Persuasive Communication (Grades 9-12)
To recognize the elements of persuasive communication in a variety of formats.
- Pen and paper
- Dry erase markers (optional)
- Dry erase board (optional)
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION (20 minutes)
- Review the concept and purposes of persuasive writing with students. Remind them that the primary aim of persuasive writing is to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action.
- Explain that persuasive writing is often used to promote a product or service, in print and online advertisements as well as in television and radio commercials. Since the primary aim is to influence others, this type of writing focuses on the reader. Explain that, in an attempt to influence a person's viewpoint or actions, advertisements concentrate on winning the attention of their targeted audience by engaging them with appealing verbal or visual material.
- Engage students in a discussion about the types of advertisements they have seen. Have volunteers identify key advertisements they have seen that communicate positive persuasive messages. Elicit further discussion by asking students: What about the advertisement grabbed your attention? What was most appealing?
- Based on class discussion, use dry erase markers to draw a sample outline on the board. Use color for students to reference as they complete their outlines.
- Divide the class into teams of 3 to 4 students. Instruct each team to work together to create an original product.
WRITING ACTION (20 minutes)
Distribute copies of Persuasive Communication (Grades 9-12) Student Reproducible. Encourage students to color their outlines with markers to help organize their ideas and call out different information.
To prepare students to create their own products, have them select an item from the classroom to advertise. It can be a school-supply item such as a dry erase marker, a book, or a pen, or an item of clothing such as shoes, pants, or a top. Ask students to use colored markers to create their own advertisement for the item they have chosen.