Pattern of Development

UNDERSTANDING
PERSUASION TEXTS
Learning Objective:
At the end of the lesson, we will be able to:
1. Identify and use persuasion as a pattern of
development,
2. Explain the three common techniques in
persuasive writing, and
3. Construct an outline for a persuasive text.
In writing, how do you convince readers to
agree with your opinions or ideas?

What methods do you use to make them do

or believe in something?
 What is a persuasive or argument
essay?
A persuasive paragraph intends to convince
readers to do or believe in something.
It utilizes logic and reason to show that one
idea is more legitimate than another idea.
 It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a
certain point of view or to take a particular
action.
When to use persuasive or argument
essay?
During critiques or reviews,
Writing a reaction papers,
editorials,
proposals,
advertisements, and
brochures.
Steps in planning persuasive essay

1. Choose your position. Which

side of the issue or problem are
you going to write about, and what
solution will you offer? Know the
purpose of your essay.
Steps in planning persuasive essay

2. Analyze your audience. Decide if

your audience agrees with you, is
neutral, or disagrees with your
position.
Steps in planning persuasive essay

3. Research your topic. A

persuasive essay must provide
specific and convincing evidence.
Steps in planning persuasive essay

4. Structure your essay. Figure out

what evidence you will include and
in what order you will present the
evidence.
 Common techniques to support
arguments
Using evidence
 Giving examples
 Attacking an opposing view
1. USING EVIDENCE
You can use strong evidence such
as facts and statistics, statements
of expert authorities, and research
findings to create impact and
establish credibility.
 USING EVIDENCE: EXAMPLE
The Philippine government should take measures to
decrease class sizes in public schools, as it is one of the
biggest problems in the Philippine education system. Class
sizes have gone up to 75 or 80 students per class, and
newspapers reported that of the 764 public schools in the
metropolis, 82 percent had to resort to conducting classes in
two shifts, one that starts as early as 6 a.m. and another that
ends as late as 6 p.m. The shortage of school classrooms and
the large class sizes have a massive effect on children’s
education.
 USING EVIDENCE: EXAMPLE
According to the National Education Research and
Testing Center, only 68 percent of sixth-grade students
were able to achieve a passing score in science and
mathematics, and secondary students fared even
worse, with only barely 50 percent of students passing
the same subjects. If the government does not act on
improving the class sizes in public schools, we cannot
expect public school students to fare better in their
academics.
 2. GIVING EXAMPLE
Providing examples can enhance
your idea or opinion and make it
concrete. These examples can be
based on observations or from your
own personal experience.
 GIVING EXAMPLE: SAMPLE
I think our employees should be required to
undergo a workplace sensitivity training.
Disrespecting coworkers based on
appearance, gender, or beliefs can lead to loss
of employees. For instance, one of our best
employees quit last week because of
derogatory remarks regarding his faith.
 GIVING EXAMPLE: SAMPLE
We also had a major incident last month
involving verbal aggression between two
employees, which ended with both parties
resigning. If our employees are not made
aware of their bad actions and uncivil
behavior toward others, there may be more
cases like these.
 3. ATTACKING AN OPPOSITE
VIEWS
You assert your opinion by attacking or
criticizing someone or an opposing idea.
Dismissing the credibility of someone or
an idea can be used to strengthen your
opinion.
 ATTACKING AN OPPOSITE
VIEWS: EXAMPLE
Saying that Queen Elizabeth I of England
is the greatest monarch who ever lived is
simply preposterous. People often depict
her as wise and just. However, they seem
to forget that her reign reflected
violations of human rights and social
injustices.
 ATTACKING AN OPPOSITE
VIEWS: EXAMPLE
Her natural charisma may have won her the
love of the public, but her government was
highly corrupt. Queen Elizabeth I is certainly
far from the idealized queen that many people
continue to love.
 PERSUASIVE ESSAY OUTLINE

A. Introductory Paragraph
Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.”
Give an overview of the argument.
Close with a main idea that reveals the
position to be argued.
 PERSUASIVE ESSAY OUTLINE

B. Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should focus on one
piece of evidence.
Within each paragraph, provide sufficient
supporting detail.
 PERSUASIVE ESSAY OUTLINE

C. Opposing View Paragraph

Describe and then refute the key points of the
opposing view.
D. Concluding Paragraph
Restate and reinforce the main idea and supporting
evidence.