Persuasive Writing Samples: Adolescents and the Media (Informal Tone and Structure)

This informal toned persuasive writing seems more like a fact/information paper, rather than trying to persuade the reader or audience. It was dull and the author would have put in more emotion into his writing, which could have improved this dull writing.

The author, Victor C Strasburger, had materials that were relating to Australian research. He quoted extensively throughout this work, meaning that his work can be is legit and the information can be true and persuading. Comparing with the previous essays where the authors haven’t quoted their work, as many as Victor has, his work seems well researched. In the first paragraph, last sentence, you can see that he directly address the readers and audience by asking, “Why”. The style of this writing flowed, and with the sub-heading used, it makes it easier for the readers to understand that particular paragraph being talked about. The content compared with the previous samples, they were more essay written than this one. But, this piece I believe is better thought-out and better structured, with the use of sub-heading, which overall felt more like a report or research paper.

Overall, I don’t think this can be registered as a good example of an informal toned essay. If anyone follows this example, there work will seem more like a report, rather than trying to persuade your audience. Not saying that having plentiful information is bad, it bores the reader, and the reader or audience losses interest. The author could of used more rhetorical devices so that it can equal out the information, and not turn off the reader.

Persuasive Writing Samples: Debunking Media Violence

Travis Ryan, persuasive essay, on Debunking Media Violence is both rich and diverse. This glorified piece of writing is unexceptional perfect, as he masters the usage of rhetorical and literary techniques in his work, which overall creates the blend of professionalism and punctuality.

Travis Ryan kept a consistent formal tone throughout his persuasive writing essay. He brought up several points, which amazed me. He brings up Hollywood, which barely comes into the spotlight when talking or relating the consequences to violence. No one blames or points at Hollywood when talking about media violence, as Hollywood creates movies; where violence is shown to children, especially in their favourite action fighting movies. Thus, you can see and experience yourself that children are to re-in act the scenes from movies, which showcased their favourite superstar. Although, I would say that Professor Henry Jenkins used better and efficient diction, Travis Ryan can also be credited on his formal tone, and style for being scholarly and effective. He was able to stick with the content throughout the essay, by often relating the material to what he is trying to get across the impacts on media violence.

The mistake he made, was he that he included reader inclusions, by saying to the reader, “We, I, Our”. This makes it less effective, but at the same time, I think he uses reader inclusion, to get the audience or reader to get involved and get his points to them. A rhetorical device that caught my eyes was he mentioned, “Politicians are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to people who are attacking the media.” This is mentioned as Senators in the U.S are trying to regulate the legislation for the media contents. This which then brings to the next problem, which the author uses all this researches, materials, and resources from the American studies.

The conclusion sounded dull, and the author could have used rhetorical devices or could have had a stronger conclusion to conclude his strong essay. Travis Ryan could have reiterated the point where the V-chips and rating system for games aren’t enough to stop media violence, which could of strengthen his overall essay and conclusion. Taken as a whole, I would say that this in general is an excellent example of a formal essay, although with revision and additional material, this has the potential to be superior as Hercules.

Persuasive Writing Samples: Media Violence - Informal Tone

The informal toned essay written by Henry Jenkins is a diverse and excellent example of an informal toned piece of work. He begins his work by using a logical fallacy, appeal to ridicule, emphasizing the Virginia Tech shooting, and relating it to how it doesn’t relate to media violence. He also gives statistics to prove his point. In general this persuasive writing example of an informal tone is very significant as it set the standards for future informal toned piece of writing, and acts like a skeleton for us to follow.

He used many statistics and examples to persuade and prove his points. There is an error in the first paragraph, where he says, “On average college students spend more time each playing that (than) reading recreationally, watching television, or going to the movies”. The word “that” should have been replaced by “than”, and the consequence of this, is that it made a bad impression of his work. People will think his writing is not professional and scholarly, and may feel that he’s just a normal citizen, not a professor, writing this opinion piece. But, later on with his rich use of tone, content, and style, he proved that it was just a small mistake, and which overall provided a well written informal toned essay. He proved that a small mistaken, shouldn’t allow a reader to underestimate the rest of the writing, and so should other reads and teachers in society.

The style of this persuasive writing flows as smoothly as ocean tides at night. His paragraphs follow as from one huge well informed paragraph, to a paragraph that is more opinion winged, shorter sentences, which then reiterate his points, from the previous information filled paragraph. He uses high dictions to improve and deliver his piece with passion, and scholarly. He doesn’t use any slang, street language or any colloquial words, even though this is an informal toned essay, thus proves that we don’t necessarily have to use slang or colloquial words in informal toned piece of writing.

Overall, this is a well written informal toned persuasive essay regarding the media violence. He clearly stated his posing points and reasoning to back up, how media violence does not evoke violence in real life. Henry Jenkins has successfully written an informal toned piece of writing that of which can be used as a good example for us to look back, review, help and give some ideas and feedback for us, when we write an informal toned writing.

Persuasive Writing Samples: Media Violence- Formal Tone

Reading this article about T.V, Violence, and Censorship, it has shown me an example of what a formal tone essay looks like. It uses content, tone, style and both rhetorical and literary devices, to show how a formal paper is done. This essay is consistent, punctual, and straight-forward. It has extensive information which overall flows between paragraphs, one onto the next.

Regarding the content of this article was fabulous, as it had lots of information to back up the points. The author included several facts, which are from researches. The tone and style of this article felt like it was boring to read. The author could have used more and better linking words, which could have made it easier and understandable to read. Also, the paragraphs don’t flow from one point to the next; rather, the ideas are scattered, and confusing when reading it. Although this is a formal tone, it felt that the author did address the audience about his topic, which is ironic, because in a formal tone, the author doesn’t address the audience. The tone used sounded professional, and a matter of fact the author didn’t use any slang, street language, or abbreviations, which made this, essay a formal toned piece. Generally, the author used rhetorical devices to enhance his essay, such as using; cause and effect, definition, exaggeration, and reader inclusion.

Overall, this was my first example of reading a formal tone essay. There are three more to read, and this essay isn’t so bad. Although it can be improved, it overall satisfies me. Diction and the style of this essay can be changed, so that it doesn’t bore the reader. In the future, this author can add in more linking and connecting words that will connect one idea to the next, so that it will flow. I would give this essay a three star out of five, but with improvements in some areas, it has the potential to become a four star essay.

- Dusiy

Reflections

The art of writing a persuasive piece is that the writer must write in a fashion where, he sticks to a side, and tries to convince the reader. Trying to convince a reader is the hard part, where it requires you to have facts to support your point. This is where many fail, and without the proper formal teaching of how to write a persuasive piece, it can affect the writer. Therefore, many obstacles and difficulties are presented when writing a persuasive piece.

The obstacles lie as we tend to use opinion as facts, and not actually facts to backup our writing. Writers, like us students, should first take some time to disguise the difference between an opinion piece and a fact. Also, difficulty lies as teachers each teach different styles, thus as we progress, we get confused as which style to use, and what is expected of us. Although having an outline is the first step, most of us skip this, and go directly into typing, followed by spell-check, and hand in the next proceeding day. Preparation is also a difficulty that occurs when writing a good persuasive piece. When the writer researches in depth and understands their points at which they are arguing for, it can result in a better persuasive piece, with hard added facts. After preparation, the writer must write in a fashion, at which they can persuade their audience, and lure them into believing them. Not only after finishing writing the persuasive piece, we should also edit it. Reading it a couple of times, and have a friend editing it, can help.

For a decent persuasive piece, the writer should follow SESICU format thought in class yesterday. SESICU is structured as; stating, explaining, supporting, illustrating, connecting, and uniting. Following SESICU can benefit your persuasive piece, if it is followed properly. Using several types of rhetorical devices can also enhance your persuasive piece. Looking at U.S President Barrack Obama, where he uses a lot of rhetorical devices to connect and persuade his audience, you can learn out of tricks.

I believe it is too late for any support from teachers at this stage of the course. The burden is on the students. I believe they should do their own research and try to understand the material on their own. In university the professors wont be there to spoon feed you, and teach you the material you should already been taught.

Inauguration Speech

Yet again, the Shakespeare of Presidency delivers an effective yet enduring speech to his fellow humble followers and believers. Not only did he advocate this Inauguration speech for this fellow Americans, but also to World leaders, people of different culture, religion, ethnicity, believes, from poor struggling people to rich, wealthy and high class society, and to extremists. With clear, simplified ambitions of a future America and the World, he concisely delivers all his speech with punctuality and with positive energy. With the tremendous usage of rhetorical devices and techniques delivered in all three of his speeches, he is able to persuasively achieve his points, with the audiences understanding, sympathetic, and is shown by the reactions of the audience by applauding, supporting and cheering. Although his Inauguration speech was much shorter than the others, he still brilliant was able to give out this speech with the same attitude as the others.

In this speech he thanked everyone that was with him from the first day. He stated his difficulties as his party wasn’t like the Republicans where money was poured in through executives and endorsed by the filthy wealth. He also says that this victory was not only his, but the victory for the nation. "But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you." Not only did he thank the nation, he also thanked the pioneers that helped shape America, as he describes the struggle of these pioneers as, “For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life….For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth….For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh”. He also is willing to work and create a bridge with the Muslim world, which the bridge was bombed and hatred by both the Americans and the Muslim society, in the past. “To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect… but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist”. Barrack Obama sinks my heart as with this caring and passionate heart and peaceful thoughts, I hope he can truly achieve world peace, connect with the Eastern governments, and help restore, respect and acknowledge the Humanitarian Rights and Freedom, as they are constantly being violated throughout the world.
Obama truly uses the rhetorical devices to the fullest extent. The one rhetorical device that I enjoyed reading was the anecdote when brought up the past about America’s birth. “So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood”. Whether it was him or his script writer who wrote this, it was very touching. The rhetorical device, anecdote, was used effectively, in my opinion.
Overall all three speeches by Obama were very intriguing and with his high level of charisma. He had used the rhetorical device perfectly. I enjoyed all his speeches with great gratitude, and I appreciate his future goals for a new America and World peace. I hope he can deliver what he says.

Speech Analysis Part 2: Obama’s Victory Speech in Chicago

U.S President Barrack Obama, a man that can be watched and admired for his intriguing style of positive charisma, can address to an enormous group of supporters and voters, with confidence that will lift your soul from upheaval. You can consider this man as the Shakespeare of Presidency because his plans for America are just brilliant; he thinks “outside the box” rather than having a very narrow mind. He sees how to solve problems from all different angles and then analyzes what way is the best for America, even though they might not be perfect like he says himself, but his plans are better than any other president I seen so far. Comparing Obama’s two speeches I noticed that in his acceptance speech he made promises of what he can bring to America and how the Bush administration lost jobs and what his role was going to be to bring the Americans’ growth, especially in the financial sector. In the second speech about his victory he talks about the tasks ahead and how to create more jobs back and have more people working again without worrying about losing their jobs. The Acceptance speech felt more prepared, inspiring, profound than the Victory speech because he felt a bit dim and having a less hostile impact. For some reason it also seemed to me that he came well-built in the first speech as if he came very aggressive like “a gun with bullets” and in the victory speech he came like “a gun without bullets.” I think the reason for this is because in the first one he was persuading people to believe in him and in the second one he already knew he had the upper hand so he didn’t have to make a lot of persuasive points since he already gained victory. Overall to me reading this speech was much easier, enjoyable, and much more relatable to me because I see people losing jobs here in Ontario’s manufacturing sector everyday and it seems to be a vicious cycle that tends to repeating itself because of America’s unhealthy economy

Obama’s unique form of speech writing is straightforward and isn’t “sugar-coated”. In both of his speeches he uses rhetorical devices to enhance his points and arguments and engage the audience. Due to his fatigue, or a problem, Obama failed to use the rhetorical devices efficiently in his Victory speech, compared with the audience reactions from his Acceptance speech, where the crowds would applaud constantly and cheer him on. You can see the signs of fatigue when he says his powerful phrase, “Yes, we can!”, as he says this phrase a couple of times (Repetition) without any putting emphasis or emotions (Exaggeration) for that phrase, which is a powerful symbolic phrase he used to get to where he is today. We can clearly see Obama’s intellectual skills in English as he is able to incorporate most if not all of the common rhetorical devices.

Overall the rhetorical devices used were very effective. Obama really engaged his audience, and even persuade the whole world. I hope now that Obama can deliver his promises, and make this world a better and peaceful world. I hope he can be like Abraham Lincoln, and bring focus on human rights, as human rights in Sri Lanka and in many other parts of the world are being limited and restricted.

Obama’s Acceptance Speech

From watching Obama’s acceptance speech I felt that he has somehow has melted my heart, like chocolate fondue. I was sitting down and analyzing this passionate speech for the first time and I felt that President Barrack Obama was actually making sense and saying it from the heart rather than jus reading a transcript. His speech has motivated me and a lot of people and made their spirits glow with bliss. His voice alone is so catchy since it’s so demanding and to the point rather than sloppy and boring such as former president George W. Bush. The attitude of this exceptional man’s towards building a new America under a new stimulus package is phenomenal because he wants the American people not to feel the pinch anymore and get everyone back to working and keeping them busy, thus helping the economy grow naturally.

Barrack Obama’s eye contact with his voters and his followers is also good because when you peer into his eyes it seems as if there is hope and he shows that by staring at the crowds quite frequently. With Barrack Obama there is a new America coming which will stabilize financial sectors across the world and better help the Americans, with his youthful looking face and his immaculate choice of words used in speeches he will make an impact indefinitely into their hearts, and that’s something all Americans will remember for years to come.

What impresses me the most about Barrack Obama are the various methods of rhetorical and literary devices he used in this speech. He uses rhetorical device successful, that each time he states an important point; he gets an emotional response from the audience. He uses literary device as an art to which he expresses his ideas through language, which we the audience and reader can recognize, interpret, and analyze it. Also deeper in his speech, he starts attacking the Republicans strategy by comparing his administrations with George Bush’s and John McCains. This really impressed me as in the beginning I thought he was a soft person, but deeper in his speech he attacks his opposing party, and I think this is a brave move by him. Throughout the entire speech he addressed he seemed be well prepared with enormous confidence streaming through his voice, and didn’t even have to look through at his speech, as most politicians look for referral.

It is completely different watching the video from reading the script. When you read the script it’s very easy to follow and read, but, when you see the video, it’s completely different. Watching Obama is very intriguing, as with the pauses and interruptions by the audience applauding, it makes watching the video better than reading the script. When you read the script you read it as a plane simple text, but when you translate that text and compare it with the video, the video easier to understand, and enjoy.

Review

Rhetorical Devices

A rhetorical device is a technique of using language that will increase the persuasiveness of a piece of writing.
Some examples of rhetorical devices are: Rhetorical question, Emotive language, Contrast, Hyperbole, etc.

An example of a Hyperbole (using exaggeration for effect) would be: "while we await your decision, the whole school holds its breath"

Structuring an Arguement

Creating an outline is the first important step in preparing an argument.
Follow the outline by a catchy introduction sentence.
Next step is to have a supporting section that includes background information regarding your argument.

The second supporting section should include supporting points.
The next section discusses the opposing arguments and counters them.
Summarize your argument / topic efficiently in your conclusion.

MLA Citation

MLA stands for Modern Language Association
Two styles of citation - MLA and APA.
It's most commonly used to write papers.

Literary Devices

Literary devices help express ideas through language that we can understand.
Authors of nonfiction, fiction, poetry and drama use a variety of tools to create emotional mood, an attitude, a setting, and characterization.
Some examples of literary devices are: Allusions, Alliterations, Flashbacks, Irony, Metaphors, etc.

Dramatic Devices
dramatic devices are elements of the play, which allow the writer to build tension or other intended effects.

These effects influence the action of the play and the response of the characters and audience.