Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing encourages the writer to be creative and challenges him or her to integrate the
different kinds of appeal in his or her paper. One can do this by employing several kinds of persuasive
techniques (e.g. appeals) and devices in his or her paper. They are as follows:

Appeals in Persuasive Writing

Ethos or 'ethical appeal' or 'appeal to credibility'

One who integrates this kind of appeal convinces the readers through his or her credibility. A writer who
uses this projects an image to the readers that he or she is a credible person and that he or she should
be treated as an authority.

Example:

Doctors around the world recommend that people should be vaccinated against flu.

Logos or 'appeal to logic' or 'appeal to reasoning'

One who integrates this kind of appeal convinces the readers through reasons. A writer who uses this
cites valid reasons to persuade the readers.

Example:

The documents clearly show that the accused is guilty of the crime committed.

Pathos or 'appeal to emotion'

One who integrates this kind of appeal convinces the readers by tapping into their emotions. A writer
who uses this convinces the readers by giving an emotional statement or response.

Example:

If we do not evacuate immediately, we might all die in an instant!

Persuasive Devices

 Facts/ Data can be results of studies or general facts that can persuade the readers.

 Anecdote is a narrative or account or story of a person or any character which is usually written
in a humorous way.

 Rebuttal is a contradiction, a way to oppose or disproves a certain statement.

 Rhetorical Questions are asked to make a point and not to be answered by the readers. They
usually challenge the readers to act or reflect on personal views.

Example:

"Are you man enough?" (Challenge to men to prove their manliness)