Using data to persuade

Explore this audio clip about Cinema Night!

Record your thinking for the following question:

How can this movie lover get their friends to agree on the movie they want to watch?

5 minutes later…

The vote has come in and not everyone has agreed on the choice decided.

All three sources mentioned in the audio clip include data that helps support the movie lover’s choice, but which ones are the most convincing?

Discuss your ideas with a partner, if possible, or record your thoughts in a method of your choice. Be sure to use support your arguments.

A survey of Grade 6 students

In the Minds On section, we discussed how the movie lover used data effectively to support their argument for choice of movie.

Let’s continue to explore the use of data to support an argument. Just like the movie lover, you are going to have to persuade an audience to agree with an argument you will create.

Here is the data that you will be using:

A survey was taken of Grade 6 students. They were asked their favourite sport AND their favourite snack from the following three foods: ice cream, pizza, and sandwiches.

Here are the results of the survey:

• 4 people chose hockey
• 10 people chose soccer
• 10 people chose basketball
• 9 people chose swimming
• 7 people chose baseball
• 2 people chose track and field

Of the food options:

• 28 people chose ice cream
• 8 people chose pizza
• 4 people chose sandwiches
• 2 people chose soup

By analyzing the sports and foods that these Grade 6 students like best, what season (spring, summer, fall, and winter) might be their favourite season? How can you use this data to support your argument?

How can you present your data to help support your argument? (charts, graphs, or an infographic text or you could also use a description of persuasive statistics and data as well)

Now, use all of this information and any method of your choice to create a persuasive argument!

What is your presentation style for your argument?

• Will you present your argument to a few friends or a large group?
• Will you record your argument or present it live?
• Will you create a script for the argument?
• Will you choose a different presentation style for your argument?

How will you communicate this message?

How might you communicate differently virtually or in person?

What would be the most effective way to argue this data?

As you begin planning, consider, what are the factors that make a persuasive argument effective?

Use a mind map, a storyboard, or a method of your choice to plan your persuasive argument.

Presenting your argument!

You are now ready to present your argument. Find your audience and practice a few times before delivering.

Use this Self-Assessment Checklist after you deliver your argument to assess how effective your argument was.

Review questions

• Could I have done anything differently?
• What did I learn for the next time I need to deliver a persuasive argument?

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.