How to Write a Persuasive Essay (This Convinced My Professor!)
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Table of contents
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Meredith Sell
You can make your essay more persuasive by getting straight to the point.
In fact, that's exactly what we did here, and that's just the first tip of this guide. Throughout this guide, we share the steps needed to prove an argument and create a persuasive essay.
This AI tool helps you improve your essay > This AI tool helps you improve your essay >
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Key takeaways: - Proven process to make any argument persuasive - 5-step process to structure arguments - How to use AI to formulate and optimize your essay
Why is being persuasive so difficult?
"Write an essay that persuades the reader of your opinion on a topic of your choice."
You might be staring at an assignment description just like this đfrom your professor. Your computer is open to a blank document, the cursor blinking impatiently. Do I even have opinions?
The persuasive essay can be one of the most intimidating academic papers to write: not only do you need to identify a narrow topic and research it, but you also have to come up with a position on that topic that you can back up with research while simultaneously addressing different viewpoints.
Thatâs a big ask. And letâs be real: most opinion pieces in major news publications donât fulfill these requirements.
The upside? By researching and writing your own opinion, you can learn how to better formulate not only an argument but the actual positions you decide to hold.Â
Here, we break down exactly how to write a persuasive essay. Weâll start by taking a step thatâs key for every piece of writingâdefining the terms.
What Is a Persuasive Essay?
A persuasive essay is exactly what it sounds like: an essay that persuades . Over the course of several paragraphs or pages, youâll use researched facts and logic to convince the reader of your opinion on a particular topic and discredit opposing opinions.
While youâll spend some time explaining the topic or issue in question, most of your essay will flesh out your viewpoint and the evidence that supports it.
The 5 Must-Have Steps of a Persuasive Essay
If youâre intimidated by the idea of writing an argument, use this list to break your process into manageable chunks. Tackle researching and writing one element at a time, and then revise your essay so that it flows smoothly and coherently with every component in the optimal place.
1. A topic or issue to argue
This is probably the hardest step. You need to identify a topic or issue that is narrow enough to cover in the length of your pieceâand is also arguable from more than one position. Your topic must call for an opinion , and not be a simple fact .
It might be helpful to walk through this process:
- Identify a random topic
- Ask a question about the topic that involves a value claim or analysis to answer
- Answer the question
That answer is your opinion.
Letâs consider some examples, from silly to serious:
Topic: Dolphins and mermaids
Question: In a mythical match, who would win: a dolphin or a mermaid?
Answer/Opinion: The mermaid would win in a match against a dolphin.
Topic: Autumn
Question: Which has a better fall: New England or Colorado?
Answer/Opinion: Fall is better in New England than Colorado.
Topic: Electric transportation options
Question: Would it be better for an urban dweller to buy an electric bike or an electric car?
Answer/Opinion: An electric bike is a better investment than an electric car.
Your turn: Walk through the three-step process described above to identify your topic and your tentative opinion. You may want to start by brainstorming a list of topics you find interesting and then going use the three-step process to find the opinion that would make the best essay topic.
2. An unequivocal thesis statement
If you walked through our three-step process above, you already have some semblance of a thesisâbut donât get attached too soon!Â
A solid essay thesis is best developed through the research process. You shouldnât land on an opinion before you know the facts. So press pause. Take a step back. And dive into your research.
Youâll want to learn:
- The basic facts of your topic. How long does fall last in New England vs. Colorado? What trees do they have? What colors do those trees turn?
- The facts specifically relevant to your question. Is there any science on how the varying colors of fall influence human brains and moods?
- What experts or other noteworthy and valid sources say about the question youâre considering. Has a well-known arborist waxed eloquent on the beauty of New England falls?
As you learn the different viewpoints people have on your topic, pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses of existing arguments. Is anyone arguing the perspective youâre leaning toward? Do you find their arguments convincing? What do you find unsatisfying about the various arguments?Â
Allow the research process to change your mind and/or refine your thinking on the topic. Your opinion may change entirely or become more specific based on what you learn.
Once youâve done enough research to feel confident in your understanding of the topic and your opinion on it, craft your thesis.Â
Your thesis statement should be clear and concise. It should directly state your viewpoint on the topic, as well as the basic case for your thesis.
Thesis 1: In a mythical match, the mermaid would overcome the dolphin due to one distinct advantage: her ability to breathe underwater.
Thesis 2: The full spectrum of color displayed on New England hillsides is just one reason why fall in the northeast is better than in Colorado.
Thesis 3: In addition to not adding to vehicle traffic, electric bikes are a better investment than electric cars because theyâre cheaper and require less energy to accomplish the same function of getting the rider from point A to point B.
Your turn: Dive into the research process with a radar up for the arguments your sources are making about your topic. What are the most convincing cases? Should you stick with your initial opinion or change it up? Write your fleshed-out thesis statement.
3. Evidence to back up your thesis
This is a typical place for everyone from undergrads to politicians to get stuck, but the good news is, if you developed your thesis from research, you already have a good bit of evidence to make your case.
Go back through your research notes and compile a list of every âŠ
⊠or other piece of information that supports your thesis.Â
This info can come from research studies you found in scholarly journals, government publications, news sources, encyclopedias, or other credible sources (as long as they fit your professorâs standards).
As you put this list together, watch for any gaps or weak points. Are you missing information on how electric cars versus electric bicycles charge or how long their batteries last? Did you verify that dolphins are, in fact, mammals and canât breathe underwater like totally-real-and-not-at-all-fake đmermaids can? Track down that information.
Next, organize your list. Group the entries so that similar or closely related information is together, and as you do that, start thinking through how to articulate the individual arguments to support your case.Â
Depending on the length of your essay, each argument may get only a paragraph or two of space. As you think through those specific arguments, consider what order to put them in. Youâll probably want to start with the simplest argument and work up to more complicated ones so that the arguments can build on each other.Â
Your turn: Organize your evidence and write a rough draft of your arguments. Play around with the order to find the most compelling way to argue your case.
4. Rebuttals to disprove opposing theses
You canât just present the evidence to support your case and totally ignore other viewpoints. To persuade your readers, youâll need to address any opposing ideas they may hold about your topic.Â
You probably found some holes in the opposing views during your research process. Nowâs your chance to expose those holes.Â
Take some time (and space) to: describe the opposing views and show why those views donât hold up. You can accomplish this using both logic and facts.
Is a perspective based on a faulty assumption or misconception of the truth? Shoot it down by providing the facts that disprove the opinion.
Is another opinion drawn from bad or unsound reasoning? Show how that argument falls apart.
Some cases may truly be only a matter of opinion, but you still need to articulate why you donât find the opposing perspective convincing.
Yes, a dolphin might be stronger than a mermaid, but as a mammal, the dolphin must continually return to the surface for air. A mermaid can breathe both underwater and above water, which gives her a distinct advantage in this mythical battle.
While the Rocky Mountain views are stunning, their limited colorsâyellow from aspen trees and green from various evergreensâleaves the autumn-lover less than thrilled. The rich reds and oranges and yellows of the New England fall are more satisfying and awe-inspiring.
But what about longer trips that go beyond the city center into the suburbs and beyond? An electric bike wouldnât be great for those excursions. Wouldnât an electric car be the better choice then?Â
Certainly, an electric car would be better in these cases than a gas-powered car, but if most of a personâs trips are in their hyper-local area, the electric bicycle is a more environmentally friendly option for those day-to-day outings. That person could then participate in a carshare or use public transit, a ride-sharing app, or even a gas-powered car for longer tripsâand still use less energy overall than if they drove an electric car for hyper-local and longer area trips.
Your turn: Organize your rebuttal research and write a draft of each one.
5. A convincing conclusion
You have your arguments and rebuttals. Youâve proven your thesis is rock-solid. Now all you have to do is sum up your overall case and give your final word on the subject.Â
Donât repeat everything youâve already said. Instead, your conclusion should logically draw from the arguments youâve made to show how they coherently prove your thesis. Youâre pulling everything together and zooming back out with a better understanding of the what and why of your thesis.Â
A dolphin may never encounter a mermaid in the wild, but if it were to happen, we know how weâd place our bets. Long hair and fish tail, for the win.
For those of us who relish 50-degree days, sharp air, and the vibrant colors of fall, New England offers a season thatâs cozier, longer-lasting, and more aesthetically pleasing than âcolorfulâ Colorado. A leaf-peeperâs paradise.
When most of your trips from day to day are within five miles, the more energy-efficientâand yes, cost-efficientâchoice is undoubtedly the electric bike. So strap on your helmet, fire up your pedals, and two-wheel away to your next destination with full confidence that you made the right decision for your wallet and the environment.
3 Quick Tips for Writing a Strong Argument
Once you have a draft to work with, use these tips to refine your argument and make sure youâre not losing readers for avoidable reasons.
1. Choose your words thoughtfully.
If you want to win people over to your side, donât write in a way that shuts your opponents down. Avoid making abrasive or offensive statements. Instead, use a measured, reasonable tone. Appeal to shared values, and let your facts and logic do the hard work of changing peopleâs minds.
Choose words with AI
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You can use AI to turn your general point into a readable argument. Then, you can paraphrase each sentence and choose between competing arguments generated by the AI, until your argument is well-articulated and concise.
2. Prioritize accuracy (and avoid fallacies).
Make sure the facts you use are actually factual. You donât want to build your argument on false or disproven information. Use the most recent, respected research. Make sure you donât misconstrue study findings. And when youâre building your case, avoid logical fallacies that undercut your argument.
A few common fallacies to watch out for:
- Strawman: Misrepresenting or oversimplifying an opposing argument to make it easier to refute.
- Appeal to ignorance: Arguing that a certain claim must be true because it hasnât been proven false.
- Bandwagon: Assumes that if a group of people, experts, etc., agree with a claim, it must be true.
- Hasty generalization: Using a few examples, rather than substantial evidence, to make a sweeping claim.
- Appeal to authority: Overly relying on opinions of people who have authority of some kind.
The strongest arguments rely on trustworthy information and sound logic.
Research and add citations with AI
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We recently wrote a three part piece on researching using AI, so be sure to check it out . Going through an organized process of researching and noting your sources correctly will make sure your written text is more accurate.
3. Persuasive essay structure
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet Persuasive essay structure](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f7ece8a7da656e8a25402bc/641d93721e26a87d08d4e562_persuasive-essay-structure.jpg)
If youâre building a house, you start with the foundation and go from there. Itâs the same with an argument. You want to build from the ground up: provide necessary background information, then your thesis. Then, start with the simplest part of your argument and build up in terms of complexity and the aspect of your thesis that the argument is tackling.
A consistent, internal logic will make it easier for the reader to follow your argument. Plus, youâll avoid confusing your reader and you wonât be unnecessarily redundant.
The essay structure usually includes the following parts:
- Intro - Hook, Background information, Thesis statement
- Topic sentence #1 , with supporting facts or stats
- Concluding sentence
- Topic sentence #2 , with supporting facts or stats
- Concluding sentence Topic sentence #3 , with supporting facts or stats
- Conclusion - Thesis and main points restated, call to action, thought provoking ending
Are You Ready to Write?
Persuasive essays are a great way to hone your research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Approach this assignment well, and youâll learn how to form opinions based on information (not just ideas) and make arguments thatâif they donât change mindsâat least win readersâ respect. â
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How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Tips and Tricks
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Allison Bressmer
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Most composition classes youâll take will teach the art of persuasive writing. Thatâs a good thing.
Knowing where you stand on issues and knowing how to argue for or against something is a skill that will serve you well both inside and outside of the classroom.
Persuasion is the art of using logic to prompt audiences to change their mind or take action , and is generally seen as accomplishing that goal by appealing to emotions and feelings.
A persuasive essay is one that attempts to get a reader to agree with your perspective.
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet What is a persuasive essay?](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/What-is-persuasive-essay.png)
Ready for some tips on how to produce a well-written, well-rounded, well-structured persuasive essay? Just say yes. I donât want to have to write another essay to convince you!
How Do I Write a Persuasive Essay?
What are some good topics for a persuasive essay, how do i identify an audience for my persuasive essay, how do you create an effective persuasive essay, how should i edit my persuasive essay.
Your persuasive essay needs to have the three components required of any essay: the introduction , body , and conclusion .
That is essay structure. However, there is flexibility in that structure.
There is no rule (unless the assignment has specific rules) for how many paragraphs any of those sections need.
Although the components should be proportional; the body paragraphs will comprise most of your persuasive essay.
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet What should every essay include?](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/What-should-every-essay-include.png)
How Do I Start a Persuasive Essay?
As with any essay introduction, this paragraph is where you grab your audienceâs attention, provide context for the topic of discussion, and present your thesis statement.
TIP 1: Some writers find it easier to write their introductions last. As long as you have your working thesis, this is a perfectly acceptable approach. From that thesis, you can plan your body paragraphs and then go back and write your introduction.
TIP 2: Avoid âannouncingâ your thesis. Donât include statements like this:
- âIn my essay I will show why extinct animals should (not) be regenerated.â
- âThe purpose of my essay is to argue that extinct animals should (not) be regenerated.â
Announcements take away from the originality, authority, and sophistication of your writing.
Instead, write a convincing thesis statement that answers the question "so what?" Why is the topic important, what do you think about it, and why do you think that? Be specific.
How Many Paragraphs Should a Persuasive Essay Have?
This body of your persuasive essay is the section in which you develop the arguments that support your thesis. Consider these questions as you plan this section of your essay:
- What arguments support your thesis?
- What is the best order for your arguments?
- What evidence do you have?
- Will you address the opposing argument to your own?
- How can you conclude convincingly?
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet The body of a persuasive essay](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/The-body-of-a-persuasive-essay2.png)
TIP: Brainstorm and do your research before you decide which arguments youâll focus on in your discussion. Make a list of possibilities and go with the ones that are strongest, that you can discuss with the most confidence, and that help you balance your rhetorical triangle .
What Should I Put in the Conclusion of a Persuasive Essay?
The conclusion is your âmic-dropâ moment. Think about how you can leave your audience with a strong final comment.
And while a conclusion often re-emphasizes the main points of a discussion, it shouldnât simply repeat them.
TIP 1: Be careful not to introduce a new argument in the conclusionâthereâs no time to develop it now that youâve reached the end of your discussion!
TIP 2 : As with your thesis, avoid announcing your conclusion. Donât start your conclusion with âin conclusionâ or âto concludeâ or âto end my essayâ type statements. Your audience should be able to see that you are bringing the discussion to a close without those overused, less sophisticated signals.
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet The conclusion of a persuasive essay](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/The-conclusion-of-a-persuasive-essay.png)
If your instructor has assigned you a topic, then youâve already got your issue; youâll just have to determine where you stand on the issue. Where you stand on your topic is your position on that topic.
Your position will ultimately become the thesis of your persuasive essay: the statement the rest of the essay argues for and supports, intending to convince your audience to consider your point of view.
If you have to choose your own topic, use these guidelines to help you make your selection:
- Choose an issue you truly care about
- Choose an issue that is actually debatable
Simple âtastesâ (likes and dislikes) canât really be argued. No matter how many ways someone tries to convince me that milk chocolate rules, I just wonât agree.
Itâs dark chocolate or nothing as far as my tastes are concerned.
Similarly, you canât convince a person to âlikeâ one film more than another in an essay.
You could argue that one movie has superior qualities than another: cinematography, acting, directing, etc. but you canât convince a person that the film really appeals to them.
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet Debatable and non-debatable concepts](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/Debatable-versus-non-debatable-concepts.png)
Once youâve selected your issue, determine your position just as you would for an assigned topic. That position will ultimately become your thesis.
Until youâve finalized your work, consider your thesis a âworking thesis.â
This means that your statement represents your position, but you might change its phrasing or structure for that final version.
When youâre writing an essay for a class, it can seem strange to identify an audienceâisnât the audience the instructor?
Your instructor will read and evaluate your essay, and may be part of your greater audience, but you shouldnât just write for your teacher.
Think about who your intended audience is.
For an argument essay, think of your audience as the people who disagree with youâthe people who need convincing.
That population could be quite broad, for example, if youâre arguing a political issue, or narrow, if youâre trying to convince your parents to extend your curfew.
Once youâve got a sense of your audience, itâs time to consult with Aristotle. Aristotleâs teaching on persuasion has shaped communication since about 330 BC. Apparently, it works.
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet Ethos, pathos and logos](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/Ethos-pathos-and-logos.png)
Aristotle taught that in order to convince an audience of something, the communicator needs to balance the three elements of the rhetorical triangle to achieve the best results.
Those three elements are ethos , logos , and pathos .
Ethos relates to credibility and trustworthiness. How can you, as the writer, demonstrate your credibility as a source of information to your audience?
How will you show them you are worthy of their trust?
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet How to make your essay credible](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/How-do-you-make-an-essay-credible.png)
- You show youâve done your research: you understand the issue, both sides
- You show respect for the opposing side: if you disrespect your audience, they wonât respect you or your ideas
Logos relates to logic. How will you convince your audience that your arguments and ideas are reasonable?
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet How to use logic in essays](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/How-do-you-use-logic-in-essays.png)
You provide facts or other supporting evidence to support your claims.
That evidence may take the form of studies or expert input or reasonable examples or a combination of all of those things, depending on the specific requirements of your assignment.
Remember: if you use someone elseâs ideas or words in your essay, you need to give them credit.
ProWritingAid's Plagiarism Checker checks your work against over a billion web-pages, published works, and academic papers so you can be sure of its originality.
Find out more about ProWritingAidâs Plagiarism checks.
Pathos relates to emotion. Audiences are people and people are emotional beings. We respond to emotional prompts. How will you engage your audience with your arguments on an emotional level?
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet How to use emotion in essays](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/How-do-you-use-emotion-in-essays.png)
- You make strategic word choices : words have denotations (dictionary meanings) and also connotations, or emotional values. Use words whose connotations will help prompt the feelings you want your audience to experience.
- You use emotionally engaging examples to support your claims or make a point, prompting your audience to be moved by your discussion.
Be mindful as you lean into elements of the triangle. Too much pathos and your audience might end up feeling manipulated, roll their eyes and move on.
An âall logosâ approach will leave your essay dry and without a sense of voice; it will probably bore your audience rather than make them care.
Once youâve got your essay planned, start writing! Donât worry about perfection, just get your ideas out of your head and off your list and into a rough essay format.
After youâve written your draft, evaluate your work. What works and what doesnât? For help with evaluating and revising your work, check out this ProWritingAid post on manuscript revision .
After youâve evaluated your draft, revise it. Repeat that process as many times as you need to make your work the best it can be.
When youâre satisfied with the content and structure of the essay, take it through the editing process .
Grammatical or sentence-level errors can distract your audience or even detract from the ethosâthe authorityâof your work.
You donât have to edit alone! ProWritingAidâs Realtime Report will find errors and make suggestions for improvements.
You can even use it on emails to your professors:
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet ProWritingAid's Realtime Report](https://marketing.prowritingaid.com/email-to-professor-realtime.png)
Try ProWritingAid with a free account.
How Can I Improve My Persuasion Skills?
You can develop your powers of persuasion every day just by observing whatâs around you.
- How is that advertisement working to convince you to buy a product?
- How is a political candidate arguing for you to vote for them?
- How do you âargueâ with friends about what to do over the weekend, or convince your boss to give you a raise?
- How are your parents working to convince you to follow a certain academic or career path?
As you observe these arguments in action, evaluate them. Why are they effective or why do they fail?
How could an argument be strengthened with more (or less) emphasis on ethos, logos, and pathos?
Every argument is an opportunity to learn! Observe them, evaluate them, and use them to perfect your own powers of persuasion.
![what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet what should a persuasive essay always include quizlet](https://cdn.prowritingaid.com/website/2.5.56596/images/cms/blog/grammar.png)
Be confident about grammar
Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.
Allison Bressmer is a professor of freshman composition and critical reading at a community college and a freelance writer. If she isnât writing or teaching, youâll likely find her reading a book or listening to a podcast while happily sipping a semi-sweet iced tea or happy-houring with friends. She lives in New York with her family. Connect at linkedin.com/in/allisonbressmer.
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10.9 Persuasion
Learning objectives.
- Determine the purpose and structure of persuasion in writing.
- Identify bias in writing.
- Assess various rhetorical devices.
- Distinguish between fact and opinion.
- Understand the importance of visuals to strengthen arguments.
- Write a persuasive essay.
The Purpose of Persuasive Writing
The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince, motivate, or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion. The act of trying to persuade automatically implies more than one opinion on the subject can be argued.
The idea of an argument often conjures up images of two people yelling and screaming in anger. In writing, however, an argument is very different. An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue in writing is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way. Written arguments often fail when they employ ranting rather than reasoning.
Most of us feel inclined to try to win the arguments we engage in. On some level, we all want to be right, and we want others to see the error of their ways. More times than not, however, arguments in which both sides try to win end up producing losers all around. The more productive approach is to persuade your audience to consider your opinion as a valid one, not simply the right one.
The Structure of a Persuasive Essay
The following five features make up the structure of a persuasive essay:
- Introduction and thesis
- Opposing and qualifying ideas
- Strong evidence in support of claim
- Style and tone of language
- A compelling conclusion
Creating an Introduction and Thesis
The persuasive essay begins with an engaging introduction that presents the general topic. The thesis typically appears somewhere in the introduction and states the writerâs point of view.
Avoid forming a thesis based on a negative claim. For example, âThe hourly minimum wage is not high enough for the average worker to live on.â This is probably a true statement, but persuasive arguments should make a positive case. That is, the thesis statement should focus on how the hourly minimum wage is low or insufficient.
Acknowledging Opposing Ideas and Limits to Your Argument
Because an argument implies differing points of view on the subject, you must be sure to acknowledge those opposing ideas. Avoiding ideas that conflict with your own gives the reader the impression that you may be uncertain, fearful, or unaware of opposing ideas. Thus it is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.
Try to address opposing arguments earlier rather than later in your essay. Rhetorically speaking, ordering your positive arguments last allows you to better address ideas that conflict with your own, so you can spend the rest of the essay countering those arguments. This way, you leave your reader thinking about your argument rather than someone elseâs. You have the last word.
Acknowledging points of view different from your own also has the effect of fostering more credibility between you and the audience. They know from the outset that you are aware of opposing ideas and that you are not afraid to give them space.
It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish. In effect, you are conceding early on that your argument is not the ultimate authority on a given topic. Such humility can go a long way toward earning credibility and trust with an audience. Audience members will know from the beginning that you are a reasonable writer, and audience members will trust your argument as a result. For example, in the following concessionary statement, the writer advocates for stricter gun control laws, but she admits it will not solve all of our problems with crime:
Although tougher gun control laws are a powerful first step in decreasing violence in our streets, such legislation alone cannot end these problems since guns are not the only problem we face.
Such a concession will be welcome by those who might disagree with this writerâs argument in the first place. To effectively persuade their readers, writers need to be modest in their goals and humble in their approach to get readers to listen to the ideas. See Table 10.5 “Phrases of Concession” for some useful phrases of concession.
Table 10.5 Phrases of Concession
although | granted that |
of course | still |
though | yet |
Try to form a thesis for each of the following topics. Remember the more specific your thesis, the better.
- Foreign policy
- Television and advertising
- Stereotypes and prejudice
- Gender roles and the workplace
- Driving and cell phones
Collaboration
Please share with a classmate and compare your answers. Choose the thesis statement that most interests you and discuss why.
Bias in Writing
Everyone has various biases on any number of topics. For example, you might have a bias toward wearing black instead of brightly colored clothes or wearing jeans rather than formal wear. You might have a bias toward working at night rather than in the morning, or working by deadlines rather than getting tasks done in advance. These examples identify minor biases, of course, but they still indicate preferences and opinions.
Handling bias in writing and in daily life can be a useful skill. It will allow you to articulate your own points of view while also defending yourself against unreasonable points of view. The ideal in persuasive writing is to let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and a respectful and reasonable address of opposing sides.
The strength of a personal bias is that it can motivate you to construct a strong argument. If you are invested in the topic, you are more likely to care about the piece of writing. Similarly, the more you care, the more time and effort you are apt to put forth and the better the final product will be.
The weakness of bias is when the bias begins to take over the essayâwhen, for example, you neglect opposing ideas, exaggerate your points, or repeatedly insert yourself ahead of the subject by using I too often. Being aware of all three of these pitfalls will help you avoid them.
The Use of I in Writing
The use of I in writing is often a topic of debate, and the acceptance of its usage varies from instructor to instructor. It is difficult to predict the preferences for all your present and future instructors, but consider the effects it can potentially have on your writing.
Be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound overly biased. There are two primary reasons:
- Excessive repetition of any word will eventually catch the readerâs attentionâand usually not in a good way. The use of I is no different.
- The insertion of I into a sentence alters not only the way a sentence might sound but also the composition of the sentence itself. I is often the subject of a sentence. If the subject of the essay is supposed to be, say, smoking, then by inserting yourself into the sentence, you are effectively displacing the subject of the essay into a secondary position. In the following example, the subject of the sentence is underlined:
Smoking is bad.
I think smoking is bad.
In the first sentence, the rightful subject, smoking , is in the subject position in the sentence. In the second sentence, the insertion of I and think replaces smoking as the subject, which draws attention to I and away from the topic that is supposed to be discussed. Remember to keep the message (the subject) and the messenger (the writer) separate.
Developing Sound Arguments
Does my essay contain the following elements?
- An engaging introduction
- A reasonable, specific thesis that is able to be supported by evidence
- A varied range of evidence from credible sources
- Respectful acknowledgement and explanation of opposing ideas
- A style and tone of language that is appropriate for the subject and audience
- Acknowledgement of the argumentâs limits
- A conclusion that will adequately summarize the essay and reinforce the thesis
Fact and Opinion
Facts are statements that can be definitely proven using objective data. The statement that is a fact is absolutely valid. In other words, the statement can be pronounced as true or false. For example, 2 + 2 = 4. This expression identifies a true statement, or a fact, because it can be proved with objective data.
Opinions are personal views, or judgments. An opinion is what an individual believes about a particular subject. However, an opinion in argumentation must have legitimate backing; adequate evidence and credibility should support the opinion. Consider the credibility of expert opinions. Experts in a given field have the knowledge and credentials to make their opinion meaningful to a larger audience.
For example, you seek the opinion of your dentist when it comes to the health of your gums, and you seek the opinion of your mechanic when it comes to the maintenance of your car. Both have knowledge and credentials in those respective fields, which is why their opinions matter to you. But the authority of your dentist may be greatly diminished should he or she offer an opinion about your car, and vice versa.
In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions. Relying on one or the other will likely lose more of your audience than it gains.
The word prove is frequently used in the discussion of persuasive writing. Writers may claim that one piece of evidence or another proves the argument, but proving an argument is often not possible. No evidence proves a debatable topic one way or the other; that is why the topic is debatable. Facts can be proved, but opinions can only be supported, explained, and persuaded.
On a separate sheet of paper, take three of the theses you formed in Note 10.94 “Exercise 1” , and list the types of evidence you might use in support of that thesis.
Using the evidence you provided in support of the three theses in Note 10.100 “Exercise 2” , come up with at least one counterargument to each. Then write a concession statement, expressing the limits to each of your three arguments.
Using Visual Elements to Strengthen Arguments
Adding visual elements to a persuasive argument can often strengthen its persuasive effect. There are two main types of visual elements: quantitative visuals and qualitative visuals.
Quantitative visuals present data graphically. They allow the audience to see statistics spatially. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience. For example, sometimes it is easier to understand the disparity in certain statistics if you can see how the disparity looks graphically. Bar graphs, pie charts, Venn diagrams, histograms, and line graphs are all ways of presenting quantitative data in spatial dimensions.
Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audienceâs emotions. Photographs and pictorial images are examples of qualitative visuals. Such images often try to convey a story, and seeing an actual example can carry more power than hearing or reading about the example. For example, one image of a child suffering from malnutrition will likely have more of an emotional impact than pages dedicated to describing that same condition in writing.
Writing at Work
When making a business presentation, you typically have limited time to get across your idea. Providing visual elements for your audience can be an effective timesaving tool. Quantitative visuals in business presentations serve the same purpose as they do in persuasive writing. They should make logical appeals by showing numerical data in a spatial design. Quantitative visuals should be pictures that might appeal to your audienceâs emotions. You will find that many of the rhetorical devices used in writing are the same ones used in the workplace. For more information about visuals in presentations, see Chapter 14 “Creating Presentations: Sharing Your Ideas” .
Writing a Persuasive Essay
Choose a topic that you feel passionate about. If your instructor requires you to write about a specific topic, approach the subject from an angle that interests you. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction. Your thesis should typically appear somewhere in your introduction.
Start by acknowledging and explaining points of view that may conflict with your own to build credibility and trust with your audience. Also state the limits of your argument. This too helps you sound more reasonable and honest to those who may naturally be inclined to disagree with your view. By respectfully acknowledging opposing arguments and conceding limitations to your own view, you set a measured and responsible tone for the essay.
Make your appeals in support of your thesis by using sound, credible evidence. Use a balance of facts and opinions from a wide range of sources, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and personal anecdotes. Each piece of evidence should be fully explained and clearly stated.
Make sure that your style and tone are appropriate for your subject and audience. Tailor your language and word choice to these two factors, while still being true to your own voice.
Finally, write a conclusion that effectively summarizes the main argument and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample persuasive essay.
Choose one of the topics you have been working on throughout this section. Use the thesis, evidence, opposing argument, and concessionary statement as the basis for writing a full persuasive essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, clear explanations of all the evidence you present, and a strong conclusion.
Key Takeaways
- The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion.
- An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue, in writing, is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way.
- A thesis that expresses the opinion of the writer in more specific terms is better than one that is vague.
- It is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.
- It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish through a concession statement.
- To persuade a skeptical audience, you will need to use a wide range of evidence. Scientific studies, opinions from experts, historical precedent, statistics, personal anecdotes, and current events are all types of evidence that you might use in explaining your point.
- Make sure that your word choice and writing style is appropriate for both your subject and your audience.
- You should let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and respectfully and reasonably addressing opposing ideas.
- You should be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound more biased than it needs to.
- Facts are statements that can be proven using objective data.
- Opinions are personal views, or judgments, that cannot be proven.
- In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions.
- Quantitative visuals present data graphically. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience.
- Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audienceâs emotions.
Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
Persuasive Essay Writing
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How to Write a Persuasive Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Published on: Jan 3, 2023
Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024
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It's the night before the essay is due, and you haven't even started. Your mind is blank, and you have no idea what words will persuade your teacher.
The good news is that some tips and tricks can make the process of writing a persuasive essay much easier.
In this blog, we'll break down the components of a persuasive essay and provide helpful tips and examples along the way. By the end, you should have all the guidelines to create a winning essay that will persuade your readers to see things your way.
Let's take a closer look at all these steps.
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What is a Persuasive Essay?
A persuasive essay presents logical arguments with emotional appeal.
Typically, persuasive essays begin with a question that the writer spends the essay arguing in favor of or opposition to.Â
For example: should kids be allowed to play video games on weekdays?Â
The writer would then spend the rest of the essay backing up their claim with reasons and evidence.Â
Persuasive essays often include counterarguments. These arguments oppose the writer's position.Â
By including counterarguments, persuasive essays become more interesting. They also force the writer to think critically about their position.
For example, an opponent of the previous argument might say that playing video games leads to poor grades.Â
The original writer could deny this claim by pointing to studies that show no correlation between bad grades and playing video games.
The best persuasive essays are well-researched and use data to support their claims.Â
However, persuasive essays are not just about logic. They also need to include emotional appeal.Â
After all, people are more likely to be persuaded by an argument that speaks to their feelings.Â
Elements of a Persuasive EssayÂ
When a persuasive essay is a task, you must keep these three greek terms in mind. They are:
- Ethos (appeal to ethics)Â
- Pathos (appeal to emotion)
- Logos (appeal to logic)
A good essay will use all of these elements to convince the reader that the argument presented is valid.Â
Let's take a closer look at each one.
Ethos - the Credibility ElementÂ
The persuasive power of ethos lies in the character or credibility of the person making the argument.Â
For an argument to be persuasive, the person presenting it must be someone that the audience trusts.Â
This could be because they are an expert on the subject or because they have first-hand experience with it. Either way, ethos establishes the speaker's credibility and makes the audience more likely to trust what they have to say.
Pathos -the Emotional ElementÂ
While ethos deals with the character of the person making the argument, pathos has to do with the audience's emotions. A persuasive argument will tap into the audience's emotions and use them to sway their opinion.
This could be done through stories or anecdotes that evoke an emotional response or by using language that stirs certain feelings.
Logos - the Logical ElementÂ
The final element of persuasion is logos, which appeals to logic. A persuasive argument will use sound reasoning and evidence to convince the audience that it is valid. This could be done through data or using persuasive techniques like cause and effect.
Using all these elements of a persuasive essay can make your argument much more effective.Â
How To Write a Persuasive Essay
Writing persuasive essays can be challenging, but they don't have to be.
With the following simple steps, you can quickly turn an ordinary essay into one that will make a lasting impression.Â
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How To Start a Persuasive EssayÂ
Here is a complete guide on how to start a persuasive essay. Follow them to compose a perfect essay every time.Â
Brainstorm All Possible AnglesÂ
The first step in writing a persuasive essay is brainstorming. You need to develop an angle for your essay that will make it unique and interesting.Â
For example, let's say you're writing about the death penalty. A lot has been said on this topic, so it might be hard to find an angle that hasn't been covered already.Â
But if you think about it, there are many different ways to approach the issue.Â
Maybe you could write about the personal experiences of someone affected by the death penalty. Or maybe you could write about the economic costs of the death penalty.Â
There are many possibilities here - it's all about thinking creatively.
Select Your Topic
Once you've brainstormed a few ideas, it's time to choose your topic. Pick the angle you think will most effectively persuade your reader.Â
Once you've chosen your topic, it's time to research. Use statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples to support your position.Â
Choose Your Side
Now that you've researched, it's time to take a side in the debate. Remember, you must take a strong stance on one side of the issue.Â
After deciding your stance, research and support it with evidence.
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Appeal to Human EmotionsÂ
One of the most effective ways to persuade someone is by appealing to their emotions.Â
After all, we're not robots - we're human beings and always make decisions based on our feelings.Â
Make your reader feel something, whether it's anger, sadness, empathy, or even amusement. You'll be well on convincing them of your point of view.Â
Anticipate Possible Objections.
Of course, not everyone will agree, and that's okay!Â
The important thing is that you anticipate some of those objections and address them head-on in your essay.Â
This shows that you take your reader's objections seriously and are confident in your position.Â
Organize Your EvidenceÂ
Once you have all of your evidence collected, it's time to start organizing it into an outline for your essay. Â
Organizing your essay is a key step in the writing process. It helps you keep track of all the evidence you've gathered and structure your argument in an organized way.
What Are The Steps To Write Your Persuasive Essay?
Now that you have your topic essay outline, it's time to move on to the actual writing.
Here are the steps you need to take:
Step 1: Create a Compelling Introduction
You want to hook your readers with a great opening for your persuasive essay, so they'll want to keep reading.
Here are 3 tips for writing an attention-grabbing introduction for your next essay.
- Use a strong hook statement
Your hook statement should immediately draw the reader in and make them want to learn more.Â
A good hook statement will vary depending on whether you're writing for an academic or more casual audience.Â
Still, some good options include a quote, an interesting statistic, or a rhetorical question.
- Make sure your thesis statement is clear and concise
Your thesis statement is the main argument of your essay, so it needs to be stated clearly and concisely in your introduction.
 A good thesis statement will be specific and limit the scope of your argument so that it can be fully addressed in the body of your paper.
- Use a transition
Transitions are important in writing for academic and non-academic audiences because they help guide the reader through your argument.Â
A good transition will introduce the main point of your next paragraph while still maintaining the connection to the previous one.
Step 2: Write The Body Paragraphs
Here is a formula for structuring your body paragraphs in a persuasive essay.Â
This formula will ensure that each body paragraph is packed with evidence and examples while still being concise and easy to read.
- The Topic Sentence
Every body paragraph should start with a topic sentence. A topic sentence is a key sentence that sums up the paragraph's main point.Â
It should be clear, concise, and direct.Â
For example, if you were writing a paragraph about the importance of exercise, your topic sentence might be this:
"Regular exercise is essential for good physical and mental health."
See how that sentence gives a clear overview of what the rest of the paragraph will be about.
- Relevant Supporting Sentences
Once your topic sentence is down, it's time to fill the rest of the paragraph with relevant supporting sentences.Â
These sentences should provide evidence to support the claims made in the topic sentence.Â
For the exercise example, we might use sentences like this:
"Exercise has been shown to improve heart health, reduce stress levels, and boost brain power."
"A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and type II diabetes."
See how each sentence ties back to the paragraph's main point. That's what you want your supporting sentences to do.
- Closing Sentence
Last but not least, every body paragraph should end with a closing (or transition) sentence. This sentence should briefly summarize the main points of the paragraph and introduce the next point that will be discussed in the following paragraph.Â
For the exercise example, the closing sentence might look like this:
"So, as you can see, there are many compelling reasons to make exercise a regular part of your routine."
How to End a Persuasive Essay
The end of your essay is just as important as the introduction. You must leave your readers with a lasting impression and ensure your argument convinces them.Â
To do this, you'll want to craft a persuasive conclusion that ties together all the points you have made in the essay.
Here is a video explaining the body paragraphs in a persuasive essay. Check it out for more information.Â
Step 1: Write a Persuasive Conclusion
Here are a few tips to help make sure your persuasive essay conclusion is as effective and persuasive as possible.Â
- Restate Your Thesis
Begin your essay conclusion by restating the thesis statement you began within your introduction. Doing so will remind readers of what you set out to prove and provide a sense of closure.
- Summarize Your Arguments
 You can also use your conclusion to summarize the main points of your argument. This will help readers recall the evidence you presented and reinforce why it supports your thesis.Â
- Offer a Call to Action
Lastly, don't forget to include a call to action in your essay conclusion. This can be anything from a persuasive plea to a persuasive suggestion.Â
Step 2: Â Polish Up Your Essay
After youĂąÂÂre done with the essay, take a few minutes to read through it. Ensure that your persuasive points and evidence are clear, concise, and persuasive.Â
Also, double-check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. Ensure that all of your persuasive points are properly explained and make sense to the reader.Â
If youĂąÂÂre not confident in your persuasive writing skills, you can enlist a friend or family member to read through it and provide feedback.
You can follow a proofreading checklist after completing your essay to ensure you are on track.
By following these steps, youĂąÂÂll end up with a persuasive essay that will impress anyone who reads it!
Format Of A Persuasive EssayÂ
Once you have your persuasive essay topic, it's time to craft an essay structure. Crafting the perfect persuasive essay format is essential for ensuring your paper has maximum persuasive power.
Here are some tips for formatting an effective persuasive essay.
- Increase the Readability of Your TextÂ
Ensure that you have adhered to all the paragraphing requirements of your instructor.Â
Double-check that your margins are set properly. A margin of 1 inch (2.5 cm) on all sides is the standard for most written documents.
This makes it easier for readers to focus and extract important information quickly.
- Use Easy-to-Read Font
Choose a font that is easy to read and professional. Stay away from script fonts or anything too fancy or difficult to read. Stick with basic fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri.
- Keep a Defined Alignment
Align your persuasive essay to the left margin. This makes it easier for readers to follow along with your argument without having to do too much extra scrolling.Â
By following these simple tips, you'll be able to craft the perfect persuasive essay format.
Persuasive Essay Examples
Here are some examples of persuasive essays that can help you get the gist of essay writing.
Persuasive essay on the preservation of nature
Persuasive essay examples pdf
Example of a persuasive essay about covid-19
Check out some more persuasive essay examples  here for more inspiration.
Good Persuasive Essay Topics
The right persuasive essay topics can make or break your essay. Here are a few examples of persuasive essay topics that can help you.Â
- Should the government increase taxes on sugary foods to reduce obesity?Â
- Do standardized tests accurately measure student intelligence and aptitude?Â
- Should studying a foreign language be mandatory in schools?Â
- Should all high school students complete community service hours before graduating?Â
- Are video games affecting the concentration and cognitive development of children?Â
- Should genetically modified foods be labeled as such in stores?Â
- Are the current copyright laws protecting artists and content creators enough?Â
- Should college tuition be reduced for all students?Â
- Is the use of animals in medical research ethical?Â
- Should the use of drones be regulated by the government?Â
- Should college athletes receive payment for their performance?Â
- Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?Â
- Is drug testing in schools an effective way to prevent substance abuse?Â
- Does social media promote a healthy lifestyle or contribute to cyber bullying?Â
- Should the voting age be lowered to 16?Â
If youĂąÂÂre stuck with choosing topics, these are great persuasive essay topics  to get you started!Â
Pick one of these and craft an essay that will leave your readers thinking.Â
Tips to Write a Compelling Persuasive Essay
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make a lasting impression on your reader:
Pick A Topic You're Passionate About
First, you need to choose a topic you're passionate about. It will be easier to write about the topic if you care about the essay.Â
This will make it easier to develop persuasive arguments, and you'll be more motivated to do research.
Research Your Topic Thoroughly
After picking a persuasive essay topic, you need thorough research. This will help you gain a better understanding of the issue, which in turn will make your essay stronger. This will also ensure that you fully grasp all counterarguments on your topic.
Know Your Audience
Knowing your audience before writing is important. Are you writing to your classmates? Your teacher? The general public? Once you know your audience, you can tailor your argument to them.Â
Knowing your audience will help determine the tone and approach of your essay.
Hook The Reader's Attention
The first few sentences of your essay are crucial - they must grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading.Â
One way to do this is by starting with a shocking statistic or an interesting story. The reader will be instantly hooked and will be enticed to read more.
Research Both SidesÂ
A good persuasive essay will consider both sides of an issue and present a well-rounded view. This means researching both sides of the argument before taking a stance.Â
Make sure to consider all the evidence before making up your mind - otherwise, your argument won't be as strong as it could be.
Ask Rhetorical Questions
Rhetorical questions are not meant to be answered but rather to make the reader think about the issue.Â
For example, "How can we expect our children to succeed in school if they don't have enough resources?"Â
Questions like this can help engage readers and get them thinking about solutions rather than just complaining about problems.
Emphasize Your Point
It's important to reiterate your main points throughout the essay so that readers don't forget what they are supposed to argue for or against by the time they reach the end of the paper.
Persuasive essays can be difficult to write, but following simple tips can help make the process easier.Â
In this blog, we've outlined the components of a persuasive essay and provided some tips on how to write one. We also shared examples of persuasive essays that scored high marks on standardized tests.Â
If you are looking for an essay writing service , look no further than CollegeEssay.org! Our experienced essay writer can provide the assistance you need to produce an essay that meets the highest standards.
Let our persuasive essay writer handle the hard work and get you started on your path to success.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Persuasive Essays
How long should a persuasive essay be.
Generally speaking, persuasive essays should be between 500-750 words. However, the length of your essay will depend on the instructions given by your teacher or professor.
What Techniques Are Used In Persuasive Essays?
Persuasive techniques include facts and statistics, emotion and logic, personal stories, analogies and metaphors, pathos, ethos, and logos.
How Do I Make My Persuasive Essay More Convincing?
To make your essay more convincing, cite reliable sources, use persuasive language, and provide strong evidence and arguments.
How Is Persuasive Writing Different From Argumentative Writing?
The main difference between persuasive and argumentative writing is that persuasive writing seeks to convince or persuade the reader. On the other hand, argumentative writing seeks to debate an issue.
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Argumentative/Persuasive Essay
What is an argumentative/persuasive essay.
Persuasive writing, used in an argumentative essay, utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.
When Planning a Persuasive Essay, Follow These Steps:
- Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the purpose of your essay.
- Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position.
- Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic.
- Structure your essay. Determine what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic.
The Following Criteria are Essential to Produce an Effective Argument:
- Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes.
- Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argument, must have two sides. It must be debatable. If you can write down a thesis statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.
- Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.
- Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason. The following are different ways to support your argument:
To Evaluate the Effectiveness of an Argument Essay, Ask Two Questions:
- Is the opinion based on facts and specific evidence rather than on personal judgments and emotional reactions?
- Does the method of presenting the opinion have enough impact to persuade the reader to agree?
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65 Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays
The previous chapters in this section offer an overview of what it means to formulate an argument in an academic situation. The purpose of this chapter is to offer more concrete, actionable tips for drafting an academic persuasive essay. Keep in mind that preparing to draft a persuasive essay relies on the strategies for any other thesis-driven essay, covered by the section in this textbook, The Writing Process. The following chapters can be read in concert with this one:
- Critical Reading and other research strategies helps writers identify the exigence (issue) that demands a response, as well as what kinds of research to use.
- Generate Ideas covers prewriting models (such as brainstorming techniques) that allow students to make interesting connections and develop comprehensive thesis statements. These connections and main points will allow a writer to outline their core argument.
- Organizing is important for understanding why an argument essay needs a detailed plan, before the drafting stage. For an argument essay, start with a basic outline that identifies the claim, reasoning, and evidence, but be prepared to develop more detailed outlines that include counterarguments and rebuttals, warrants, additional backing, etc., as needed.
- Drafting introduces students to basic compositional strategies that they must be familiar with before beginning an argument essay. This current chapter offers more details about what kinds of paragraphs to practice in an argument essay, but it assumes the writer is familiar with basic strategies such as coherence and cohesion.
Classical structure of an argument essay
Academic persuasive essays tend to follow whatâs known as the âclassicalâ structure, based on techniques that derive from ancient Roman and Medieval rhetoricians. John D. Ramage, et. al outline this structure in Writing Arguments :
Introduction (one to several paragraphs) | ||
Presentation of writerâs position | ||
Summary of opposing views (Counterarguments) Response to opposing views (Rebuttals) | ||
Conclusion |
This very detailed table can be simplified. Most academic persuasive essays include the following basic elements:
- Introduction that explains why the situation is important and presents your argument (aka the claim or thesis).
- Reasons the thesis is correct or at least reasonable.
- Evidence that supports each reason, often occurring right after the reason the evidence supports.
- Acknowledgement of objections.
- Response to objections.
Keep in mind that the structure above is just a conventional starting point. The previous chapters of this section suggest how different kinds of arguments (Classical/Aristotelian, Toulmin, Rogerian) involve slightly different approaches, and your course, instructor, and specific assignment prompt may include its own specific instructions on how to complete the assignment. There are many different variations. At the same time, however, most academic argumentative/persuasive essays expect you to practice the techniques mentioned below. These tips overlap with the elements of argumentation, covered in that chapter, but they offer more explicit examples for how they might look in paragraph form, beginning with the introduction to your essay.
Persuasive introductions should move from context to thesis
Since one of the main goals of a persuasive essay introduction is to forecast the broader argument, itâs important to keep in mind that the legibility of the argument depends on the ability of the writer to provide sufficient information to the reader. If a basic high school essay moves from general topic to specific argument (the funnel technique), a more sophisticated academic persuasive essay is more likely to move from context to thesis.
The great stylist of clear writing, Joseph W. Williams, suggests that one of the key rhetorical moves a writer can make in a persuasive introduction is to not only provide enough background information (the context), but to frame that information in terms of a problem or issue, what the section on Reading and Writing Rhetorically terms the exigence . The ability to present a clearly defined problem and then the thesis as a solution creates a motivating introduction. The reader is more likely to be gripped by it, because we naturally want to see problems solved.
Consider these two persuasive introductions, both of which end with an argumentative thesis statement:
Example B feels richer, more dramatic, and much more targeted not only because itâs longer, but because itâs structured in a âmotivatingâ way. Hereâs an outline of that structure:
- Hook: It opens with a brief hook that illustrates an emerging issue. This concrete, personal anecdote grips the readerâs attention.
- Problem: The anecdote is connected with the emerging issue, phrased as a problem that needs to be addressed.
- Debate: The writer briefly alludes to a debate over how to respond to the problem.
- Claim: The introduction ends by hinting at how the writer intends to address the problem, and itâs phrased conversationally, as part of an ongoing dialogue.
Not every persuasive introduction needs all of these elements. Not all introductions will have an obvious problem. Sometimes a âproblem,â or the exigence, will be as subtle as an ambiguity in a text that needs to be cleared up (as in literary analysis essays). Other times it will indeed be an obvious problem, such as in a problem-solution argument essay.
In most cases, however, a clear introduction will proceed from context to thesis . The most attention-grabbing and motivating introductions will also include things like hooks and problem-oriented issues.
Hereâs a very simple and streamlined template that can serve as rudimentary scaffolding for a persuasive introduction, inspired by the excellent book, They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing :
Each aspect of the template will need to be developed, but it can serve as training wheels for how to craft a nicely structured context-to-thesis introduction, including things like an issue, debate, and claim. You can try filling in the blanks below, and then export your attempt as a document.
Define key terms, as needed
Much of an academic persuasive essay is dedicated to supporting the claim. A traditional thesis-driven essay has an introduction, body, and conclusion, and the support constitutes much of the body. In a persuasive essay, most of the support is dedicated to reasoning and evidence (more on that below). However, depending on what your claim does, a careful writer may dedicate the beginning (or other parts of the essay body) to defining key terms.
Suppose I wish to construct an argument that enters the debate over euthanasia. When researching the issue, I notice that much of the debate circles around the notion of rights, specifically what a âlegal rightâ actually means. Clearly defining that term will help reduce some of the confusion and clarify my own argument. In Vancouver Island Universityâs resource â Defining key terms ,â Ian Johnston offers this example for how to define âlegal rightâ for an academic reader:
Before discussing the notion of a right to die, we need to clarify precisely what the term legal right means. In common language, the term ârightâ tends often to mean something good, something people ought to have (e.g., a right to a good home, a right to a meaningful job, and so on). In law, however, the term has a much more specific meaning. It refers to something to which people are legally entitled. Thus, a âlegalâ right also confers a legal obligation on someone or some institution to make sure the right is conferred. For instance, in Canada, children of a certain age have a right to a free public education. This right confers on society the obligation to provide that education, and society cannot refuse without breaking the law. Hence, when we use the term right to die in a legal sense, we are describing something to which a citizen is legally entitled, and we are insisting that someone in society has an obligation to provide the services which will confer that right on anyone who wants it.
As the example above shows, academics often dedicate space to providing nuanced and technical definitions that correct common misconceptions. Johnstonâs definition relies on research, but itâs not always necessary to use research to define your terms. Here are some tips for crafting definitions in persuasive essays, from âDefining key termsâ:
- Fit the descriptive detail in the definition to the knowledge of the intended audience. The definition of, say, AIDS for a general readership will be different from the definition for a group of doctors (the latter will be much more technical). It often helps to distinguish between common sense or popular definitions and more technical ones.
- Make sure definitions are full and complete; do not rush them unduly. And do not assume that just because the term is quite common that everyone knows just what it means (e.g., alcoholism ). If you are using the term in a very specific sense, then let the reader know what that is. The amount of detail you include in a definition should cover what is essential for the reader to know, in order to follow the argument. By the same token, do not overload the definition, providing too much detail or using far too technical a language for those who will be reading the essay.
- Itâs unhelpful to simply quote the google or dictionary.com definition of a word. Dictionaries contain a few or several definitions for important terms, and the correct definition is informed by the context in which itâs being employed. Itâs up to the writer to explain that context and how the word is usually understood within it.
- You do not always need to research a definition. Depending on the writing situation and audience, you may be able to develop your own understanding of certain terms.
Use P-E-A-S or M-E-A-L to support your claim
The heart of a persuasive essay is a claim supported by reasoning and evidence. Thus, much of the essay body is often devoted to the supporting reasons, which in turn are proved by evidence. One of the formulas commonly taught in K-12 and even college writing programs is known as PEAS, which overlaps strongly with the MEAL formula introduced by the chapter, â Basic Integration â:
Point : State the reasoning as a single point: âOne reason why a soda tax would be effective is thatâŠâ or âOne way an individual can control their happiness is byâŠâ
Evidence : After stating the supporting reason, prove that reason with related evidence. There can be more than one piece of evidence. âAccording to âŠâ or âIn the article, ââŠ,â the author shows that âŠâ
Analysis : There a different levels of analysis. At the most basic level, a writer should clearly explain how the evidence proves the point, in their own words: âIn other wordsâŠ,â âWhat this data shows is thatâŠâ Sometimes the âAâ part of PEAS becomes simple paraphrasing. Higher-level analysis will use more sophisticated techniques such as Toulminâs warrants to explore deeper terrain. For more tips on how to discuss and analyze, refer to the previous chapterâs section, â Analyze and discuss the evidence .â
Summary/So what? : Tie together all of the components (PEA) succinctly, before transitioning to the next idea. If necessary, remind the reader how the evidence and reasoning relates to the broader claim (the thesis argument).
PEAS and MEAL are very similar; in fact they are identical except for how they refer to the first and last part. In theory, it shouldnât matter which acronym you choose. Both versions are effective because they translate the basic structure of a supporting reason (reasoning and evidence) into paragraph form.
Hereâs an example of a PEAS paragraph in an academic persuasive essay that argues for a soda tax:
A soda tax would also provide more revenue for the federal government, thereby reducing its debt. point Despite Ernest Istookâs concerns about eroding American freedom, the United States has long supported the ability of government to leverage taxes in order to both curb unhealthy lifestyles and add revenue. According to Peter Ubelâs âWould the Founding Fathers Approve of a Sugar Tax?â, in 1791 the US government was heavily in debt and needed stable revenue. In response, the federal government taxed what most people viewed as a âsinâ at that time: alcohol. This single tax increased government revenue by at least 20% on average, and in some years more than 40% . The effect was that only the people who really wanted alcohol purchased it, and those who could no longer afford it were getting rid of what they already viewed as a bad habit (Ubel). evidence Just as alcohol (and later, cigarettes) was viewed as a superfluous âsinâ in the Early Republic, so today do many health experts and an increasing amount of Americans view sugar as extremely unhealthy, even addictive. If our society accepts taxes on other consumer sins as a way to improve government revenue, a tax on sugar is entirely consistent. analysis We could apply this to the soda tax and try to do something like this to help knock out two problems at once: help people lose their addiction towards soda and help reduce our governmentâs debt. summary/so what?
The paragraph above was written by a student who was taught the PEAS formula. However, we can see versions of this formula in professional writing. Hereâs a more sophisticated example of PEAS, this time from a non-academic article. In Nicholas Carrâs extremely popular article, â Is Google Making Us Stupid? â, he argues that Google is altering how we think. To prove that broader claim, Carr offers a variety of reasons and evidence. Hereâs part of his reasoning:
Thanks to the ubiquity of text on the Internet, not to mention the popularity of text-messaging on cell phones, we may well be reading more today than we did in the 1970s or 1980s, when television was our medium of choice. But itâs a different kind of reading, and behind it lies a different kind of thinkingâperhaps even a new sense of the self. point âWe are not only what we read,â says Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist at Tufts University and the author of Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain . âWe are how we read.â Wolf worries that the style of reading promoted by the Net, a style that puts âefficiencyâ and âimmediacyâ above all else, may be weakening our capacity for the kind of deep reading that emerged when an earlier technology, the printing press, made long and complex works of prose commonplace. When we read online, she says, we tend to become âmere decoders of information.â evidence Our ability to interpret text, to make the rich mental connections that form when we read deeply and without distraction, remains largely disengaged. analysis
This excerpt only contains the first three elements, PEA, and the analysis part is very brief (itâs more like paraphrase), but it shows how professional writers often employ some version of the formula. It tends to appear in persuasive texts written by experienced writers because it reinforces writing techniques mentioned elsewhere in this textbook. A block of text structured according to PEA will practice coherence, because opening with a point (P) forecasts the main idea of that section. Embedding the evidence (E) within a topic sentence and follow-up commentary or analysis (A) is part of the âquote sandwichâ strategy we cover in the section on âWriting With Sources.â
Use âthey say / i sayâ strategies for Counterarguments and rebuttals
Another element thatâs unique to persuasive essays is embedding a counterargument. Sometimes called naysayers or opposing positions, counterarguments are points of view that challenge our own.
Why embed a naysayer?
Recall above how a helpful strategy for beginning a persuasive essay (the introduction) is to briefly mention a debateâwhat some writing textbooks call âjoining the conversation.â Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkensteinâs They Say / I Say explains why engaging other points of view is so crucial:
Not long ago we attended a talk at an academic conference where the speakerâs central claim seemed to be that a certain sociologistâcall him Dr. Xâhad done very good work in a number of areas of the discipline. The speaker proceeded to illustrate his thesis by referring extensively and in great detail to various books and articles by Dr. X and by quoting long pas-sages from them. The speaker was obviously both learned and impassioned, but as we listened to his talk we found ourselves somewhat puzzled: the argumentâthat Dr. Xâs work was very importantâwas clear enough, but why did the speaker need to make it in the first place? Did anyone dispute it? Were there commentators in the field who had argued against Xâs work or challenged its value? Was the speakerâs interpretation of what X had done somehow novel or revolutionary? Since the speaker gave no hint of an answer to any of these questions, we could only wonder why he was going on and on about X. It was only after the speaker finished and took questions from the audience that we got a clue: in response to one questioner, he referred to several critics who had vigorously questioned Dr. Xâs ideas and convinced many sociologists that Dr. Xâs work was unsound.
When writing for an academic audience, one of the most important moves a writer can make is to demonstrate how their ideas compare to others. It serves as part of the context. Your essay might be offering a highly original solution to a certain problem youâve researched the entire semester, but the reader will only understand that if existing arguments are presented in your draft. Or, on the other hand, you might be synthesizing or connecting a variety of opinions in order to arrive at a more comprehensive solution. Thatâs also fine, but the creativity of your synthesis and its unique contribution to existing research will only be known if those other voices are included.
Aristotelian argumentation embeds counterarguments in order to refute them. Rogerian arguments present oppositional stances in order to synthesize and integrate them. No matter what your strategy is, the essay should be conversational.
Notice how Ana Mari Cauce opens her essay on free speech in higher education, â Messy but Essential â:
Over the past year or two, issues surrounding the exercise of free speech and expression have come to the forefront at colleges around the country. The common narrative about free speech issues that we so often read goes something like this: todayâs college students â overprotected and coddled by parents, poorly educated in high school and exposed to primarily left-leaning faculty â have become soft âsnowflakesâ who are easily offended by mere words and the slightest of insults, unable or unwilling to tolerate opinions that veer away from some politically correct orthodoxy and unable to engage in hard-hitting debate. counterargument
This is false in so many ways, and even insulting when you consider the reality of studentsâ experiences today. claim
The introduction to her article is essentially a counteragument (which serves as her introductory context) followed by a response. Embedding naysayers like this can appear anywhere in an essay, not just the introduction. Notice, furthermore, how Cauceâs naysayer isnât gleaned from any research she did. Itâs just a general, trendy naysayer, something one might hear nowadays, in the ether. It shows sheâs attuned to an ongoing conversation, but it doesnât require her to cite anything specific. As the previous chapter on using rhetorical appeals in arguments explained, this kind of attunement with an emerging problem (or exigence) is known as the appeal to kairos . A compelling, engaging introduction will demonstrate that the argument âkairoticallyâ addresses a pressing concern.
Below is a brief overview of what counterarguments are and how you might respond to them in your arguments. This section was developed by Robin Jeffrey, in â Counterargument and Response â:
Common Types of counterarguments
- Could someone disagree with your claim? If so, why? Explain this opposing perspective in your own argument, and then respond to it.
- Could someone draw a different conclusion from any of the facts or examples you present? If so, what is that different conclusion? Explain this different conclusion and then respond to it.
- Could a reader question any of your assumptions or claims? If so, which ones would they question? Explain and then respond.
- Could a reader offer a different explanation of an issue? If so, what might their explanation be? Describe this different explanation, and then respond to it.
- Is there any evidence out there that could weaken your position? If so, what is it? Cite and discuss this evidence and then respond to it.
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, that does not necessarily mean that you have a weak argument. It means, ideally and as long as your argument is logical and valid, that you have a counterargument. Good arguments can and do have counterarguments; it is important to discuss them. But you must also discuss and then respond to those counterarguments.
Responding to counterarguments
You do not need to attempt to do all of these things as a way to respond; instead, choose the response strategy that makes the most sense to you, for the counterargument that you have.
- If you agree with some of the counterargument perspectives, you can concede some of their points. (âI do agree that âŠ.â, âSome of the points made by ____ are validâŠ..â) You could then challenge the importance/usefulness of those points. âHowever, this information does not apply to our topic becauseâŠâ
- If the counterargument perspective is one that contains different evidence than you have in your own argument, you can explain why a reader should not accept the evidence that the counterarguer presents.
- If the counterargument perspective is one that contains a different interpretation of evidence than you have in your own argument, you can explain why a reader should not accept the interpretation of the evidence that that your opponent (counterarguer) presents.
- If the counterargument is an acknowledgement of evidence that threatens to weaken your argument, you must explain why and how that evidence does not, in fact invalidate your claim.
It is important to use transitional phrases in your paper to alert readers when youâre about to present an counterargument. Itâs usually best to put this phrase at the beginning of a paragraph such as:
- Researchers have challenged these claims withâŠ
- Critics argue that this viewâŠ
- Some readers may point toâŠ
- A perspective that challenges the idea that . . .
Transitional phrases will again be useful to highlight your shift from counterargument to response:
- Indeed, some of those points are valid. However, . . .
- While I agree that . . . , it is more important to consider . . .
- These are all compelling points. Still, other information suggests that . .
- While I understand . . . , I cannot accept the evidence because . . .
Further reading
To read more about the importance of counterarguments in academic writing, read Steven D. Krauseâs â On the Other Hand: The Role of Antithetical Writing in First Year Composition Courses .â
When concluding, address the âso what?â challenge
As Joseph W. Williams mentions in his chapter on concluding persuasive essays in Style ,
a good introduction motivates your readers to keep reading, introduces your key themes, and states your main point ⊠[but] a good conclusion serves a different end: as the last thing your reader reads, it should bring together your point, its significance, and its implications for thinking further about the ideas your explored.
At the very least, a good persuasive conclusion will
- Summarize the main points
- Address the So what? or Now what? challenge.
When summarizing the main points of longer essays, Williams suggests itâs fine to use âmetadiscourse,â such as, âI have argued that.â If the essay is short enough, however, such metadiscourses may not be necessary, since the reader will already have those ideas fresh in their mind.
After summarizing your essayâs main points, imagine a friendly reader thinking,
âOK, Iâm persuaded and entertained by everything youâve laid out in your essay. But remind me whatâs so important about these ideas? What are the implications? What kind of impact do you expect your ideas to have? Do you expect something to change?â
Itâs sometimes appropriate to offer brief action points, based on the implications of your essay. When addressing the âSo what?â challenge, however, itâs important to first consider whether your essay is primarily targeted towards changing the way people think or act . Do you expect the audience to do something, based on what youâve argued in your essay? Or, do you expect the audience to think differently? Traditional academic essays tend to propose changes in how the reader thinks more than acts, but your essay may do both.
Finally, Williams suggests that itâs sometimes appropriate to end a persuasive essay with an anecdote, illustrative fact, or key quote that emphasizes the significance of the argument. We can see a good example of this in Carrâs article, â Is Google Making Us Stupid? â Here are the introduction and conclusion, side-by-side:
[Introduction] âDave, stop. Stop, will you? Stop, Dave. Will you stop, Dave?â So the supercomputer HAL pleads with the implacable astronaut Dave Bowman in a famous and weirdly poignant scene toward the end of Stanley Kubrickâs 2001: A Space Odyssey . Bowman, having nearly been sent to a deep-space death by the malfunctioning machine, is calmly, coldly disconnecting the memory circuits that control its artificial â brain. âDave, my mind is going,â HAL says, forlornly. âI can feel it. I can feel it.â
I can feel it, too. Over the past few years Iâve had an uncomfortable sense that someone, or something, has been tinkering with my brain, remapping the neural circuitry, reprogramming the memory. âŠ
[Conclusion] Iâm haunted by that scene in 2001 . What makes it so poignant, and so weird, is the computerâs emotional response to the disassembly of its mind: its despair as one circuit after another goes dark, its childlike pleading with the astronautââI can feel it. I can feel it. Iâm afraidââand its final reversion to what can only be called a state of innocence. HALâs outpouring of feeling contrasts with the emotionlessness that characterizes the human figures in the film, who go about their business with an almost robotic efficiency. Their thoughts and actions feel scripted, as if theyâre following the steps of an algorithm. In the world of 2001 , people have become so machinelike that the most human character turns out to be a machine. Thatâs the essence of Kubrickâs dark prophecy: as we come to rely on computers to mediate our understanding of the world, it is our own intelligence that flattens into artificial intelligence.
Instead of merely rehashing all of the articleâs main points, Carr returns to the same movie scene from 2001 that he opened with. The final lines interpret the scene according to the argument he just dedicated the entire essay to presenting.
The entire essay should use rhetorical appeals strategically
The chapter â Persuasive Appeals â introduces students to logos, pathos, ethos, and kairos. Becoming familiar with each of those persuasive appeals can add much to an essay. It also reinforces the idea that writing argumentative essays is not a straightforward process of jotting down proofs. Itâs not a computer algorithm.
- Logos (appeals to evidence and reasoning) is the foundational appeal of an argument essay. Clearly identifying the claim, then supporting that claim with reasoning and evidence will appeal to the readerâs logos demands. As the previous chapter on argumentation mentions, however, what constitutes solid evidence will vary depending on the audience. Make sure your evidence is indeed convincing to your intended reader.
- Pathos (appeals to emotion) are a crucial component and should permeate should every section of the essay. Personal anecdotes are an effective way to illustrate important ideas, and they connect with the reader at an emotional level. Personal examples also cultivate voice .
- Ethos (appeals to character, image, and values) is essential to gaining the readerâs trust and assent. The tone of your essay (snarky, sincere, ironic, sarcastic, empathetic) is immensely important for its overall effect, and it helps build the readerâs image of you. A careful attention to high-quality research reinforces a sincere and empathetic tone. When supporting certain claims and sub-claims, itâs also important to identify implied beliefs (warrants) that your reader is most likely to agree with, and to undermine beliefs that might seem repugnant.
- Kairos (appeals to timeliness) impresses the reader with your attunement to the situation. This should be practiced especially in the introduction, but it can appear throughout the essay as you engage with research and other voices that have recently weighed in on the topic.
All of these appeals are already happening, whether or not theyâre recognized. If they are missed, the audience will often use them against you, judging your essay as not being personable enough (pathos), or not in touch with commonly accepted values (ethos), or out of touch with whatâs going on (kairos). These non-logical appeals arenât irrational. They are crucial components to writing that matters.
Argument Outline Exercise
To get started on your argument essay, practice adopting from of the outlines from this Persuasive Essay Outline worksheet .
Write What Matters Copyright © 2020 by Joel Gladd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
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Argumentative Essays
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What is an argumentative essay?
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.
Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.
The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.
- A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.
In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.
- Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.
- Body paragraphs that include evidential support.
Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).
However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.
- Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).
The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.
- A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.
It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.
A complete argument
Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.
The five-paragraph essay
A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.
Longer argumentative essays
Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.
Chapter 10 Rhetorical Modes
10.9 persuasion, learning objectives.
- Determine the purpose and structure of persuasion in writing.
- Identify bias in writing.
- Assess various rhetorical devices.
- Distinguish between fact and opinion.
- Understand the importance of visuals to strengthen arguments.
- Write a persuasive essay.
The Purpose of Persuasive Writing
The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince, motivate, or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion. The act of trying to persuade automatically implies more than one opinion on the subject can be argued.
The idea of an argument often conjures up images of two people yelling and screaming in anger. In writing, however, an argument is very different. An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue in writing is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way. Written arguments often fail when they employ ranting rather than reasoning.
Most of us feel inclined to try to win the arguments we engage in. On some level, we all want to be right, and we want others to see the error of their ways. More times than not, however, arguments in which both sides try to win end up producing losers all around. The more productive approach is to persuade your audience to consider your opinion as a valid one, not simply the right one.
The Structure of a Persuasive Essay
The following five features make up the structure of a persuasive essay:
- Introduction and thesis
- Opposing and qualifying ideas
- Strong evidence in support of claim
- Style and tone of language
- A compelling conclusion
Creating an Introduction and Thesis
The persuasive essay begins with an engaging introduction that presents the general topic. The thesis typically appears somewhere in the introduction and states the writerâs point of view.
Avoid forming a thesis based on a negative claim. For example, âThe hourly minimum wage is not high enough for the average worker to live on.â This is probably a true statement, but persuasive arguments should make a positive case. That is, the thesis statement should focus on how the hourly minimum wage is low or insufficient.
Acknowledging Opposing Ideas and Limits to Your Argument
Because an argument implies differing points of view on the subject, you must be sure to acknowledge those opposing ideas. Avoiding ideas that conflict with your own gives the reader the impression that you may be uncertain, fearful, or unaware of opposing ideas. Thus it is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.
Try to address opposing arguments earlier rather than later in your essay. Rhetorically speaking, ordering your positive arguments last allows you to better address ideas that conflict with your own, so you can spend the rest of the essay countering those arguments. This way, you leave your reader thinking about your argument rather than someone elseâs. You have the last word.
Acknowledging points of view different from your own also has the effect of fostering more credibility between you and the audience. They know from the outset that you are aware of opposing ideas and that you are not afraid to give them space.
It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish. In effect, you are conceding early on that your argument is not the ultimate authority on a given topic. Such humility can go a long way toward earning credibility and trust with an audience. Audience members will know from the beginning that you are a reasonable writer, and audience members will trust your argument as a result. For example, in the following concessionary statement, the writer advocates for stricter gun control laws, but she admits it will not solve all of our problems with crime:
Although tougher gun control laws are a powerful first step in decreasing violence in our streets, such legislation alone cannot end these problems since guns are not the only problem we face.
Such a concession will be welcome by those who might disagree with this writerâs argument in the first place. To effectively persuade their readers, writers need to be modest in their goals and humble in their approach to get readers to listen to the ideas. See Table 10.5 “Phrases of Concession” for some useful phrases of concession.
Table 10.5 Phrases of Concession
although | granted that |
of course | still |
though | yet |
- Foreign policy
- Television and advertising
- Stereotypes and prejudice
- Gender roles and the workplace
- Driving and cell phones
Collaboration
Please share with a classmate and compare your answers. Choose the thesis statement that most interests you and discuss why.
Bias in Writing
Everyone has various biases on any number of topics. For example, you might have a bias toward wearing black instead of brightly colored clothes or wearing jeans rather than formal wear. You might have a bias toward working at night rather than in the morning, or working by deadlines rather than getting tasks done in advance. These examples identify minor biases, of course, but they still indicate preferences and opinions.
Handling bias in writing and in daily life can be a useful skill. It will allow you to articulate your own points of view while also defending yourself against unreasonable points of view. The ideal in persuasive writing is to let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and a respectful and reasonable address of opposing sides.
The strength of a personal bias is that it can motivate you to construct a strong argument. If you are invested in the topic, you are more likely to care about the piece of writing. Similarly, the more you care, the more time and effort you are apt to put forth and the better the final product will be.
The weakness of bias is when the bias begins to take over the essayâwhen, for example, you neglect opposing ideas, exaggerate your points, or repeatedly insert yourself ahead of the subject by using I too often. Being aware of all three of these pitfalls will help you avoid them.
The Use of I in Writing
The use of I in writing is often a topic of debate, and the acceptance of its usage varies from instructor to instructor. It is difficult to predict the preferences for all your present and future instructors, but consider the effects it can potentially have on your writing.
Be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound overly biased. There are two primary reasons:
- Excessive repetition of any word will eventually catch the readerâs attentionâand usually not in a good way. The use of I is no different.
- The insertion of I into a sentence alters not only the way a sentence might sound but also the composition of the sentence itself. I is often the subject of a sentence. If the subject of the essay is supposed to be, say, smoking, then by inserting yourself into the sentence, you are effectively displacing the subject of the essay into a secondary position. In the following example, the subject of the sentence is underlined:
Smoking is bad.
I think smoking is bad.
In the first sentence, the rightful subject, smoking , is in the subject position in the sentence. In the second sentence, the insertion of I and think replaces smoking as the subject, which draws attention to I and away from the topic that is supposed to be discussed. Remember to keep the message (the subject) and the messenger (the writer) separate.
Developing Sound Arguments
Does my essay contain the following elements?
- An engaging introduction
- A reasonable, specific thesis that is able to be supported by evidence
- A varied range of evidence from credible sources
- Respectful acknowledgement and explanation of opposing ideas
- A style and tone of language that is appropriate for the subject and audience
- Acknowledgement of the argumentâs limits
- A conclusion that will adequately summarize the essay and reinforce the thesis
Fact and Opinion
Facts are statements that can be definitely proven using objective data. The statement that is a fact is absolutely valid. In other words, the statement can be pronounced as true or false. For example, 2 + 2 = 4. This expression identifies a true statement, or a fact, because it can be proved with objective data.
Opinions are personal views, or judgments. An opinion is what an individual believes about a particular subject. However, an opinion in argumentation must have legitimate backing; adequate evidence and credibility should support the opinion. Consider the credibility of expert opinions. Experts in a given field have the knowledge and credentials to make their opinion meaningful to a larger audience.
For example, you seek the opinion of your dentist when it comes to the health of your gums, and you seek the opinion of your mechanic when it comes to the maintenance of your car. Both have knowledge and credentials in those respective fields, which is why their opinions matter to you. But the authority of your dentist may be greatly diminished should he or she offer an opinion about your car, and vice versa.
In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions. Relying on one or the other will likely lose more of your audience than it gains.
The word prove is frequently used in the discussion of persuasive writing. Writers may claim that one piece of evidence or another proves the argument, but proving an argument is often not possible. No evidence proves a debatable topic one way or the other; that is why the topic is debatable. Facts can be proved, but opinions can only be supported, explained, and persuaded.
On a separate sheet of paper, take three of the theses you formed in Note 10.94 “Exercise 1”, and list the types of evidence you might use in support of that thesis.
Using the evidence you provided in support of the three theses in Note 10.100 “Exercise 2”, come up with at least one counterargument to each. Then write a concession statement, expressing the limits to each of your three arguments.
Using Visual Elements to Strengthen Arguments
Adding visual elements to a persuasive argument can often strengthen its persuasive effect. There are two main types of visual elements: quantitative visuals and qualitative visuals.
Quantitative visuals present data graphically. They allow the audience to see statistics spatially. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience. For example, sometimes it is easier to understand the disparity in certain statistics if you can see how the disparity looks graphically. Bar graphs, pie charts, Venn diagrams, histograms, and line graphs are all ways of presenting quantitative data in spatial dimensions.
Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audienceâs emotions. Photographs and pictorial images are examples of qualitative visuals. Such images often try to convey a story, and seeing an actual example can carry more power than hearing or reading about the example. For example, one image of a child suffering from malnutrition will likely have more of an emotional impact than pages dedicated to describing that same condition in writing.
Writing at Work
Writing a persuasive essay.
Choose a topic that you feel passionate about. If your instructor requires you to write about a specific topic, approach the subject from an angle that interests you. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction. Your thesis should typically appear somewhere in your introduction.
Start by acknowledging and explaining points of view that may conflict with your own to build credibility and trust with your audience. Also state the limits of your argument. This too helps you sound more reasonable and honest to those who may naturally be inclined to disagree with your view. By respectfully acknowledging opposing arguments and conceding limitations to your own view, you set a measured and responsible tone for the essay.
Make your appeals in support of your thesis by using sound, credible evidence. Use a balance of facts and opinions from a wide range of sources, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and personal anecdotes. Each piece of evidence should be fully explained and clearly stated.
Make sure that your style and tone are appropriate for your subject and audience. Tailor your language and word choice to these two factors, while still being true to your own voice.
Finally, write a conclusion that effectively summarizes the main argument and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample persuasive essay.
Choose one of the topics you have been working on throughout this section. Use the thesis, evidence, opposing argument, and concessionary statement as the basis for writing a full persuasive essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, clear explanations of all the evidence you present, and a strong conclusion.
Key Takeaways
- The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion.
- An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue, in writing, is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way.
- A thesis that expresses the opinion of the writer in more specific terms is better than one that is vague.
- It is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.
- It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish through a concession statement.
- To persuade a skeptical audience, you will need to use a wide range of evidence. Scientific studies, opinions from experts, historical precedent, statistics, personal anecdotes, and current events are all types of evidence that you might use in explaining your point.
- Make sure that your word choice and writing style is appropriate for both your subject and your audience.
- You should let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and respectfully and reasonably addressing opposing ideas.
- You should be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound more biased than it needs to.
- Facts are statements that can be proven using objective data.
- Opinions are personal views, or judgments, that cannot be proven.
- In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions.
- Quantitative visuals present data graphically. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience.
- Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audienceâs emotions.
- Successful Writing. Authored by : Anonymous. Provided by : Anonymous. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/successful-writing/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
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Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like what must the writer of a persuasive essay do to win over the reader, in a persuasive essay what is the writers job, what are 3 things persuasive essays require and more.
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like purpose, for or against, Persuasive Writing and more. ... Lesson 7 - Evaluating a Persuasive Essay. 10 terms. Anonomiss_ Preview. Practice Test Questions Research. 203 terms. Kels2017. Preview. Helping Relationship Phases ... Figure out what evidence you will include and in what ...
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like 1, 2, and more. ... Narrative essays often include observations and details about the people and places in the story. ... For example, your school probably has a policy about how students should dress. Some persuasive essays call for making or changing a policy.
The 5 Must-Have Steps of a Persuasive Essay. If you're intimidated by the idea of writing an argument, use this list to break your process into manageable chunks. ... The essay structure usually includes the following parts: Intro - Hook, Background information, Thesis statement; Topic sentence #1, with supporting facts or stats;
Most composition classes you'll take will teach the art of persuasive writing. That's a good thing. Knowing where you stand on issues and knowing how to argue for or against something is a skill that will serve you well both inside and outside of the classroom.. Persuasion is the art of using logic to prompt audiences to change their mind or take action, and is generally seen as ...
See Chapter 15 "Readings: Examples of Essays" to read a sample persuasive essay. Exercise 4. Choose one of the topics you have been working on throughout this section. Use the thesis, evidence, opposing argument, and concessionary statement as the basis for writing a full persuasive essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, clear ...
Student Outline. Elizabeth Lamoureux. Dr. Cox. English 1101 Honors. April 25, 2013. Outline. Thesis: Technical high schools should be established in every county in Georgia because they can provide the technical training that companies need, can get young people into the workforce earlier, and can reduce the number of drop outs.. Technical high schools can provide the technical training that ...
Persuasive essays often include counterarguments. These arguments oppose the writer's position. ... After all, we're not robots - we're human beings and always make decisions based on our feelings. ... Generally speaking, persuasive essays should be between 500-750 words. However, the length of your essay will depend on the instructions given ...
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Persuasive Essay, Persuasive Essay, Starting Point and more. ... Include factual information, statistics, research findings, expert opinions, and examples that validate your thesis. Ensure that your evidence is credible and relevant to your topic
The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts. ... A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. ... Structure your essay. Determine what evidence you will ...
Most academic persuasive essays include the following basic elements: Introduction that explains why the situation is important and presents your argument (aka the claim or thesis). ... You do not always need to research a definition. Depending on the writing situation and audience, you may be able to develop your own understanding of certain ...
Examples of Essays; Choose a topic that you feel passionate about. If your instructor requires you to write about a specific topic, approach the subject from an angle that interests you. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction. Your thesis should typically appear near the end of your introduction.
persuasive essay, keep in mind that writing itself is a fluid process. There are no steadfast rules that you need to adhere to as you write. Simply because the introduction is the first paragraph in your essay does not mean that you must write this paragraph before any other. Think of the act of writing as an
The conclusion should end the paper and support your position and the significance of your argument. One word of caution: avoid introducing any new information in your conclusion. If you find that there's another point that you wanted to include, revise your essay. Include this new information into the body of your essay.
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What is the purpose of a persuasive essay?, What is the thesis statement in a persuasive essay?, What should a persuasive essay include? and more.
A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay. In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important (exigence) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students ...
Persuasive Essays. Home; Choosing Your Topic; Writing Your Thesis; Creating an Outline; Conducting Research; Writing Your Essay; Using Resources and Citing Your Work This link opens in a new window; This page is not currently available due to visibility settings. Last Updated: Jun 14, 2024 8:31 AM;
See Chapter 15 "Readings: Examples of Essays" to read a sample persuasive essay. Exercise 4. Choose one of the topics you have been working on throughout this section. Use the thesis, evidence, opposing argument, and concessionary statement as the basis for writing a full persuasive essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, clear ...
restate your opinion, summarize the main points of the essay, and ends with a closing statement.
A persuasive essay should always contain supporting reasons and evidence, along with a clear argument. Though other elements like anecdotes, figures of speech, and emotionally intense language can be used, they are not necessary. Therefore option c. is the correct answer. A persuasive essay should always include supporting reasons and evidence ...
Opposing or contrasting argument; when you include the opposite point-of-view in your essay and explain why it is not good Argumentative Essay A persuasive essay that includes a counter argument. It is a more effective way to get your point across and convince someone of something.
A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing that aims to persuade the reader to accept the writer's point of view. Therefore, it should always include supporting reasons and evidence.Choice A, supporting reasons and evidence, is correct. A persuasive essay should include strong arguments that support the writer's viewpoint.