Words, Phrases, and Arguments to Use in Persuasive Writing
Words, Phrases, and Arguments to Use in Persuasive Writing
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Key Takeaways
- Using emotional language, called pathos, helps make the reader feel and connect with the argument.
- Phrases like ‘as a result’ and ‘in conclusion’ help to summarize and conclude persuasive writing.
- Confidence in writing is shown by avoiding phrases like ‘I think’ and using strong word combinations.
Persuasive writing is tough for kids to get used to, especially if they’re not argumentative by nature. A few tools and shortcuts can help your child learn how to write well enough to convince someone (even you!) to change their mind about an issue that really matters to them. Ahead, we share persuasive language examples and how your child can best use them in their writing.
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Persuasive Strategies and Devices
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There are common persuasion techniques sometimes referred to as persuasive devices that can be used to back up an argument in writing. Knowing the names of the strategies and how they work can make it easier to remember them when it’s time to write. The five common persuasive strategies are:
- Pathos: Pathos involves using emotional language that is designed to draw the reader in and make them feel for you. For example: “If my allowance isn’t increased, I won’t be able to go out with my friends and do everything they do.”
- Big Names: The big names strategy involves using the names of experts or well-known people who support your position. For example: “Dad agrees that increasing my allowance will…”
- Research and Logos: These strategies involve using studies, data, charts, illustrations, and logic to back up her position and points. For example: “As you can see in the pie chart, at my age the average child’s allowance is…”
- Ethos: The ethos strategy of persuasion involves using language that shows that the writer is trustworthy and believable. For example: “As you may recall, I’ve always been willing to put ten percent of my allowance in my bank account, thus…”
- Kairos: This type of argument creates a sense of urgency about how this is the right moment to act. For example: “If I don’t get an increase in my allowance today, I will miss out on the chance to…”
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