Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Can your child write an essay that clearly and persuasively communicates his message? Join Michael Farris and Dr. Robert Stacey as they discuss using writing skills for maximum impact today on Home School Heartbeat.

Michael Farris:
Bob, many students preparing for college and those that are in college are often faced with the need to write persuasive essays. How can parents help their students prepare for this particular kind of writing?


Dr. Robert Stacey:
When it comes to writing persuasively, I recommend three techniques. First, teach your student to consider his intended audience and to learn to think like his potential reader. Teach them to ask questions such as, "What kind of person is likely to read this essay? What sorts of facts or illustrations might best reach my target audience? What authorities can I most effectively cite to back up my argument?" Once you know your audience, you can begin to develop more persuasive strategies. Second, I say cut out the excess verbiage. On of the most common problems I see among college students, even otherwise well-prepared students, is excess verbosity. Some writers try to make up for weak arguments by using flowery language, big words they don't understand, but good readers see through this right away. Simple and direct, I think, is much better than elaborate and verbose. Finally I think the best way to learn how to write, persuasively or otherwise, is to write a lot. Make sure that you are giving your student plenty of opportunities to write. And it doesn't always have to be 25-page research papers, though that can be good sometimes, but how about maybe a one-page reaction to a recent political event or a letter to the editor of the local paper or even something like a theatrical review of the community theater production—anything to keep your student writing and writing often.


Mike:
Bob, thanks for those great tips. I'm Mike Farris.