Resources for Persuasive Writing

ProCon.org

Issues & Controversies

Writing for Results

and Verbal Self-Defense

Another way to think of persuasive writing (and thinking) is verbal self-defense.  Much like other forms of self-defense such as karate and taekwondo, being good at it requires discipline, skill, and practice.

Being good at self-defense makes you more likely to come out on the winning side of a conflict.  It also makes you less likely to be attacked.

Resources for Persuasive Writing:
Persuasive Essay (Essayinfo.com)
Guide to Writing a Basic Essay 
50 Topics for Argumentative Writing

Sample Essays:
Television Watching
Euthanasia 
Cats 

Topics for Persusaive Writing
Persuasive Writing Prompts
Fun Persuasive Topics

Prove It!

You are a lawyer involved in the case spelled out below.  Your job is to read the facts, think about the facts, think outside the facts, and then develop a logical, well-supported case to prove the guilt or innocence of the accused.  We will not actually conduct the case in class, but your job is to spell out what you would research, what you would aim to find out, and how you would support your case.


The case:

The theft of $2 million has been reported by Bangor Savings Bank in Bangor, Maine.  The bank believes it was an inside job because no doors, windows, or locks were broken during this nighttime robbery.  They believe that whoever entered had a key and also had knowledge of the security camera and alarm system.  .  

The accused is Janet Con, a 32-year old former employee of the bank.  Evidence gathered at the bank included a security camera video that showed a shadowy, hat-wearing figure who seems to resemble Janet Con.  Additionally, a partial fingerprint of Ms. Con was found on the door to the vault.   


Create an outline for your case that looks something like this:

Janet Con is __________________________ (guilty/ innocent)  Choose one.

Issues to Investigate:

--Argument 1 and supporting details:

• We would investigate and aim to show . . .
• We would investigate and aim to show

--Argument 2 and supporting details:

--Argument 3 and supporting details

(The more arguments you can present,  and more more closely you are able to tie the details (evidence) with your case, the better chance you have of winning the case.  Be creative.  Think outside the box.  Leave no stone unturned.