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How To Approach Persuasive Writing
Step 1: Background: It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction (although there are laws about the exact hours that bars and shops are allowed to sell alcohol, and laws against drinking and driving). This is in contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering (or ‘psycho-active’) drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. Consider: What are the advantages or disadvantages of banning alcohol altogether? Task: Write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not banning alcohol would solve the social problems caused by drinking.
Step 2: Ponder Think about what you opinions are of the proposal that alcohol should be banned. One way to navel gaze!
Step 3:Prepare Your Notes. Fold your paper into 4 squares.
Step 4: Further Prepare Your Notes. Unfold the paper and draw a box in the centre. In the central box write a sentence to convey your stand.
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. Write one reason you think alcohol should be banned. Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes. Write another reason you think alcohol should be banned. Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer. The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. If cannabis, which is not very addictive and which results in virtually no violent crime or public disorder, needs to be banned because of its mind-altering effects, then how much more so should alcohol be banned. Write another reason you think alcohol should be banned. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Summarize your 3 reasons.
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence • Murder. Write 3 details about this reason. • Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin • Cocaine • Cannabis Write 3 details about this reason Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer. The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. • Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned. • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it. • Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Summarize your 3 reasons. Write 3 details about this reason.
Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin • Cocaine • Cannabis Elaborate on one detail. Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer. ELABORATE The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.
Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence • Murder. Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer. Elaborate on one detail. ELABORATE The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.
Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer. The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. Elaborate on one detail. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directlyinvolved in6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007. • Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned. • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it. • Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned. ELABORATE
Step 5: Add transitions. Firstly, Moreover, • Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence • Murder. A list of transition words is online! • Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin • Cocaine • Cannabis Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. Furthermore, For these reasons, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. • Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned. • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it. • Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directlyinvolved in6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Step 6: From your notes to the paper. Firstly, Moreover, • Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence • Murder. • Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin • Cocaine • Cannabis Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. Each square will become a paragraph. Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. Furthermore, For these reasons, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. • Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned. • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it. • Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directlyinvolved in6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Step 6: From your notes to the paper. It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Teenagers create disturbances in the street and intimidate law-abiding passers-by. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction. This is in direct contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. • The introductory paragraph (the centre box) sums up each reason.
Step 6: From your notes to the paper. In the UK, 24% of people are considered to be “hazardous drinkers”. How can we let such a large percentage of people devastate their health, their society and ruin the lives of others?It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Teenagers create disturbances in the street and intimidate law-abiding passers-by. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction. This is in direct contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. • Begin the introductory paragraph with a hook. Samples of hooks can be found in your booklet.
Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, Moreover, • Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence • Murder. Next Paragraph • Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin • Cocaine • Cannabis Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. Furthermore, For these reasons, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. • Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned. • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it. • Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directlyinvolved in6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, alcohol is just as addictive as other drugs.Heroin, cocaine and cannabis have all been shown to have very similar effects to alcohol. Why would we continue to keep alcohol legal, when it has the same mid-altering effects as many illegal drugs? Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of otherwise illegal drugs.It also makes it highly addictive. It seems absurd that anyone in their right mind would want to keep a mid-altering drug, which endangers the user and others, legal. Next Paragraph
Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, Moreover, • Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence • Murder. • Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin • Cocaine • Cannabis Next Paragraph Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. Furthermore, For these reasons, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. • Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned. • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it. • Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directlyinvolved in6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Step 6: From your notes to paper. Next Paragraph Moreover, alcohol significantly increases the chances of a violent crime being committed. Alcohol is a contributory factor in 65-70% of violent crimes, such as child abuse and murder. For instance, statistics from the U.S. show that alcohol is a factor in around a quarter of domestic abuse cases. It is clear that if we want a more peaceful, more ordered society that alcohol has to be removed from it.
Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, Moreover, • Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence • Murder. • Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin • Cocaine • Cannabis Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. Furthermore, For these reasons, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. Next Paragraph • Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned. • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it. • Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directlyinvolved in6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Step 6: From your notes to paper. Next Paragraph Furthermore, it is about time that we achieved some consistency with our laws on drugs. We recognise the damage heroin does to society by banning it. Cocaine, just like alcohol, is also used recreationally, yet is still illegal. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directlyinvolved in6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007. This means that if we continue to allow people to drink alcohol, that we are nothing but hypocrites. We can’t ban one “bad” drug and not another. By not banning alcohol we risk great damage to society and show inconsistency.
Step 6: From your notes to paper. Firstly, Moreover, • Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes. • Child abuse • Domestic violence • Murder. • Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin • Cocaine • Cannabis Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin. Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases. Furthermore, For these reasons, The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes. Summary Paragraph • Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned. • We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it. • Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned. It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directlyinvolved in6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.
Step 6: From your notes to paper. Summary Paragraph For these reasons, it is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented. Ban alcohol and save our society from further ruin! Ending PUNCH
Step 7: Vocabulary Review your paragraphs. Can you add adjectives (describing words) and interesting adverbs (describing action words)? ADJECTIVES ADVERBS
Step 7: Vocabulary BEFORE: Many resources are used caring for those injured as a result of being drunk. AFTER: Many precious resources are exhausted caring for those seriously injured as a result of being stupidly and carelessly drunk.
Step 7: Vocabulary Remember: The more sophisticated vocabulary you use the better your writing. How can you “pull the heartstrings” of the reader? bad dreadful
Step 8: Visual Expression Use metaphors and similes to give your essay more visual expression. The cost of alcoholism to the health care system is massive; itdrains the tank of our economy like a leaking tap. The cost of alcoholism to the health care system is great.
Step 9: Use of Rhetorical Devices 1. Rhetorical question Can we really expect the school to keep paying from its limited resources? 2. Emotive language Imagine being cast out into the street, cold, lonely and frightened. 3. Parallel structures To show kindness is praiseworthy; to show hatred is evil. 4. Sound patterns Alliteration: Callous, calculating cruelty – is this what we must expect? Assonance: A fine time we all had, too. 5. Contrast Sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind. 6. Description and Imagery(i.e. using metaphor, simile and personification) While we wait and do nothing, we must not forget that the fuse is already burning. 7. The ‘rule of three’ I ask you, is this fair, is it right, is it just? 8. Repetition Evil minds will use evil means. 9.Hyperbole (using exaggeration for effect) While we await your decision, the whole school holds its breath. 10. Anecdote Using a story from your experience to illustrate a point or idea.
Step 9: Reread Your Work Reread your work to make sure you have: • Taken a stand and stay on the topic • Given your reasons in the introductory paragraph • Have paragraphs that support each reason • Elaborate on a reason in each paragraph • Have a summary paragraph that restates your reasons • Begin each paragraph with a transition word • Include adjectives, adverbs, similes, metaphors and other rhetorical devices.
