Look for Words That Sell

This point is so important, it bears repeating:

• You job is not to teach me about your country. Your job is to persuade me that I should go there.

So, don't give me a history lesson. And don't give me any of these other kinds of lessons either:

Don't give me a geography lesson.

Consider this conversation:

You:	You should go to Switzerland.
Me:	Why?
You:	Switzerland is a mountainous country located between Austria, France, and Germany.
Me:	So what?

 

Here is a better conversation:

You:	You should go to Switzerland.
Me:	Why?
You:	Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is located high in the Alps, a steep mountain range known for its spectacular peaks and world-class ski resorts.
Me:	Cool. I think I'll go.

 

The second conversation is better because your answer was full of "words that sell" (beautiful, spectacular, world-class).

Of course, you have to be able to back up those claims, which means that your source must also contain words like beautiful, spectacular, and world-class.

Don't give me a list of national foods.

Consider this conversation.

You:	You should go to Israel.
Me:	Why?
You:	Falafel is the national food of Israel. It's made from garbanzo beans.
Me:	So what?

 

Here is a better conversation:

You:	You should go to Israel.
Me:	Why?
You:	Israeli food is healthy and delicious. In fact, Israeli food is becoming popular all over the world. But the best, most authentic Israeli foods can only be found in Israel. Do you like falafel? The falafel you can get in Jerusalem is absolutely heavenly!
Me:	Cool. I think I'll go.

If you type the words "Israel food" into the Google search bar, you are probably going to end up with a paragraph that resembles the first conversation.

What words would you need to type into the search bar to ensure that your paragraph resembles the "better" conversation?

Don't write a travel guide.

Consider this conversation.

You:	You should go to Ireland.
Me:	Why?
You:	Shops on St. Patrick street usually open at 8:00. The best way to get there from downtown is to take the 8th Street streetcar and get off at Yorkshire Avenue. On festival days you may have to get off at Baker Street, as the main road is closed is to traffic.
Me:	Okay . . . but you didn't answer my question.

 

Here is a better conversation:

You:	You should go to Ireland.
Me:	Why?
You:	Ireland has a lot of great festivals. For example, Saint Patrick's Day, celebrated in March, attracts people from all over the world. There are colorful parades and many wild celebrations.
Me:	Cool. I think I'll go.

 

Don't give me a lesson on architecture.

Consider this conversation.

You:	You should go to China.
Me:	Why?
You:	The Chinese arch was developed during the Han Dynasty. Pointed ornamentation was added during the Sui Dynasty.
Me:	And your point is . . . what?

 

Here is a better conversation:

You:	You should go to China.
Me:	Why?
You:	China is a place where you can see many world-famous landmarks. For example, the Great Wall in northern China is considered to be one of the "ten man-made wonders of the world", and the Forbidden City in Beijing is the world's largest palace.
Me:	Cool, I think I'll go.

 

Search Smarter, Browse Longer

To write persuasive paragraphs, you need to:

• Be smart about your search terms. Google will give you the kind of evidence you're looking for, as long as you search for words that you're hoping to find.
• Spend more time doing research.
  • Don't settle for an article that does little more than describe the times that certain places are open, or the best way to get from here to there, or the closest hotel to the airport.
  • Don't settle for an article that does little more than summarize the history, geography, or architecture of a country.
  • Don't settle for an article that does little more than describe the ingredients that go into various national foods. If the article doesn't make your mouth water, keep searching!
• Find articles with words that sell!

Instructions for the Quiz

Answer the questions. For these questions, assume that you're writing a "pro" paper.

Quiz