Rationale

Can you remember a time when you were younger, and you really really wanted something that an adult said that you couldn’t have? Did you then do everything in your power to try to change their mind? Perhaps you came up with a list of reasons as to why you should be able to do or have that thing that included items such as: “but Mom…all my friends have one. I’m the only one who is left out!” or “but Dad….I promise I will do all my homework this week without being asked if you just let me stay up late tonight!” While you may not have realized it at the time, you were using persuasion to achieve your goal.

You may have noticed that some persuasive techniques are more effective than others. We have all heard an argument and failed to be swayed be the evidence presented, or perhaps been put off simply by the way the information was given. Maybe we have tried to persuade something to do what we wanted, but were unable to convince them. Why does this happen, and what tools can we use to make our arguments more effective?

Subject: This unit will cover the basics of persuasion, including selecting a position or proposal, citing evidence to support an argument, knowing your audience, and addressing counter arguments. Students will begin to understand the way that persuasion impacts the individual, culture, and society. These topics will be addressed through aspects such as debate and advertising, and will help students apply the concepts of persuasion in real world situations. Students will be able to clearly state which side of an argument they side with and why, using both fact and opinion to support their position. The unit will culminate with a final project that asks students to incorporate audience, argument, fact, opinion, and evidence to reflect what they know about persuasion.

EL.06.RE.09 Understand, learn, and use new vocabulary that is introduced and taught directly through informational text, literature text, and instruction across content area.

EL.06.WR.26 Write persuasive compositions: -State a clear position on a proposition or proposal

 -Support the position with organized and relevant evidence -Anticipate and address reader concerns and counter arguments

Student:  Identifying and using persuasion is vital for the student in both academics and life. Knowing the difference between fact and opinion, how to set up an argument with succinct evidence, and how to address counter arguments is necessary for effective communication. Furthermore, as consumers of media and culture, knowing the difference between good and poorly constructed arguments allows students to actively participate in disseminating this information.  

Society: Persuasion is something that most individuals use every day. Persuasion is used by politicians lobbying for a specific bill or statute, by prospective employees interviewing for a job, by businesses convincing you to buy their product over a competitor, and by one friend convincing another to share his/her lunch. Persuasion is also used throughout the academic spectrum, from language arts to history, art, and science. Understanding and using persuasion is a vital tool not only for individuals in academic interactions, but also in personal and social interactions as well.