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140 Unit 2 ■ Appealing to an Audience

evidence: example But it’s not okay. Text messages don’t express any emotion
illustrates the whatsoever. You could send something that is meant to be innocently
problem lighthearted, but your words could be interpreted in a completely
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different way by the receiver of the message.
reason: online A large amount of unnecessary conflict results from this.
communication Instead of creating new problems by typing words that are sent
does not reflect
true feelings through phones, we should talk to people in person and discuss
our problems through a civilized conversation. 24 years ago, it was
thesis/claim: writer impossible for people to even communicate through a text, but now
links to the idea of here we are in 2016 and we seem to be nearly incapable of talking to
fear once more
our peers without checking our phones every five minutes.
We like people’s pictures on Instagram, but we are unable to say
rhetorical question: hello to them in the hallways. If we are so afraid to say one word to
writer invites the
audience to act someone in person, how are we supposed to talk to people about seri-
ous issues that could potentially affect our relationship with them?

YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Imagine that you have been invited to make a presentation at your school or to write
an opinion column for your online school or community newspaper. Choose a relevant
issue for which you desire change. Write a speech or essay that persuades or calls
your audience to action. Support your position with evidence from your experience,
observation, and research.
Your persuasive argument should include:
• A thesis statement that makes a claim (perspective + idea) and calls your audi-
ence to action
• A line of reasoning to develop your claim
• Evidence to prove your reasoning
• Strategies to appeal to your audience
Look around you and consider what you would like to change. You could be like the
revolutionaries in this unit.
Potential Subjects
• Immigration
• Gun control
• Identity
• College costs
• Poverty
• Health care
• Free speech
• Electoral college
• Gender equality

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