Persuasion/Argument

Here are some techniques that will help you organize your ideas to make your opinions convincing.

1. Introduction

a. Direct the reader's attention to the subject or problem.
b. Explain your experience with the subject and the reasons why you can write with authority.
c. Try to make bridges with your reader by pointing out beliefs, attitudes, and experiences that you share.

2. Background

a. Explain the problem, its history, and causes.
b. Explain the problem is important to the reader's problems, desires, and interests.

3. Argument

a. Explain your major reason(s). Include any information that is necessary for making it (them) clear and acceptable.
b. Explain your minor reason(s). Include any information that is necessary for making it (them) clear and acceptable. (It is usually the minor reason that needs the most support. Give authoritative statements, facts, statistics, personal experiences and experiences of others, and so on.)
c. Explain your conclusion.
d. Show the superiority of your position by pointing out weak points in other positions. Explain why the other ideas cannot solve the problem; or if they can, why your solution is better.

4. Conclusion

a. Explain the results of the argument, such as the benefits to the reader of accepting it and the undesirable consequences of rejecting it.
b. Summarize your argument: the problem (2a), your conclusion (3c), and the reasons for accepting it (3a and 3b).

Persuasion topics (note that they are all topics where there is the potential for difference of opinion):

1. Permanent foreign residents should/should not be allowed to vote in local elections in Japan.
2. English should/should not be declared Japan's second official language.
3. Japan should/should not require young people to do "voluntary" national service.
4. Japan should/should not pursue normalization of relations with North Korea.
5. English should/should not be eliminated as a required subject on university entrance examinations.