How Are We Persuaded?

 

Overview

We focused on analyzing arguments, identifying persuasive techniques, and creating persuasive stories this unit. Because of this, we did analyze texts, including Anna Quindlen’s “Doing Nothing is Something” (article) and Peter Gray’s “The Decline of Play” (TedTalk presentation). We identified the different techniques used in each of the texts, and we compared to each other. We also did the same for Position essay using Analysis of Carl Sagan’s argument in his speech “Nuclear Disarmament”. After we started becoming used to this kind of stuff, we were able to put these persuasive skills into practice and posted on genetically modified pets with our own opinion. We also wrote a persuasive stories, and mine was about climate change.

 

Skills
How to analyze an argument?

Check the claim,

Examine the evidence

Look for logic

Consider the counter argument

 

Identify persuasive techniques:

Emotional appeals

Loaded language

Logical appeals

Ethical appeals

 

What Persuades Me?

I’m persuaded by factual evidence backed by credible resources. For example, I was more persuaded by Peter Gray's TedTalk than Anna Quindlen’s “Doing Nothing is Something” article. The reason is because when I am reading an article or a letter, the information and statistics will really come out to me and will help me understand with a better view of the subject, especially if the information is shocking and accurate. And because Peter Gray was a doctor and an expert on his field of research, it made all of his information more persuasive, whereas Anna Quindlen used more of an emotional appeal, which I was not attracted to.

 

Strength and Weakness

You have all completed a MOY assessment: How did you do on this? What were your strengths? Weaknesses?

I’m often a strong writer with style and fluency. However, I have problems with planning and organizing my work.

I plan on improving by planning more and organizing my work better.

My reading comprehension is good according to my map score, and the fact that i finished in 30 minutes proves how well organize and plan my work (Not).

 

Evidence of Work

You will be posting both your position essay and your persuasive story.

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XCtsypIBH6bxWkul8Gvs0CU2IjE0nAEb7K6nWH47hqQ/edit

My position essay on Anna Quindlen’s article “Doing Nothing is Something” and Peter Gray’s TedTalk “The Decline of Play.”

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mRZxlKZIe3zNNEaItsjvB-Ob1DfphHHuwbfak2TrTfs/edit

My persuasive writing on climate change.