Topic 10: Writing a Persuasive Essay

Question 1

What should be your first two steps before writing an essay?

Answer 1

Determine your issue and stance

Ensure your evidence meets the SCRAAP criteria

Question 2

What is primary research?

Answer 2

Data gathered firsthand through surveys, interviews, experiments, or personal observation.

Question 3

What is secondary research?

Answer 3

Information gathered from existing sources such as books, databases, or articles.

Question 4

What are key data quality factors to evaluate in secondary research?

Answer 4

Reliability (How current/dependable?)

Relevance (Does it apply to your issue?)

Adaptability (Can it be applied to your specific need?)

Expertise (Are the authors qualified?)

Bias (Is the data objective?)

Question 5

What should the first draft focus on?

Answer 5

Getting ideas down without editing

Accepting roughness (grammar and flow aren’t the priority yet)

Citing sources as you go

Question 6

What are key elements of revising your text?

Answer 6

Logical flow of argument

Clear subheadings, transitions, and intro/conclusion

Question 7

What should you check for during revision?

Answer 7

Grammar, spelling, and formatting

Accuracy of references

Question 8

When should you use visual aids?

Answer 8

Only to enhance clarity and support your argument

Question 9

What are examples of visual aids and their uses?

Answer 9

Tables – Organize numeric data, fit to one page, clear headings

Matrix – Word-based tables for qualitative data

Pie Charts – Show parts of a whole

Bar Charts – Compare items (can be segmented or show deviation)

Line Graphs – Show trends or relationships over time

Flow Charts – Show processes or steps

Organizational Charts – Show hierarchy or relationships in an organization