Persuasive Essay Writing : A Step by Step Guide

What is a Persuasive Essay?

If you're not familiar with persuasive writing, a simple persuasive essay definition is:

"A genre of writing that requires the writer to persuade the audience to agree with his or her point of view."

A persuasive essay is an attempt to get the reader to agree with the writer's opinion. 

This type of essay uses:

• Strong language
• Persuasive techniques
• Logical or emotional appeals

Persuasive essays are usually written on topics that are controversial or affect a large number of people. 

Now that you know what a persuasive essay is and why we write them, it's time to learn how to gather evidence for your essay.

Elements of a Persuasive Essay 

When you're writing an essay, it's important to consider how you will persuade your reader to see your point of view. 

This is especially true if you're writing an argumentative essay or persuasive essay. 

Let's take a look at how to use the elements of persuasion.

There are three key elements of a persuasive essay:

Ethos 

Ethos is the ethical appeal, and it urges the audience to believe you because you're trustworthy. 

It is a technique that writers use to make an argument more convincing.

There are a few ways you can do this. 

• Try using evidence from credible sources to back up your argument. This could be data from a reputable organization or a quote from an expert in the field.
• Avoid using biased or emotional language in your writing. This will make it more difficult for readers to take you seriously.
• Present both sides of the issue fairly and without judgment.

For example, if you're writing about the importance of getting a flu shot, you might say:

By using ethos, you're establishing your credibility as an expert on the subject, which makes it more likely that the audience will believe what you're saying.

Pathos

Pathos is the emotional appeal, and it urges the audience to believe you because they can empathize with you. 

It is a technique that writers use to make an argument more relatable.

For example, if you're writing about the negative effects of social media, you might say:

By using pathos, you're connecting with the audience on an emotional level, which makes it more likely that they will be persuaded by your argument.

Logos

Logos is the logical appeal, and it urges the audience to believe you because your argument makes sense.

For example, if you're writing about the importance of voting, you might say:

Using ethos, pathos and logos makes it more likely that your audience will be persuaded by your argument.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay?

Now that you know the basics of persuasive essay writing, it's time to put your skills to the test.

Follow these steps to create an effective persuasive essay:

How to Start a Persuasive Essay?

Before you even start writing a persuasive essay, you have to do some prewriting to get yourself ready. 

Here's what you need to do:

Pick a Topic 

Before you can start writing a persuasive essay, you need to come up with a topic. 

Brainstorming is a great way to generate ideas.

Keep the following in mind when brainstorming:

• Think about topics that you're passionate about.
• What issues do you feel strongly about?
• What would you like to see change?
• These are usually going to be the best topics for your essay.
• Don't choose a topic that is too broad or too narrow. You want to pick something that you can argue convincingly, but that also has enough depth to it.
• Choose a topic that is current and relevant. You want your readers to be able to relate to your argument. So picking a topic that is timely and relevant is essential.
• Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Sometimes the most unexpected topics can make for the best essays.
• Consider controversial or unique angles on familiar topics.
• Know your audience. Who are you writing for? What do they believe in? Knowing your audience will help you craft your argument in a way that resonates with them.

Do Research 

After you have chosen a debatable topic for your persuasive essay, the next step is to look for sources that will provide reliable information to help support your argument. 

These sources can include scholarly articles, books, and websites.

Once you have found some good sources, take a look at the evidence they provide and see if it supports your position. 

If you have enough evidence to support you, then you are ready to start writing your persuasive essay!

Check out the video below to gain a comprehensive overview of how to write a persuasive essay:

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Write a Persuasive Essay Outline

In order to write a persuasive essay, it is important to create an outline. An outline will help you to structure your argument in a logical way and stay on track while you are writing.

Take a look at the outline given below to help guide you:

By following this simple outline, you will be able to write a clear and convincing persuasive essay. 

Steps to Write a Persuasive Essay 

Now that you have your topic and outline, it's time to start writing. 

Here are the steps you need to take:

Write an Introduction 

The introduction to a persuasive essay is the first opportunity you have to make an impression on your reader. It sets the stage for everything that comes after, so it's important to get it right.

A good introduction should hook the reader, introduce your argument, and provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay.

Here’s how to do it:

• Write a hook that will grab the reader's attention. This can be a surprising statistic, a relevant quote, or a provocative question. 
  
• Introduce your argument. The best way to do this is to state your thesis statement up front. 
  This should be a clear and concise statement of your position on the issue at hand. 
  For example, a thesis statement for a persuasive essay on the importance of vaccine usage could be: 'Vaccines are essential for the health and safety of our children and our communities."
• Provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. This means quickly outlining the main points you will be making in support of your thesis.

With a well-crafted introduction, you can set the tone for your whole essay and ensure that your reader knows what to expect.

Write Body Paragraphs  

The body paragraphs of a persuasive essay are where you make your arguments and present your evidence. 

You'll need to include at least two or three body paragraphs in your essay, and each one should focus on a different aspect of your argument.

• First, start with a clear topic sentence that states the main point of your body paragraph.
• Next, provide several concrete examples to support your argument. These could be statistics, expert opinions, or real-world examples. For example, if you're arguing that the death penalty is wrong, you might present arguments based on morality, the cost of capital punishment, and the fact that it doesn't deter crime.
• Finally, address any counterarguments by providing arguments of your own. 
  

Your goal is to present both sides of the issue and show why your arguments are stronger than the opposing ones. This shows that you're aware of different points of view and can refute them with logic and evidence. 

By taking the time to write effective body paragraphs, you'll be able to craft a persuasive essay that will sway even the most skeptical reader.

How to End a Persuasive Essay?

A good conclusion will summarize your main points, explain the importance of your argument, and leave the reader with a call to action.

Here are some steps for writing a strong conclusion to your persuasive essay.

1. Start by rereading your paper from start to finish. As you read, highlight the main points of your argument and any evidence or examples you used to support those points.

2. Next, take a step back and look at your paper as a whole.

   What are the most important takeaways from your argument? 

   What would you like the reader to remember after reading your paper?

   Use those key points to write a strong conclusion that summarizes your argument and leaves the reader with something to think about.
   

3. Finally, be sure to end with a call to action or some other form of persuasion. This could be something as simple as asking the reader to contact their local representatives. 

   It could also be a call for the reader to change their own behavior in some way. For example, you could write something like "It is clear that ____. The next time ____, remember ____."
   

Whatever it is, make sure it is something that will resonate with the reader long after they finish reading your paper.

Persuasive Essay Format 

Persuasive essays are typically written in MLA format, which allows you to present your arguments in a clear and concise manner.

While there is no one correct way to format a persuasive essay, there are some general guidelines that you can follow.

• Your essay should be double-spaced with one-inch margins on all sides.
• The text should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font.
• The essay should be aligned to the left margin.
• Indent each paragraph by five spaces (or half an inch).
• Include a header at the top of each page that includes your last name and the page number.
• Create a title for your essay that is centered on the first page, and that clearly states your position on the issue.
• Remember to include a Works Cited or References page at the end of your essay to list any sources that you have used.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your persuasive essay is correctly formatted and that it makes a strong argument for your point of view.

Persuasive Essay Examples 

If you need help getting started, we've got many persuasive essay examples for you. 

These examples can show you how to effectively structure your own essay and provide you with ideas for topics that you might want to write about.

So if you're feeling stuck or just need some inspiration, be sure to check out our persuasive essay examples pdf for guidance.

Good Persuasive Essay Topics

There are many different persuasive essay topics that you can choose from. 

The best way to find a good topic is to brainstorm with someone else or look through the ones we've given you below.

• Gun control: should more restrictions be placed on firearms?
• Do violent video games have an adverse effect on children?
• Should drug tests be mandatory for all employees?
• Is the death penalty an effective form of punishment?
  Should abortion be legalized in the United States?
• Does the education system need to be reformed?
• Is year-round school an effective way to get more out of your education?
• Should professional athletes be subjected to drug tests?
• Does learning a foreign language increase job opportunities?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory in all schools?
  

Tips to Write a Compelling Persuasive Essay

In order to write a compelling persuasive essay, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:

Know your audience:

It is important to tailor your argument to your specific audience. Think about what points relate with them and make sure to address any counterarguments they may have.

Do your research: 

A persuasive essay is only as strong as the evidence you provide. Make sure to back up your claims with data from reliable sources.

Be clear and concise: 

Clarity is key when trying to persuade someone. Get to the point and use concrete examples to illustrate your point.

Use strong language: 

Choose your words carefully to have the maximum impact. Avoid using passive language or terms that downplay the strength of your argument.
 
By following these tips, you can write a persuasive essay that is sure to convince any reader of your point of view.

As you can see, writing a persuasive essay is not as difficult as it may seem. 

Remember to stay on topic, and use evidence that supports your argument. Staying on the course would help you present your ideas clearly and effectively.

With these tools at your disposal, you're ready to write a persuasive essay that will change minds and win hearts!

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