Syntax Switch-Up
The arrangement of words and phrases in a sentence.
What is syntax?
What does “vivid” mean in writing?
What is clear, strong, and descriptive language?
Credibility/trust
What is ethos?
“Think of the children who go to bed hungry.”
What is pathos?
Add emotion: “The park needs cleaning.”
What is “Families deserve clean, safe places to play.”
Using all short sentences makes your writing stronger.
What is false? — variety is stronger!
Replace “bad” with a stronger word.
What is “harmful,” “unhealthy,” “unjust,” etc.?
Facts, logic, stats
What is logos?
“Research shows 70%…”
What is logos?
Add a stat: “Students should have recess.”
What is “Studies show recess boosts grades by 10%.”
"Students need better lunches.” — Hint: Make it 1 short + 1 long sentence."
What is “We deserve better. Every student deserves fresh, healthy meals.”
“The school is nice.” Add vivid adjectives.
What is "The school is vibrant and welcoming."
Emotions
What is pathos?
“How can we accept this?”
What is a rhetorical question?
Add ethos: “Homework should be less.”
What is “As a student, I know the toll it takes.”
To make the reader think or agree with you.
Why use a rhetorical question?
Strong verbs make your point stronger.
What is "true"?
Give an example of a rhetorical question.
What is “How long must we wait for change?”
“As a student leader, I…”
Make it punchy: “Our school is not doing enough.”
What is “Enough excuses. Act now.”
Combine: “School is stressful. Students need help.”
What is “School is stressful, so students need real support.”
Replace “do” in “Schools should do more for mental health.”
What is “Support,” “provide,” “prioritize.”
Which strategy: “As a teacher, I know…”
What is "ethos"?
“We must act. We must fight. We must win.”
What is repetition?
Use repetition: “The community needs better housing.”
“We need better housing. We deserve better housing. We demand better housing.”