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.

2. MAKE CAREFUL VERB CHOICES. 

Sentences become stronger when strong modal verbs are used. Modal verbs are used when we believe something is certain, probable, or possible.

Commonly used modal verbs are can, could, may, might, will, and must.

WEAKER MODAL VERBS

Could, might, can, and may are used when you think something might happen in the future, but you’re not positive:

• • • Based on the forecast, it might rain.
    • You may want to buy this.
    • It could be a good idea.
    • It can be hot in summer. (= It is sometimes hot in summer)

STRONG MODAL VERBS

Must and will show we are sure about our beliefs or that something has to happen:

• • • You must buy this. 
    • You will buy this.
    • Based on the forecast, it must rain. 
    • Based on the forecast, it will rain.

3. USE STRONG ADVERBS.

Sentences become stronger when strong adverbs are used. Possibly, perhaps, maybe, possibly, and definitely are all adverbs. They change the power of a verb in different ways.

• It will possibly rain. (small chance of rain, think 10-30% chance)
• Perhaps it will rain. (think 30-40% chance of rain) 
• Maybe it will rain. (think 50% chance of rain)
• It will probably rain. (chances are good it will rain, think 80-90%)
• It will definitely rain. (for sure it will rain, think 100%)

If you want to be persuasive, make sure to cut out weak adverbs. It is better to just have a strong verb on its own. Definitely is definitely the best choice.

In your Writer's Notebook, complete:  1. Strong Position