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The four square writing method is a way for teaching writing to children in school. While primarily used to teach persuasive writing, it has also been used to help teach deconstruction. [1] The method was developed by Judith S. Gould [2] and Evan Jay Gould. [3]
Persuasive writing is a form of written arguments designed to convince, motivate, or sway readers toward a specific point of view or opinion on a given topic. This writing style relies on presenting reasoned opinions supported by evidence that substantiates the central thesis .
The concept of an "essay" has been extended to other media beyond writing. A film essay is a movie that often incorporates documentary filmmaking styles and focuses more on the evolution of a theme or idea. A photographic essay covers a topic with a linked series of photographs that may have accompanying text or captions.
The purpose of argumentation (also called persuasive writing) is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument to thoroughly convince the reader. Persuasive writing/persuasion is a type of argumentation with the additional aim to urge the reader to take some form of action.
The five-paragraph essay format has been criticized for its rigid structure, which some educators believe stifles creativity and critical thinking. Critics argue that it promotes a formulaic approach to writing, which can limit students' ability to express more complex ideas and develop their unique writing style. [4]
Persuasive writing usually requires logical thinking and studies in child development indicate that logical thinking is not present until a child is 10–12 years old, making it one of the later writing skills to acquire. Before this age, persuasive writing will rely mostly on emotional arguments.
Many advertising campaigns and public information slogans use the technique to create a catchy, memorable way of displaying information. In marketing theory, American advertising and sales pioneer E. St. Elmo Lewis laid out his three chief copywriting principles, which he felt were crucial for effective advertising:
In some cases, downplaying the ethos can be done while emphasizing pathos, for example as William Jennings Bryan did in his Cross of Gold speech: I would be presumptuous, indeed, to present myself against the distinguished gentlemen to whom you have listened if this were but a measuring of ability; but this is not a contest among persons.