How to Persuade

Which method would you use to try to convince someone that your claim is right?

There are many ways to support a claim, but the two methods mentioned in the video are popular choices for writers. The tornado video demonstrated some methods that people may use to send persuasive messages.

When writers try to support a claim, they often use similar methods. Read each example in the chart below, and decide which method the writer is attempting to use. Then, click the example to check your answer.

Example	Persuasive Method
I've seen cars that look like they were put through a shredder.	Method: describing something in detail The writer is showing the reader how dangerous tornadoes are by describing how the winds can affect a very large and heavy object.
Do not drive your car near a tornado because you may be lifted off the road.	Method: explaining reasons to believe the claim The writer explains why tornadoes are dangerous to people in cars.
Some tornadoes cause paths of destruction that are a mile wide.	Method: describing something in detail The writer is showing the reader how dangerous tornadoes are by describing their size.
If you sit near a window when a tornado passes by your house, you could get hit by flying glass as objects picked up by the strong winds are thrown through the window.	Method: explaining reasons to believe the claim The writer explains how tornadoes can cause injury to people who don't protect themselves.