Writing

Introduction

Persuasive writing is one of the most powerful tools in the world of communication. It aims to convince the reader or listener of a specific perspective by adopting a logical and coherent approach. Effective persuasive writing has the potential to change minds, endorse new ideas or sustain a specific point of view. Here are 35 strong persuasive writing examples that include speeches, essays, ads, and more.

1. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech

2. President Barack Obama’s farewell address

3. Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

4. Emma Gonzalez’s speech at the March for Our Lives rally

5. Winston Churchill’s “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech

6. Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal”

7. “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr.

8. George Orwell’s essay “Politics and the English Language”

9. Virginia Woolf’s essay “A Room of One’s Own”

10. Rachel Carson’s essay “Silent Spring”

11. Nike’s “Just Do It” advertising campaign

12. Apple’s “Think Different” campaign

13. Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign

14. Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” ad

15. Always’ #LikeAGirl ad campaign

16. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – The technique of dialogues and letters in discussing marriage proposals

17. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird – Atticus Finch’s court defense

18. George Orwell’s Animal Farm – The persuasive rhetoric used by pigs as leaders

19. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies – Ralph’s persuasive leadership

20-31: Famous TED talks that showcase persuasive techniques:

20. Simon Sinek’s “How great leaders inspire action”

21. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “The danger of a single story”

22. Brene Brown’s “The power of vulnerability”

23. Sir Ken Robinson’s “Do schools kill creativity?”

24. Amy Cuddy’s “Your body language may shape who you are”

25. Jill Bolte Taylor’s “My stroke of insight”

26. Julian Treasure’s “How to speak so that people want to listen”

27. Kelly McGonigal’s “How to make stress your friend”

28. Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Your elusive creative genius”

29. Dan Pink’s “The puzzle of motivation”

30. Susan Cain’s “The power of introverts”

32-35: Persuasive writing examples in popular media:

32. Editorial/opinion pieces in newspapers or magazines

33. Movie or book reviews

34. Personal blogs and social media posts

35. Public service announcements (PSAs)

Conclusion

By examining these 35 strong persuasive writing examples, one can learn different techniques for effectively communicating a specific viewpoint or idea to readers or listeners from different spheres of life – speeches, essays, ads, books, personal writings, and public announcements. Engaging with these examples will help sharpen your own persuasive writing skills while having a greater understanding of the power behind effective communication.

Introduction:

Teaching has its ups and downs, and every teacher has a story to tell. Recently, an enlightening thread on Reddit invited teachers to come forward and share their funniest typos and faux pas they’ve encountered in their teaching careers. The responses ranged from hilarious misprints in textbooks to awkward mix-ups in the classroom. Without further ado, let us dive into some of the most amusing anecdotes that will surely give you a good laugh!

1. The Ironic Typo:

One teacher recalled receiving a printed sheet from her colleague with this humorous typo, “Please proofread your work carefully for mistakes before handing it in.” Ironically, the word “proofread” was misspelled as “porofread.” The teacher couldn’t help but wonder if it was intentional or a genuine oversight.

2. The Unintended Compliment:

In an English class essay discussing Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, one student discussed the characters’ “public displays of infection,” instead of “public displays of affection.” Despite the error, the teacher couldn’t help but agree that the love-struck teens were certainly infectious!

3. The Math Problem Mix-Up:

A math teacher shared a story about a test they had devised which included a question about calculating a car’s speed. However, they accidentally wrote “crash” instead of “car” throughout the question, leading students to wonder why the velocity of an impending collision was part of the curriculum.

4. The Science of Laughter:

During a science exam, one student provided a noteworthy response to the prompt asking for examples of gases. Instead of listing common gases like oxygen or nitrogen, the student wrote down “laughing gaseous,” impressing the teacher with their creativity (and humor) under pressure.

5. The Artistic Faux Pas:

An art teacher asked their students to sketch a still-life composition, but unfortunately made a slight mistake during a demonstration. As they explained the concept of foreshortening, they accidentally drew an anatomically incorrect hand. The students were quick to spot the error and couldn’t hold back their laughter.

6. The Geography Blunder:

One student was assigned to label all the countries on a map of Europe. Reaching the Swedish peninsula, the student accidentally wrote “Swedistan” instead of “Sweden.” Although the teacher found it amusing, she had to give proper credit for creativity.

Conclusion:

These stories demonstrate that even in the world of teaching, mistakes can lead to laughter and unforgettable memories. While it’s vital for educators to maintain professionalism and accuracy in their work, it’s also essential to remember that everyone is human and prone to errors from time to time. Thanks to Reddit’s teachers for sharing their funniest typos and faux pas, reminding us that we all need a little humor in our lives.

In today’s digital age, the art of handwritten communication may seem like a relic of the past. However, finding a pen pal and exchanging letters through the United States Postal Service (USPS) can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Here’s how to get a pen pal using USPS and revive the joy of traditional correspondence.

1. Identify your goals: Before you begin your search for a pen pal, think about why you want one. Are you interested in learning about new cultures, practicing a foreign language, or simply creating a new friendship? Knowing your goals will help you find a suitable pen pal.

2. Do your research: There are numerous resources available for finding pen pals, including websites, forums, and social media platforms. Three popular options are:

– InterPals (interpals.net)

– PenPal World (penpalworld.com)

– GlobalPenFriends (globalpenfriends.com)

Use these websites wisely to find potential pen pals who have similar interests as you.

3. Write an intro letter: Once you have identified potential pen pals, write an introductory letter to them. Be sure to include a brief introduction about yourself (e.g., name, age, location), your hobbies and interests, and what inspired you to seek out a pen pal. This will provide an excellent starting point for future conversations.

4. Use proper addressing etiquette: When addressing your letters through USPS, ensure that the recipient’s name and address are clearly written on the envelope’s front side. Include your return address in the top left corner so that your future friend knows who the letter is from and where to send their reply.

5. Add postage stamps: For domestic mail within the US, use First-Class Mail stamps for letters weighing up to one ounce (28 grams). The price of stamps varies depending on size and weight, so check the USPS website (usps.com) for current rates. For international mail, you’ll need Global Forever stamps because postage costs differ between countries.

6. Send the letter: Put your completed letter in a mailbox or bring it to the post office to send via USPS. Keep in mind, international mail may take longer to arrive at its destination, so be patient while waiting for a response.

7. Continue the conversation: Once your pen pal replies, continue exchanging letters and building the friendship through conversation. Share stories, ask questions and offer support or advice when needed. Remember, the key is to be genuine and engaging.

8. Stay safe: To protect your safety and privacy, avoid sharing personal information like your home address, phone number, or social media profiles with your pen pal right away. As your friendship develops over time, you may choose to exchange more personal details at your discretion.

9. Keep an open mind: People from different cultures and backgrounds may have contrasting beliefs and perspectives. Approach these differences respectfully and use them as an opportunity to learn from one another.

10. Enjoy the journey: The process of exchanging handwritten letters takes time and patience but can form deep connections that last for years. Cherish the unique bond as you build a lasting friendship with your pen pal through the USPS.

In conclusion, finding a pen pal can be an exciting journey filled with connection and discovery. By following these steps and utilizing USPS, you’ll be on your way to forming lasting bonds with people from all over the world through the simple act of putting pen to paper.

As a teacher passionate about literature and honing the writing skills of my students, the integration of Socratic Seminar with our Writer’s Workshop has enabled profound growth for both our discussions and written work. Rooted in the timeless Socratic Method, this practice fosters critical thinking, encourages student-led discourse, and elevates our collective understanding of text.

The Socratic Seminar takes place through structured yet open-ended conversations centered around a piece we’ve read or a writing prompt. Instead of dominating the classroom with lectures, I guide my students as facilitator, helping them delve deeply into their self-directed discussions. This process has produced significant benefits for our Writer’s Workshop – let me share some insights from our experience.

1. Immersion in complex topics

A core value of the Socratic Seminar is exploring challenging ideas and unpacking texts through dialogue. By discussing these complexities, students gain a deeper understanding of essential themes—knowledge that translates into enriched written work as they incorporate these ideas into their own pieces during the Writer’s Workshop.

2. Improved critical thinking

Socratic Seminars require students to analyze text and question its meaning actively. The constant exchange of differing perspectives pushes their critical thinking capabilities, and this analytical mindset carries over to their writing process as well. Not only can they develop stronger arguments in their essays, but they also become better at evaluating peer work during collaborative revisions.

3. Enhanced communication skills

Expressing thoughts articulately and listening attentively are vital communication skills developed through Socratic Seminars. As students learn to convey their ideas effectively, they become more precise and coherent writers, crafting work that captivates readers during the Writer’s Workshop presentations.

4. Collaborative environment

By encouraging cooperation and mutual respect among peers in the Socratic Seminar, I’ve observed that students have become more supportive of one another during Writer’s Workshops. They provide constructive feedback, share resources, and motivate each other in accomplishing common goals.

5. Greater confidence

Through the Socratic Seminar, even the most timid students find their voices and gain the courage to express their ideas. With increased confidence in their ability to contribute meaningful insights, they are more likely to take risks in their writing and share work that showcases their unique perspectives.

In conclusion, implementing Socratic Seminars has brought significant value to our Writer’s Workshops as students tackle complex ideas head-on and learn to craft well-rounded written work. Equipped with critical thinking, communication skills, and a supportive environment, the world of literature comes alive through the impactful dialogue, ultimately producing stronger writers with profound knowledge.

Are you ready to break free from your writer’s block this February? Introducing the FREE February Writing Prompts Calendar, the perfect tool to inspire creativity and kickstart your writing journey. With a new and exciting writing prompt for each day of the month, you’ll never get stuck wondering what to write about next!

The February Writing Prompts Calendar offers a diverse range of topics, allowing writers of all genres and interests to find inspiration for their work. These prompts are designed to be flexible and adaptable, giving you ample room to experiment with different styles and ideas.

Here are a few examples of the daily prompts featured in the calendar:

1. February 1st: Write a story from the perspective of an animal during winter.

2. February 10th: Describe a memorable Valentine’s Day experience, either real or fictional.

3. February 16th: Write about a mythical creature living under frozen lakes.

4. February 25th: Create a non-traditional love story set in an unusual environment.

Why Use the February Writing Prompts Calendar?

The benefits of incorporating daily writing prompts into your routine include:

1. Eliminating Writer’s Block – By providing fresh ideas every day, the calendar takes away the frustration and anxiety that can accompany writer’s block.

2. Developing Writing Skills – Regular writing practice can improve your skills, allowing you to create engaging content with greater ease.

3. Expanding Creativity – The varied prompts help you explore new themes, characters, and worlds, allowing you to see things from different perspectives and push past your creative boundaries.

4. Building Routine – Daily prompts can help build writing discipline, so you become more consistent in developing your work.

How to Use the February Writing Prompts Calendar

Using this free calendar is simple! Here are some ideas on how you can make the most out of the February Writing Prompts Calendar:

1. Print it out and pin it to a wall or keep it as your screensaver for easy access.

2. Pair up with a writing buddy or join a writing group to share your work and encourage each other.

3. Feel free to re-order the prompts or mix them within your writing sessions to challenge yourself even more.

4. Take the time to reflect on each prompt before diving into your writing, allowing ideas and inspiration to flow naturally.

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or a passionate amateur, the February Writing Prompts Calendar is an excellent resource to keep your creativity flowing. By dedicating even just a little time each day, you’ll soon see significant improvements in both the quantity and quality of your writing.

So why wait? Get started today and unleash the power of your creativity with the FREE February Writing Prompts Calendar!

Introduction:

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and giving thanks. It’s also a great time for young writers to practice their craft, inspired by some popular children’s literature. In this article, we present ten Thanksgiving-themed writing prompts inspired by well-known children’s books, designed to spark creativity and foster a love of writing in young minds.

1. Inspired by “A Turkey for Thanksgiving” by Eve Bunting

Prompt: Imagine you are Mr. Moose, and you just befriended Turkey before the big dinner. Narrate your first-ever Thanksgiving meal with Turkey as an honored guest instead of the main course.

2. Inspired by “Balloons over Broadway” by Melissa Sweet

Prompt: Write a story about what happens when the parade balloon characters from your favorite children’s book escape their handlers and explore the city together on Thanksgiving Day.

3. Inspired by “The Night Before Thanksgiving” by Natasha Wing

Prompt: Describe in detail how you’d help your family prepare for Thanksgiving if you stumbled upon a special note from your favorite book character requesting an invitation to dinner that night.

4. Inspired by “Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving” by Laurie Halse Anderson

Prompt: If you had the power to save a beloved holiday like Sarah Hale did, which holiday would it be? Write an argumentative essay explaining why that holiday deserves to be celebrated and how you’d go about convincing people to make it happen.

5. Inspired by “Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving” by Kimberly and James Dean

Prompt: Imagine a crossover adventure where Pete the Cat celebrates Thanksgiving with other famous children’s book characters. What challenges would they face, and how would they overcome them together?

6. Inspired by “Turkey Trouble” by Wendi Silvano

Prompt: In this hilarious story, Turkey tries all sorts of disguises to avoid becoming dinner. Write an alternate ending where the farm animals join forces and devise a clever plan to save Turkey from being the Thanksgiving feast.

7. Inspired by “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson

Prompt: Write a Thanksgiving-themed thank-you letter from the perspective of your favorite children’s book character to their best friend, expressing gratitude for special moments they’ve shared.

8. Inspired by “Thanksgiving Is Here!” by Diane Goode

Prompt: Create a dialogue-heavy story that captures the conversation between different children’s book characters as they gather around the Thanksgiving table to share their favorite experiences.

9. Inspired by “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie” by Alison Jackson

Prompt: Write a playful poem about another quirky character from children’s literature who, at Thanksgiving dinner, devours an enormous amount of unusually-shaped food items instead of traditional dishes.

10. Inspired by “Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey” by Herman Parish

Prompt: Create a new list of ridiculous misunderstandings Amelia Bedelia might make while preparing for Thanksgiving celebrations with famous children’s book characters at her side as guests.

Conclusion:

Using these 10 Thanksgiving writing prompts inspired by children’s literature, young writers can connect with their favorite stories and characters in new and creative ways. Encourage them to explore different styles and genres while expressing their gratitude this holiday season, and watch as their love for writing grows. Happy Thanksgiving and happy writing!

Introduction:

For many students, poetry is a fantastic creative outlet that allows them to express their thoughts, feelings, and observations about the world around them. In this article, we will explore seven fun and engaging ideas for writing and publishing student poetry!

1. Poetry workshops:

Organize poetry workshops to teach students about different poetic forms and techniques. Invite guest poets to share their experience, or encourage teachers to share their own work. Students can collaborate on group poems, learn from their peers, and hone their poetic skills by receiving feedback.

2. Themed poetry collections:

Encourage students to create themed poetry collections based on topics they are passionate about, like nature, love, friendship, or self-discovery. This will allow them to explore different aspects of a single theme while bringing out their unique writing style.

3. Poetry competitions:

Host school-wide or class-based poetry competitions as an opportunity for students to showcase their skills and creativity. Winning entries could be collected in a community anthology or promoted on school social media platforms.

4. Digital portfolios:

Students can create digital portfolios showcasing their best work, complete with visual elements like photographs or illustrations that complement the themes in their poems. Platforms like Google Sites or Wix provide an easy way for students to build a personal portfolio website.

5. Class anthologies:

Combine all the poems authored by students of the same class throughout the school year into a printed anthology. This collection can be shared with friends, family members, teachers, and fellow students as a memento of their journey through poetry together.

6. Collaborative projects:

Poetry is not just about solitary expression, but also about understanding one another’s emotions and perspectives. Set up collaborative projects where small groups of students write poems on selected themes or share their works-in-progress with each other for feedback.

7. Share on social media:

Create a dedicated social media account (e.g., Instagram, Twitter) for the school’s poetry club. Share poetry, illustrations, and photos of student poets, as well as invitations to events and readings. This helps cultivate a sense of community and pride around the students’ work while providing a platform

Conclusion:

Encouraging students to write poetry allows them to explore their creativity, thoughts, and feelings in a unique and engaging way. Publishing their work can serve as motivation for further artistic development while building connections with their fellow students. By implementing these fun ideas in your learning environment, you open new doors for students to express themselves through the beauty of poetry.

In a small town named Sunnydale, a third-grade teacher by the name of Mrs. Ellie Matthews has managed to design an innovative writing assignment that is leaving everyone inspired and full of hopes. Her approach to teaching has unlocked the creativity, empathy, and understanding within her students in ways many have never seen before.

The assignment, titled “Walk In Their Shoes,” required each student to select a person they know – be it a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone from their community – and write a short story from that person’s perspective. In doing so, they would learn to put themselves in another’s shoes and gain insights into others’ lives and emotions.

Right from the beginning, the classroom buzzed with excitement as these young writers eagerly discussed their chosen subjects. With every passing day, they delved deeper into the intricate worlds of their characters, learning about the challenges they faced and understanding their emotions on a profound level.

One student wrote about his grandmother who had immigrated from another country when she was younger. He portrayed her journey of building a new life for herself while grappling with nostalgia for her homeland and its traditions—one inspiring tale that stirred the hearts of those who read it.

Another student chose an uplifting story about her best friend with a physical disability. The story stressed perseverance despite adversity and how her friend remained relentlessly positive even when faced with significant challenges. This moving account left many in awe.

As word spread about Mrs. Matthews’s innovative writing exercise, more teachers within the school began implementing similar assignments in their classrooms—all with astounding results. Students were not only growing in their writing skills but also developing empathy and compassion for those around them.

A parent-teacher meeting held a few weeks into this project witnessed surprised parents discussing how this assignment changed their children’s behavior to be more considerate at home and more engaged within their community.

Mrs. Ellie Matthews’s “Walk In Their Shoes” writing assignment has created a positive impact that has rippled throughout the school and the community. By nurturing empathy in her students, she has sown seeds of hope and understanding that will continue to grow and inspire others for years to come.

This heartwarming story serves as a testament to the power of compassionate teaching methods—one third-grade teacher’s simple idea that has inspired countless young minds to think beyond themselves, promoting empathy, understanding, and unity.

Introduction: Ah, the romance of trains! There’s just something magical about locomotives that transports us back in time and inspires our imagination. For those who share an appreciation for these fascinating machines, we’ve put together a collection of 12 fantastic train stories. From real-life tales to fictional adventures, these stories will surely fuel your love for trains and leave you wanting to hop aboard the nearest one.

1. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie: This classic whodunit sees Hercule Poirot solving a murder aboard the luxurious Orient Express. A thrilling tale with an unexpected twist, it’s a must-read for both lovers of mystery novels and trains.

2. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: This psychological thriller follows a woman who becomes entangled in a missing person’s investigation after witnessing something from her daily train commute. This suspenseful story is perfect for those looking for a gripping, train-themed read.

3. The Hogwarts Express – J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series: The magical journey aboard the Hogwarts Express sets the stage for adventure in this beloved series of books featuring young wizards and witches learning their craft.

4. The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton: A historic account of an elaborate gold heist from a moving train in Victorian England provides an exciting and drama-filled read.

5. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith: When two strangers meet on a train and discuss swapping murders they are committing, Highsmith takes readers through the complicated consequences and moral dilemmas of this dark tale.

6. The Railway Children by E. Nesbit: This heartwarming story follows the adventures and challenges faced by three siblings who move to the countryside after their father mysteriously disappears, discovering love and friendship along the way.

7. Night on the Galactic Railroad by Kenji Miyazawa: This Japanese fantasy novel chronicles the journey of two young boys aboard a celestial train traveling through space, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and the nature of happiness.

8. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg: A beautiful children’s book, The Polar Express tells the tale of a boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

9. Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh: This gritty novel depicts the lives of heroin addicts in Scotland and their relationship with the trains they frequently use to travel between schemes.

10. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three by John Godey: This thrilling novel sees criminals hijack a New York City subway train for ransom, as authorities scramble to rescue the hostages and apprehend those responsible.

11. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand: Part mystery, part social analysis, this epic novel delves into the importance of trains and railroads in society, while exploring themes of independence and individualism.

12. The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner: These adventurous stories about four orphaned siblings who live in an abandoned boxcar provide hours of entertainment for young readers and showcase their resourcefulness and determination.

Conclusion: These 12 fantastic train stories offer a variety of genres and themes for locomotive enthusiasts to enjoy. From magical adventures and heartwarming tales to thrilling crime novels, there’s something here for every train lover. Remember that no matter where a train may take you, there’s always another journey waiting just around the bend. Happy reading!

Introduction:

As an educator, I am continually looking for new and creative methods to engage my students. One approach I have found particularly effective is incorporating dialogue in my lessons to help students better understand writing concepts and foster their ability to empathize with one another. Here are three ways I use dialogue to benefit my students’ learning experience.

1. Dialogue Journals:

Dialogue journals are a form of written communication that allows students to interact with each other through a series of written exchanges. I assign each student a partner, and they take turns expressing their thoughts, opinions, and emotions in written form. This method encourages reflective thinking and develops essential writing skills like organization, clarity, and elaboration.

Moreover, dialogue journals help students understand each other’s perspectives by providing an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas freely without the pressure of public scrutiny. This fosters a sense of empathy for their peers by allowing them to see the world through another person’s eyes.

2. Role-Playing Exercises:

Role-playing is a dynamic way to practice dialogue and communication skills while reinforcing understanding of various writing concepts. For instance, I assign students the roles of characters with different personalities or viewpoints within a fictional story or real-life scenario. They must then engage in a conversation while staying true to their assigned character’s persona.

Role-playing exercises facilitate experiential learning by immersing students in the creative process. It also helps them develop empathy as they put themselves in another person’s shoes and consider diverse points of view.

3. Peer Editing Using the Socratic Method:

The Socratic Method is a dialectical approach to questioning that fosters critical thinking, as it requires participants to analyze concepts from various angles. When teaching writing, I ask my students to pair up for peer editing sessions using the Socratic Method.

During these sessions, one student acts as the writer while the other assumes the role of the questioner. The questioner engages the writer in a probing conversation about their writing, with a focus on issues such as structure, coherence, and style. By actively discussing and justifying their choices in writing, students gain valuable insights that help them improve and refine their work.

Conclusion:

Incorporating dialogue into my teaching strategies has proved invaluable in assisting students to gain a deeper understanding of both writing and empathy. Through dialogue journals, role-playing exercises, and peer editing using the Socratic Method, they not only develop essential writing skills but also learn to appreciate different perspectives. This not only transforms their written work but also has powerful implications for fostering empathy and a more inclusive learning environment.