INFO SHEET #2: Writing Process for Informative and Persuasive

texts/writing.
1. PERSUASIVE WRITING - is a form of writing in which the writer uses words to convince the reader that the
writer's opinion is correct regarding an issue. Persuasion is seen in TV commercials, magazines, brochures,
product endorsement, political debates and speeches, etc.

Writing Process for Persuasive Essays

Choose a position. Students should think about the issue and pick the side they wish to advocate.
Understand the audience. The writer must understand the reader’s perspective. Is the reader undecided or
inclined to favor one side or the other?
Do the research. A persuasive essay depends upon solid, convincing evidence. Don’t rely on a single source.
Identify the most convincing evidence.

Drafting the Persuasive Essay

 The introductory paragraph should have a strong “hook” that grabs the reader’s attention. Open
with an unusual fact or statistic, a question or quotation, or an emphatic statement. For example: “Driving while
talking on a cell phone, even hands-free, is the equivalent of driving drunk.”
The thesis statement should leave no doubts about the writer’s position.
Each body paragraph should cover a separate point, and the sentences of each paragraph should
offer strong evidence in the form of facts, statistics, quotes from experts, and real-life examples.
The concluding paragraph should summarize the most important evidence and encourage the
reader to adopt the position or take action.

Revising the Persuasive Essay

In the revision phase, students review, modify, and reorganize their work with the goal of making it the best it can
be.
Does the essay present a firm position on the issue, supported by relevant facts, statistics, quotes,
and examples?
Does each paragraph offer compelling evidence focused on a single supporting point?
Is the opposing point of view presented and convincingly refuted?
Does the concluding paragraph convey the value of the writer’s position and urge the reader to think
and act?

Editing the Persuasive Essay

Next, proofread and correct errors in grammar and mechanics, and edit to improve style and clarity. Having a
friend read the essay helps writers edit with a fresh perspective.

Publishing the Persuasive Essay

Sharing a persuasive essay with the rest of the class or with family and friends can be both exciting and
intimidating. Learn from the experience and use the feedback to make the next essay even better.

LANGUAGE OF RESEARCH, CAMPAIGN AND ADVOCACIES

Language Features/Devices employed in Persuasive writing.

A. EMOTIVE LANGUAGE is the deliberate choice of words to elicit emotion (usually to influence).
Example: 1. The regime's soldiers massacred the untrained and unwilling combatants.
(This version is deliberately emotive and negative towards "the regime's soldiers.")
2. Our soldiers heroically captured the terrorists' lair.
(This version is deliberately emotive and positive towards "our soldiers.")
3. Our soldiers neutralized the enemy threat.
(This version is deliberately non-emotive.)
These three sentences all describe the same event. All three are designed to influence the reader.

B. MODAL VERB Unproven, exaggerated, or outrageous claims are commonly preceded by “weasel words”
such as may, might, can , could.

Example: In the statement “you must try this shampoo for a beautiful and silky hair,” “must” is a modal verb
indicating that it’s necessary for the subject (“you”) to perform the action of the verb (“use”).

The modal verb “should” most commonly to talk about what is the ideal or best thing to do.
“You should buy this shampoo if you want your hair looks like Kath’s”.

C. INVOLVING THE READER- The use of this feature is involving the reader’s experience into the context so the
reader’s mind must find a way to feel involved and it also has a great influence on how the readers perceive
things. Especially when their color, sizes, language and features are used in ads, advocacies and research.

EXAMPLE: Dove commercial uses plain folks. It works best when it seems like the person genuinely like the
product or agree with the idea.

D. RHETORICAL QUESTION- A question that has a very obvious answer, which the author does not expect to
receive. Often rhetorical questions are used to make the audience think deeply about a topic. They can also
provide humour and sarcasm.

Example: “Did you know that thousands of plastic bags wash up on beaches each year?”
E. USING EVIDENCE- This is a particular application of the Expert technique. It uses the paraphernalia of
science (charts, graphs, statistics, lab coats) to “prove” something. It often works because many people trust
science and scientists.

Example:
According to survey, 5 out of 7 people are stressed. Take Stress
F. REPETITION- is a literary device in which a word or phrase is repeated in a text to create emphasis, create a
specific rhythm, or reinforce a specific idea or theme. It is a common technique used in poetry and prose, and can
be used in various ways to achieve different effects.

Example: Consider the following passage from Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech:

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these
truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'”

G. ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS – The language of ads is full of modifiers. Adjectives and Adverbs serve a
similar purpose in writing, they are both modifiers.

Adjectives are words or word sets that modify (describe) a noun or pronoun.

EXAMPLES: Best, greatest, most, fastest , lowest price

Adverbs are words or sets of words that modify (describe) verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. There are five main
types of adverbs: degree, frequency, manner, place, and time. Also, an adverb can be used as a conjunction
when connecting ideas.

EXAMPLES: Innova is moving too quickly for Car X to keep up.

The pasta was extremely spicy.

H. ASSOCIATION- This technique tries to link a product , service , or idea with something already liked or
desired by the target audience, such as fun, pleasure , beauty , security , intimacy, success and wealth, etc.

EXAMPLE: Family – Coke , Victory - Nike

I. BANDWAGON- Many campaigns or advocacies show lots of people using the product. Implying “everyone is
using it”. No one likes to be left behind or to be left out and these urge us to “jump on the bandwagon”.

EXAMPLE: Sensodyne- 9 out of 10 Dentists are using it.

J. EXPERTS- We rely on the experts to advise us about that we don’t know ourselves. Scientists, Doctors,
professors and other professionals often appears on ads and advocacies, lending their credibility to the product
service or idea being sold.

INFO SHEET #2: ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Commonly Used Modal Verbs and Evaluative Language for argumentative essay

Transitional Devices

-are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from
one paragraph to another. And finally, transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so
that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.

The general structure of an argumentative essay follows this format:

1. Introduction - Attention Grabber / hook, Background Information, Thesis Statement

2. Body/discussion of content - Three body paragraphs (three major arguments)

 3. Counterargument - An argument to refute earlier arguments and give weight to the actual position

4. Conclusion - Rephrasing the thesis statement, major points, call to attention, or concluding remarks.

5. Credits - is essential because giving credit to the creator of the source material helps you avoid plagiarism.
Identifying your sources also helps your reader understand which written content is from a source and
which represents your ideas.

Use of rhetorical questions and passive voice in argumentative essay

Rhetorical questions are used in various forms of writing and rhetoric. They can be found in literature and are often
used in persuasive writing, like essays, debates, and speeches of all kinds, whether political or a commencement
speech.

INFO SHEET #4: CLAIMS OF FACT, POLICY, AND VALUE

A claim is an arguable statement. It is an opinion that a writer asks an audience to accept. It is what the writer
tries to prove by providing details, explanations, and other types of evidence.
As a reader and as a writer, it is a must that we know the different types of claims.

TYPES OF CLAIMS
1. Claim of Fact – asserts that something is true or false, and it can be objectively verified. To support – use factual
evidence that is sufficient, reliable, and appropriate. This claim is basically debatable yet verifiable.
Characteristics:
Objective Nature – claims of facts are based on verifiable evidence and can be objectively proven or
disproven.
Factual Accuracy – these claims deal with statements that are either true/false, and they often involve
empirical evidence or data.
Empirical Verification – they can be tested or verified through observation, measurement, or research.
No Room for Opinion – unlike claims of value or policy, claims of fact don’t involve subjective opinions or
personal preferences.
Clarity and Specificity – these claims are typically clear and specific, stating a fact or presenting evidence
without ambiguity.
Evidence-Based – support for a claim of fact comes from a reliable and credible source, data, or
observations.
Logical Reasoning – arguments supporting claims of fact often rely on logical reasoning and a rational
interpretation of evidence.

Example: “Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at standard atmospheric pressure.” (This statement is factual and
can be tested and confirmed through scientific experimentation.)
“The Earth orbits the Sun.” (It is a claim of fact as it can be objectively verified through scientific evidence
and observation.)

2. Claim of Value – presents an assertion as to whether something is good or bad, more or less desirable. This is
debatable in nature since people may have different opinions on the given claims or concepts. It also expresses
an evaluation of something based on a certain set of criteria. It involves subjective judgment rather than objective
verification.
Characteristics:
Subjectivity – claims of value express subjective judgments or opinions about the worth or desirability of
something.
Personal Perspective – these claims often reflect individual or societal preferences, attitudes, or beliefs.
Evaluation Criteria – they involve criteria or standards against which the value is assessed, which can
vary among different individuals or cultures.
Debatable Nature – claims of value are inherently debatable, as what one person values may differ from
another.
Emotional Component – values are often tied to emotions, and claims of value can evoke emotional
responses.
Cultural Influence – cultural and societal norms play a significant role in shaping claims of value.

Comparative Judgment – these claims often involve comparisons between different things based on the
evaluator’s criteria.
 Example: “Classical music is superior to pop music in terms of artistic sophistication.” (This statement reflects a
subjective opinion about the value of classical music compared to pop music, and opinions on this may vary.)
“Traditional art is more valuable than modern art.” (It is a claim of value, expressing a subjective opinion about the
worth of different art styles.)

3. Claim of Policy – supports that an action should or should not be done to address a certain case or policy. Policy
claims indicates that an action should be carried out either in support or in opposition of a particular argument. It
also proposes a specific action or solution to a problem. It suggests what should be done based on the evaluation
of a situation.
Characteristics:
Prescriptive Nature – claims of policy propose a course of action or a specific solution to address a
particular issue or problem.
Call to Action – they advocate for a change in behavior, rules, laws, or practices to achieve a desired
outcome.
Problem-Solution Framework – these claims typically identify a problem and propose a solution or action
to mitigate or solve that problem.
Future Orientation – claims of policy focus on what should be done in the future to bring about a positive
change.
Controversial – policy claims are often debatable, as different stakeholders may have varying opinions on
the proposed actions.
Implementation Considerations – they may address practical aspects of how the proposed policy can be
implemented and what impact it may have.
Relevance to the Issue – the suggested policy is directly related to addressing the identified problem or
issue.

Example: “The government should implement stricter regulations on carbon emissions to combat climate change.”
(This statement advocates for a specific policy action to address the problem of climate change.)

“The government should invest in renewable energy initiatives to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.” (It is
a claim of policy, as it proposes a specific action to address the problem of environmental sustainability.)

TYPES OF EVIDENCE

1. Statement of Facts (both true and false):

• Statement of Facts (True). These are objective, verifiable statements that can be proven to be true or
false. They are based on evidence and can be independently confirmed.
Example: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

• Statement of Facts (False). These are statements that can be proven to be false based on evidence.
Example: The Sun revolves around the Earth.
2. Statement of Opinions. These are expressions of personal beliefs, preferences, or feelings that cannot be
objectively verified. Opinions are subjective and vary from person to person.
Example: Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor.

3. Self – Evidence. A self – evident statement is one that is immediately and necessarily true without the need for
further evidence or explanation. However, what is considered self – evident can vary between individuals and
cultures.
Example: “All humans are mortals.” (This statement is considered self-evident because the truth of it is apparent
without requiring further evidence or argument – it is universally accepted that all humans have a finite lifespan.)
4. Anecdotal Evidence. This involves using personal stories or isolated examples to make a point. Anecdotal
evidence is not necessarily representative of the broader truth and should be interpreted with caution.
Example: “I know someone who smoked for 90 years and lived to be 100, so smoking must not be that harmful.”
(This anecdote represents a single case and doesn’t account for the broader statistical evidence demonstrating
the health risks associated with smoking. Anecdotal evidence is generally considered less reliable than evidence
gathered through scientific methods.)
 5. Argument from Authority. This is when a claim is considered true because of the authority of the person
asserting it. However, an argument from authority is not always valid, as even experts can be wrong. It’s essential
to consider the evidence supporting the claim.
Example:
1. Celebrities endorsing a product: “Actor X recommends this product, so it must be the best.” (This assumes
expertise in a particular domain based on fame rather than relevant knowledge.)

2. Quoting a famous person: “Einstein believed in X theory, so it must be true.” (This relies on the authority of
Einstein rather than the merit of theory.)

3. Citing a doctor’s opinion: “Dr. Y says this medical treatment is the best, so it must be effective.” (This
assumes the doctor’s authority without considering the broader medical consensus.)

6. Empirical Evidence. This involves evidence that is based on observation, measurement, or direct experience.
Empirical evidence is crucial in supporting factual claims.
Example: “In a controlled experiment, researchers found that a new drug significantly reduced blood pressure in
patients compared to a placebo group.” (The empirical evidence supports the conclusion that the drug is effective
in lowering blood pressure.)

INFO SHEET #5: SPOKEN TEXT

Prepared Speech – the speaker is given the topic beforehand, has time to research about the topic,
and
can rehearse or practice prior to delivering the speech.

Impromptu Speech – the speaker is given with little or no time to prepare. This type of speaking
occurs
during ambush interview and other gatherings where people are asked to deliver a speech on the spur
of
the moment.

Spoken text is different from written text for many reasons. One important reason is that it usually
has to be understood immediately whereas written language can be read many times. For that reason,
spoken language has many different features.

• Variation in speed - but it is generally faster than writing

• Loudness or quietness
• Gestures - body language
• Intonation
• Stress
• Rhythm
• Pitch range
• Pausing and phrasing

Spoken text Composition

➢ Spoken language is grammatically less complex than written language. It has fewer
subordinate clauses, fewer "that/to" complement clauses, fewer sequences of prepositional
phrases, fewer attributive adjectives and more active verbs.
➢ Spoken texts are longer. This means that there is more repetition.
➢ Spoken texts also have shorter, less complex words and phrases.
➢ Have fewer nominalizations, more verb-based phrases, and a more limited vocabulary.

➢ have proportionately more grammatical words than lexical words.

 ➢ Spoken text has more words that refer to the speaker, more quantifiers and hedges, and less
abstractness.

Traditional delivery
There are four basic methods of speech delivery: manuscript, memorized, impromptu, and
extemporaneous.

1. Manuscript
A manuscript speech is when the speaker writes down every word he/she will speak during the
speech. When they deliver the speech, they have each word planned and in front of them on the page,
much like a newscaster who reads from a teleprompter.

2. Memorized
A memorized speech is also fully prepared in advance and one in which the speaker does not use any
notes. Memorizing a speech isn’t like memorizing a poem, Work with an outline. Practice with the
outline until you can recall the content and order of your main points without effort. Then it’s just a
matter of practicing until you’re able to elaborate on your key points in a natural and seamless
manner.

3. Impromptu
An impromptu speech is one for which there is little to no preparation. that there is no time for
preparation, so finding research to support claims such as quotes or facts cannot be included. The
lack of preparation makes some speakers more nervous and they may struggle to engage the
audience

4. Extemporaneous
When speaking extemporaneously, speakers prepare some notes in advance. This is considered as
the ideal speaking method because it allows speakers to be prepared, keeps the audience engaged,
and makes the speakers more natural in their delivery.

A multimedia presentation can be explained as a presentation including information and data

that is presented by video, images, and animation, or a digital presentation that includes audio,
narration, music, and sound effects to deliver your messages to the audience.

Podcast - a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can
be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer.
TED talk (Technology, Entertainment and Design) - A TED talk is a recorded public-
speaking presentation that was originally given at the main TED (technology, entertainment
and design) annual event or one of its many satellite events around the world. TED is a
nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks, often called
"TED talks."
Vlogs - A vlog is a shortened term for the phrase "video blog." A blog is a webpage where an
author writes regular updates, usually about a particular topic. Most bloggers use a
conversational tone when they write so they can connect better with their audiences.

Pecha Kucha - The word “PechaKucha” is Japanese for “chit chat.”A Pecha Kucha
presentation is a format that uses 20 slides or images that are displayed for 20 seconds each.
The slides will move automatically as the presenter is speaking. This format ensures that the
speaker is concise, keeps the presentation moving, and gets through all of their content.
Although it is an uncommon format, it is most often used for creative disciplines to share
their work or for professionals to share a journey or story.
PechaKucha was created in Japan in 2003 by renowned architects, Astrid Klein and Mark
Dytham. The word “PechaKucha” is Japanese for “chit chat.”

Pitch Presentation - A pitch presentation is a short presentation in which you introduce

your company, product or idea. You only have a few minutes to convince your audience and
attract potential investors. So you need to plan what you want to say really carefully.