Persuasive Writing

Step 1:Background: It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction (although there are laws about the exact hours that bars and shops are allowed to sell alcohol, and laws against drinking and driving). This is in contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering (or ‘psycho-active’) drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin.

Consider: What are the advantages or disadvantages of banning alcohol altogether? Task: Write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not banning alcohol would solve the social problems caused by drinking.

Step 2: Ponder

Think about what you opinions are of the proposal that alcohol should be banned.

One way to navel gaze!

Step 3: Prepare Your Notes.

Fold your paper into 4 squares.

Step 4: Further Prepare Your Notes.

Unfold the paper and draw a box in the centre. In the central box write a sentence to convey your stand.

Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Write one reason you think alcohol should be banned.

Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.

Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. If cannabis, which is not very addictive and which results in virtually no violent crime or public disorder, needs to be banned because of its mind-altering effects, then how much more so should alcohol be banned.

Summarize your 3 reasons.

Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs.

Write another reason you think alcohol should be banned.

Write another reason you think alcohol should be banned.

It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.

Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Write 3 details about this reason.

Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.

• Child abuse• Domestic violence• Murder.

Example: We need consistency in our drug laws.

• Cannabis is banned.

• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.

• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.

Summarize your 3 reasons.

Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs.

• Heroin

• Cocaine

• Cannabis

Write 3 details about this reason

Write 3 details about this reason.

It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.

Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Elaborate on one detail.

Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs.

• Heroin• Cocaine• Cannabis

ELABORATE

Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.

• Child abuse• Domestic violence• Murder.

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.

Elaborate on one detail.

Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.

ELABORATE

Step 3: Complete the graphic organizer.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Example: We need consistency in our drug laws.

• Cannabis is banned.• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.

Elaborate on one detail.

Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.

ELABORATE

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.

Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.

Step 5: Add transitions.Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin

• Cocaine• Cannabis

Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.

• Child abuse• Domestic violence

• Murder.

Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.

• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.

Firstly, Moreover,

Furthermore, For these reasons,

A list of transition words is

online!

Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.

Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.

Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin

• Cocaine• Cannabis

Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.

• Child abuse• Domestic violence

• Murder.

Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.

• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.

Firstly, Moreover,

Furthermore, For these reasons,

Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.

Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.

Step 6: From your notes to the paper.

Each square will become a paragraph.

Step 6: From your notes to the paper.

• The introductory paragraph (the centre box) sums up each reason.

It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Teenagers create disturbances in the street and intimidate law-abiding passers-by. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction. This is in direct contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Step 6: From your notes to the paper.

• Begin the introductory paragraph with a hook. Samples of hooks can be found in your booklet.

In the UK, 24% of people are considered to be “hazardous drinkers”. How can we let such a large percentage of people devastate their health, their society and ruin the lives of others? It is widely recognised that there is a massive issue with alcohol in Scotland at the moment. Underage drinking is rife and causes many social problems. Teenagers create disturbances in the street and intimidate law-abiding passers-by. Drinking-related illnesses cost the NHS millions of pounds each year. In almost all countries in the world, adults are allowed to buy and drink alcohol with very little restriction. This is in direct contrast to the legal situation with regard to other mind-altering drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, acid, and heroin. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The sale and consumption of alcohol has to be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Step 6: From your notes to paper.

Next Paragraph

Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin

• Cocaine• Cannabis

Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.

• Child abuse• Domestic violence

• Murder.

Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.

• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.

Firstly, Moreover,

Furthermore, For these reasons,

Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.

Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.

Step 6: From your notes to paper.

Firstly, alcohol is just as addictive as other drugs. Heroin, cocaine and cannabis have all been shown to have very similar effects to alcohol. Why would we continue to keep alcohol legal, when it has the same mid-altering effects as many illegal drugs? Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of otherwise illegal drugs. It also makes it highly addictive. It seems absurd that anyone in their right mind would want to keep a mid-altering drug, which endangers the user and others, legal.

Next Paragraph

Step 6: From your notes to paper.

Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin

• Cocaine• Cannabis

Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.

• Child abuse• Domestic violence

• Murder.

Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.

• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.

Firstly, Moreover,

Furthermore, For these reasons,

Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.

Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.

Next Paragraph

Step 6: From your notes to paper.

Moreover, alcohol significantly increases the chances of a violent crime being committed. Alcohol is a contributory factor in 65-70% of violent crimes, such as child abuse and murder. For instance, statistics from the U.S. show that alcohol is a factor in around a quarter of domestic abuse cases. It is clear that if we want a more peaceful, more ordered society that alcohol has to be removed from it.

Next Paragraph

Step 6: From your notes to paper.

Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin

• Cocaine• Cannabis

Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.

• Child abuse• Domestic violence

• Murder.

Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.

• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.

Firstly, Moreover,

Furthermore, For these reasons,

Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.

Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.

Next Paragraph

Step 6: From your notes to paper.

Furthermore, it is about time that we achieved some consistency with our laws on drugs. We recognise the damage heroin does to society by banning it. Cocaine, just like alcohol, is also used recreationally, yet is still illegal. Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007. This means that if we continue to allow people to drink alcohol, that we are nothing but hypocrites. We can’t ban one “bad” drug and not another. By not banning alcohol we risk great damage to society and show inconsistency.

Next Paragraph

Step 6: From your notes to paper.

Example: It is just as addictive as other drugs. • Heroin

• Cocaine• Cannabis

Example: In many countries alcohol is a contributory factor in 60-70% of violent crimes.

• Child abuse• Domestic violence

• Murder.

Example: We need consistency in our drug laws. • Cannabis is banned.

• We recognise the destructive effect of heroin on families by banning it.• Cocaine is used recreationally, like alcohol, yet is banned.

It is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.

The sale and consumption of alcohol should be made illegal to overcome the social problems drinking it causes.

Just like heroin, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine - a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brain's natural painkiller - endorphin - which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave the drug. All this is very similar to the effects of heroin.

Firstly, Moreover,

Furthermore, For these reasons,

Cannabis causes almost no social problems and is not addictive, yet is still banned. Alcohol, on the other hand, was directly involved in 6,541 deaths in England alone in 2007.

Statistics show that alcohol plays a direct part in about a quarter of domestic violence cases.

Summary Paragraph

Step 6: From your notes to paper. For these reasons, it is important that we take action to make alcohol illegal now. It is just as harmful and addictive as illegal drugs, such as heroin. If it was banned, it would mean that we would be more consistent in our approach to mind-altering drugs. Finally, it contributes to all manner of crimes, which otherwise might be prevented.Ban alcohol and save our society from further ruin!

Summary Paragraph

Ending PUNCH

Step 7: Vocabulary

Review your paragraphs. Can you add adjectives (describing words) and interesting adverbs (describing action words)?

ADJECTIVES ADVERBS

Step 7: Vocabulary

BEFORE:Many resources are used caring for those injured as a result of being drunk.

AFTER:Many precious resources are exhausted caring for those seriously injured as a result of being stupidly and carelessly drunk.

Step 7: VocabularyRemember: The more sophisticated vocabulary you use the better your writing. How can you “pull the heartstrings” of the reader?

bad

dreadful

Step 8: Visual ExpressionUse metaphors and similes to give your essay more visual expression.

The cost of alcoholism to the health care system is great.

The cost of alcoholism to the health care system is massive; it drains the tank of our economy like a leaking tap.

Step 9: Use of Rhetorical Devices

1. Rhetorical questionCan we really expect the school to keep paying from its limited resources?2. Emotive languageImagine being cast out into the street, cold, lonely and frightened.3. Parallel structuresTo show kindness is praiseworthy; to show hatred is evil.4. Sound patternsAlliteration: Callous, calculating cruelty – is this what we must expect?Assonance: A fine time we all had, too.5. ContrastSometimes we have to be cruel to be kind.6. Description and Imagery (i.e. using metaphor, simile and personification)While we wait and do nothing, we must not forget that the fuse is already burning.7. The ‘rule of three’I ask you, is this fair, is it right, is it just?8. RepetitionEvil minds will use evil means.9. Hyperbole (using exaggeration for effect)While we await your decision, the whole school holds its breath.10. AnecdoteUsing a story from your experience to illustrate a point or idea.

Step 9: Reread Your WorkReread your work to make sure you have:

Taken a stand and stay on the topic

Given your reasons in the introductory paragraph

Have paragraphs that support each reason

Elaborate on a reason in each paragraph

Have a summary paragraph that restates your reasons

Begin each paragraph with a transition word

Include adjectives, adverbs, similes, metaphors and other rhetorical devices.