Persuasive Outline
Every essay needs: Attention Grabber/Hook: How can you get the audience’s attention? Cool Quote, statistics, a true story, an anecdote? Set up the problem: Explain why there is an issue that your audience needs to worry about. Why should the girl sitting next to you spend time reading this? Make sure your thesis (why you are writing this essay) is clear. Logos-wise, give us quotes from authorities that explain why this is an issue. Dr. Smartypants from the University of Knowitallia tells us why the growth of cheesemaking websites is something to be afraid of. “Cheesemaking websites are well known gathering places for mice and other vermin.” Pathos-wise appeal to our emotions to get us to care. Shouldn’t we all be worried when we know that teenagers are interested in cheese? Where does it end? In making yogurt? Ricotta? Even Farmer’s Cheese? Don’t forget to give every quote a set-up so that we know who is talking and why as well as giving a parenthetical notation. Ethos-wise, it’s always good to relate the subject to yourself and your own experiences, even if they seem relatively minor in comparison to others experiences. Explain your solution: Here you give us the reasons why your solution will work. Give facts and statistics but always state your source. Let me write that again: ALWAYS STATE YOUR SOURCE. Use persuasive language to make clear your attitude towards the topic. Opponents are naysayers; arguments are complaints; inconvenient facts are irrelevant. Whenever you find yourself writing about a subject that you would imagine others wouldn’t believe you are an expert it, bring in an expert who confirms your stance. Rebut challenges: Give space to an opponents viewpoint (always quote them) and then explain why he/she is wrong. It’s good to use a quote from another expert or a statistic that proves your point. Conclusion: End the piece with a call-to-action. Tell your readers what you want them to do. Be clear and be precise but be solicitous rather than bossy.