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Persuasive Essay Guide
Persuasive Essay Examples
30+ Persuasive Essay Examples To Get You Started
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Are you looking to improve your persuasive writing skills?
One of the best ways to do that is by reading persuasive essay examples. These examples can show you how to structure your arguments effectively.
But finding good examples can be a challenge. Don't worry, though – we've gathered some helpful persuasive essays for you right here!
So, if you're in search of persuasive essay examples to help you write your own, you're in the right place.
Keep reading this blog to explore various examples!
- 1. Persuasive Essay Examples For Students
- 2. Persuasive Writing Example For Elementary Schools
- 3. Persuasive Essay Examples Middle School
- 4. Persuasive Essay Examples High School
- 5. Persuasive Essay Examples for College Students
- 6. Persuasive Essay Examples For University
- 7. Persuasive Essay Examples for Different Formats
- 8. Basic Persuasive Essay Structure
- 9. Catchy Persuasive Essay Topics
Persuasive Essay Examples For Students
A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader of the author’s point of view.
To find the right path for your essay, it's helpful to go through some examples. Similarly, good essay examples also help to avoid any potential pitfalls and offer clear information to the readers to adopt.
Let’s take a look at 2 short persuasive essay examples, focusing on current and relevant issues:
Example 1:
Why Napping Should Be Encouraged in Schools? Ever feel like your brain is fried after lunch? You're not alone! Many students experience an afternoon slump, making it hard to focus and learn. But what if there was a simple solution: naps? Napping isn't just for babies. Studies show that short naps can boost alertness, improve memory, and enhance creativity. Imagine feeling refreshed and ready to tackle those afternoon math problems or history readings. Schools should encourage napping by providing designated quiet spaces and flexible schedules. Some might argue that naps cut into valuable learning time. However, research suggests that napping can actually lead to better overall learning. A well-rested student is more likely to pay attention, absorb information, and participate actively in class. It's a win-win situation! Schools around the world are already experimenting with nap programs, and the results are promising. Students report feeling more energized and focused, and their academic performance is improving. Wouldn't it be great if your school joined this trend? Let's ditch the afternoon slump and embrace the power of napping. It's a simple change that can have a big impact on student learning and well-being. |
Have you ever noticed how children seem to learn best when they're having fun? Imagine classrooms transformed from rows of desks and textbooks into vibrant spaces filled with laughter and exploration [Sensory Details]. This engaging environment can be achieved by incorporating more play-based learning into the curriculum. Play is not just a frivolous activity; it's a powerful tool that should be used throughout a student's academic journey [Direct Approach]. This essay argues that play-based learning fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning .
Beyond simple entertainment, play offers a dynamic learning experience. Through games, simulations, and hands-on activities, students actively engage with concepts [Logical Reasoning]. They experiment with different approaches, analyze situations, and learn from their mistakes. This active learning environment sparks curiosity, a natural human desire to explore further, and ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of the subject matter . Play also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for success not only in academics but also in future careers and everyday life [Logical Reasoning]. Whether it's building a block tower or collaborating on a play, children develop crucial skills like analyzing situations, making decisions, and working together to overcome challenges . Some might argue that play is a distraction from serious learning. However, research shows the opposite is true – play-based learning actually increases student engagement and academic achievement . Students who learn through play are more motivated, retain information better, and develop a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom walls .
In conclusion, incorporating play-based learning into education offers a wealth of benefits for students. It ignites curiosity, fosters critical thinking skills, and promotes a lifelong love of learning [Reiteration]. Let's encourage our schools to embrace play as a powerful tool and create classrooms filled with laughter, exploration, and a deeper understanding for every student . |
If you are looking for longer examples, below are some persuasive essay examples pdf for different academic levels. Read them for free.
Persuasive Writing Example For Elementary Schools
Here are provided some sample essays to further explain the concept of persuasive writing for students.
3rd-grade Persuasive Essay Example
4th-grade Persuasive Essay Example
Persuasive Essay Example 5th-grade
Persuasive Essay Examples Middle School
Check out these persuasive essay examples for middle school to get a comprehensive idea of the format structure.
Persuasive Essay Examples for 6th Grade
7th-grade Persuasive Essay Example
8th-grade Persuasive Essay Example
Persuasive Essay Examples High School
The following are good persuasive essay examples for high school. Having a look at them will help you understand better.
Persuasive Essay Examples Grade 10
High-school Persuasive Essay Example
Examples of Persuasive Essay in Everyday Life
Persuasive Essay Examples for College Students
Essay writing at the college level becomes more complicated. We have provided you with top-notch college persuasive and argumentative essay examples here. Read them to understand the essay writing process easily.
11th-grade Persuasive Essay Example
Persuasive Essay Examples College
Higher English Persuasive Essay Example
Persuasive Essay About Smoking
Argumentative and Persuasive Examples
Persuasive Essay Examples For University
It becomes even more challenging to draft a perfect essay at the university level. Look at the examples of persuasive essays below to get an idea of writing one.
University Persuasive Essay Example
Political Persuasive Essay Examples
Persuasive Essay Examples About Life
Persuasive Essay Examples for Different Formats
A persuasive essay can be written in several formats. For instance, you can write the usual 5-paragraph essay, or even something longer or shorter.
Below are a few sample essays in various common formats.
Persuasive Essay Examples 5 Paragraph
Persuasive Essay Examples 3 Paragraph
These examples tell you how to remain convincing and persuasive regardless of the essay format you use.
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Basic Persuasive Essay Structure
Here's a breakdown of the typical persuasive essay outline , along with an example for each step:
- Introduction (Grab Attention & Introduce the Issue):
Hook your reader with an interesting fact, anecdote, or question-related to the topic. Briefly introduce the issue you'll be arguing for.
For Example:
Have you ever dreamt of classrooms filled with laughter and curiosity, not just the pressure of tests? Imagine a world where students learn not just facts, but how to think critically and solve real-world problems. This can be achieved by implementing project-based learning in all schools. |
- Thesis Statement (Clearly State Your Position):
The thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of your entire argument. It should be clear, concise, and specific, and include your main points.
Project-based learning, where students tackle real-world challenges through collaborative projects, is a superior educational method that fosters deeper learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills compared to traditional lecture-based teaching. |
- Body Paragraphs (Develop Your Arguments):
Dedicate each paragraph to a single main point supporting your thesis. Use strong evidence to back up your claims. This can include statistics, research findings, expert opinions, or personal anecdotes. Use clear transitions between paragraphs to show the flow of your argument.
Project-based learning goes beyond rote memorization. Students venture into real-world problems, like designing a sustainable water system or creating a campaign to raise awareness about climate change. This active engagement sparks curiosity and a drive to find solutions, leading to a deeper understanding of the concepts involved.
Furthermore, project-based learning fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students have to analyze situations, research information, collaborate with peers, and come up with creative solutions to complex challenges. This collaborative approach mirrors real-world scenarios, preparing students for future success in their careers. |
- Counterargument (Acknowledge Opposing Views):
Briefly acknowledge potential objections to your argument. This shows you've considered different viewpoints and strengthens your own position.
Some may argue that project-based learning can be time-consuming or require additional resources. However, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment. |
- Rebuttal (Address Counterarguments):
Explain why the counterarguments are not strong enough to invalidate your main points. Offer additional evidence to solidify your position.
While project-based learning might require initial planning and adjustments, the research shows a significant increase in student engagement and academic achievement. This can lead to improved classroom management and reduced need for reteaching, ultimately saving teachers time in the long run. |
- Conclusion (Restate & Call to Action):
Briefly restate your thesis and summarize your main points. End with a strong call to action, urging the reader to adopt your perspective or take a specific step.
In conclusion, project-based learning offers a dynamic and engaging approach to education. It cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the subjects. Let's urge our schools to embrace this innovative teaching method and prepare our students for a brighter future. |
By following this structure and incorporating strong evidence, you can craft a persuasive essay that effectively convinces your reader to see things your way.
Catchy Persuasive Essay Topics
Now that you have read some good examples, it's time to write your own persuasive essay.
But what should you write about? You can write persuasive essays about any topic, from business and online education to controversial topics like abortion, gun control, and more.
Here is a list of ten persuasive essay topics that you can use to grab your reader's attention and make them think:
- Should the government increase taxes to fund public health initiatives?
- Is the current education system effective in preparing students for college and the workplace?
- Should there be tighter gun control laws?
- Should schools have uniforms or a dress code?
- Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student performance?
- Should students be required to take physical education courses?
- Is undocumented immigration a legitimate cause for concern in the United States?
- Is affirmative action still necessary in today’s society?
- How much, if any, regulation should there be on technology companies?
- Is the death penalty an appropriate form of punishment for serious crimes?
Need more topic ideas? Check out our extensive list of unique persuasive essay topics and get started!
To Sum it Up!
This post gave you plenty of persuasive essay examples to check out. By going through them, you’ve learned how to build strong arguments, organize your essay, and use evidence effectively.
Now it’s time to get writing! Don’t worry about being perfect—just give it a try and make it your own. But if you’re still feeling stuck, don’t stress.
Place your " Do my essay " request at MyPerfectWords.com . With a team of experienced writers, we're are ready to create top-notch essays on any topic.
Our persuasive essay writing service is here to help! So, reach out to us for the expert assistance you need!
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Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.
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Persuasive Essay Guide
Persuasive Essay Examples
Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023
Free Persuasive Essay Examples to Help you Get Started
By: Caleb S.
Reviewed By: Rylee W.
Published on: Jan 28, 2020
There are many different kinds of essays, and a persuasive essay is one of them. When writing one, you will have to maintain a certain kind of voice and style throughout the essay.
We know that it could be difficult for you to adapt to a certain tone and maintain it throughout the essay.
Therefore, we gathered some easy-to-understand and high-quality persuasive essay examples to help you get started. These examples will help you know how persuasive writing is different from other kinds of writing.
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Good Persuasive Essay Examples
There are a lot of benefits of reading great and well-written essays. However, for many students, writing this type of essay would be a novel task. They may not have written it before and need help.
Essays examples come in handy in such situations. This is especially helpful before you begin to write a persuasive essay, which extends to selecting a topic. A persuasive piece of writing is based on encouraging the readers to adopt and agree with your perspective.
These essay examples help the students in the following ways.
- They help the students choose from good persuasive essay topics .
- They help with proper essay formatting.
- They help the students know about the required essay sections.
- They tell the students about the kind of content that is suitable for that particular kind of essay.
- They help you make your essay an effective persuasive essay.
Reading great essay examples or samples helps you know about your weaknesses and the areas you need to focus on.
Here are some examples for your ease.
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE ABOUT COVID 19
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE ABOUT PRODUCT
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE 5 PARAGRAPH
How to Start a Persuasive Essay - Example
Starting your essay engaging will help to keep the readers accepting your point of view. This is important because if you go astray, the reader will lose interest and leave your essay in the middle. To avoid it, make sure that your introduction and essay start is strong and impactful.
Below is an example that gives you a better idea and makes your essay writing process easy.
HOW TO START A PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE
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Persuasive Essay Examples for Elementary Students
At primary school, teachers assign essays to students as a way of improving their writing skills. However, the essays are very simple and not very complex, so the students easily write them.
Below are some good persuasive essay topics for primary school kids.
Persuasive Essay Examples for 3rd Grade
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR 3RD GRADE
Persuasive Essay Examples for 4th Grade
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR 4TH GRADE
Persuasive Essay Examples for 5th Grade
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR 5TH GRADE
Persuasive Essay Examples for Middle School
Middle school kids are better acquainted with the essays. These kids learn many things, and by now, essays have become a common part of their homework.
If you are a middle school student and looking for some essay examples, then refer below.
Persuasive Essay Examples for 6th Grade
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR 6TH GRADE
Persuasive Essay Examples for 7th Grade
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR 7TH GRADE
Persuasive Essay Examples for 8th Grade
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR 8TH GRADE
Persuasive Essay Examples for High School
High-school students are often struggling with writing a persuasive essay. However, if you get help from examples, you will easily write a good one.
Below are some persuasive essay examples to help high-school students.
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR 9TH GRADE
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR 10TH GRADE
Persuasive Essay Examples College
Are you looking for college persuasive essay examples? Therefore, for your help, we gathered a professionally written example that you could use for your ease.
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR COLLEGE
Higher English Persuasive Essay Examples
Higher English is a standalone subject and a specialized study course. Here, the students study the language and literature together and learn how to hone their writing skills. For this, they also study different fiction and non-fiction texts and works.
Look at this example and know how a good persuasive essay looks like.
PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FOR HIGHER ENGLISH
How to End a Persuasive Essay - Examples
The ending is as important for your essay as the beginning. A strong conclusion will leave a lasting and strong mark on the reader. This is why you do not end your essay in haste and put ample thought into it.
Refer to the below example to know how to end your persuasive essay strongly.
HOW TO END A PERSUASIVE ESSAY - EXAMPLE
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Tips to Write a Great Persuasive Essay
Below are some helpful tips that will assist you in writing an engaging and great essay.
- Your essay topic should be about something that you are passionate about. It is important because you work better when you are working on something that you like.
- Know your audience fully before starting to write your essay. The essay content largely depends on your academic level. Teachers of higher grades expect the essays to be perfectly researched and written. Therefore, make it according to your teacher’s expectations.
- Begin the essay with a powerful hook sentence. This could be anything like a rhetorical question, a fact, or something interesting about the main essay topic.
- Add a brief and relevant thesis statement after the introduction and divide the body paragraphs according to the number of ideas.
- Do proper research about both sides of the argument. It will help you counter the opposite views and put your point of view more significantly. Do not assume that the audience knows about your stance; research and tell them a better story.
- Emphasize your viewpoint with strong and substantial evidence and details
- Keep the tone empathetic and make the reader feel that you can relate to their experiences and emotions. This is a powerful writing technique because people trust those who know their feelings.
- Divide the sections logically and maintain proper transition between the sections and the rest of the essay.
- Do not add any new ideas at the end of the essay or in conclusion. This section must stick to the main ideas only. Thus, explain one or two of the core ideas and your personal opinion here.
- Proofread your essay thoroughly and make sure that it is error-free and perfectly written.
- Do not mix the persuasive essay with an argumentative essay; they both are different.
Following all these tips, you will be able to write an engaging and perfect persuasive essay.
However, if you still need help. Consult 5StarEssays.com , a professional writing service that provides write my essay help to high-school, college, and university students. We have a dedicated team of professional writers, ensuring you get high-quality essays and papers within the given deadline.
So, contact us now and get your essay on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 persuasive techniques.
Below are the five persuasive techniques.
- Think about tone.
- Know the reader’s purpose.
- Establish trust and credibility.
- Use rhetoric and repetition.
- Pay attention to language.
How do you start a persuasive essay?
Here are some steps that you should follow and start writing a persuasive essay.
- Brainstorm the topic ideas.
- Research on the topic.
- Create an outline.
- Develop the thesis statement.
- Choose a strong hook statement.
- Divide the information into body paragraphs.
Arts, Persuasive Essay
Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.
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- Persuasive Essay Topics Ideas to Craft an A-Worthy Essay
- Persuasive Essay Outline - Detailed Guide with Examples
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How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Tips and Tricks
By Allison Bressmer
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 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.
Ready for some tips on how to produce a well-written, well-rounded, well-structured persuasive essay? Just say yes. I don’t 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.
How Do I Start a Persuasive Essay?
As with any essay introduction, this paragraph is where you grab your audience’s 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 “announcing” your thesis. Don’t include statements like this:
- “In my essay I will show why extinct animals should (not) be regenerated.”
- “The purpose of my essay is to argue that extinct animals should (not) be regenerated.”
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?
TIP: Brainstorm and do your research before you decide which arguments you’ll 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 “mic-drop” 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 shouldn’t simply repeat them.
TIP 1: Be careful not to introduce a new argument in the conclusion—there’s no time to develop it now that you’ve reached the end of your discussion!
TIP 2 : As with your thesis, avoid announcing your conclusion. Don’t start your conclusion with “in conclusion” or “to conclude” or “to end my essay” type statements. Your audience should be able to see that you are bringing the discussion to a close without those overused, less sophisticated signals.
If your instructor has assigned you a topic, then you’ve already got your issue; you’ll 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 “tastes” (likes and dislikes) can’t really be argued. No matter how many ways someone tries to convince me that milk chocolate rules, I just won’t agree.
It’s dark chocolate or nothing as far as my tastes are concerned.
Similarly, you can’t convince a person to “like” 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 can’t convince a person that the film really appeals to them.
Once you’ve selected your issue, determine your position just as you would for an assigned topic. That position will ultimately become your thesis.
Until you’ve finalized your work, consider your thesis a “working thesis.”
This means that your statement represents your position, but you might change its phrasing or structure for that final version.
When you’re writing an essay for a class, it can seem strange to identify an audience—isn’t the audience the instructor?
Your instructor will read and evaluate your essay, and may be part of your greater audience, but you shouldn’t 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 you—the people who need convincing.
That population could be quite broad, for example, if you’re arguing a political issue, or narrow, if you’re trying to convince your parents to extend your curfew.
Once you’ve got a sense of your audience, it’s time to consult with Aristotle. Aristotle’s teaching on persuasion has shaped communication since about 330 BC. Apparently, it works.
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?
- You show you’ve done your research: you understand the issue, both sides
- You show respect for the opposing side: if you disrespect your audience, they won’t respect you or your ideas
Logos relates to logic. How will you convince your audience that your arguments and ideas are reasonable?
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 else’s 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 ProWritingAid’s 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?
- 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 “all logos” approach will leave your essay dry and without a sense of voice; it will probably bore your audience rather than make them care.
Once you’ve got your essay planned, start writing! Don’t worry about perfection, just get your ideas out of your head and off your list and into a rough essay format.
After you’ve written your draft, evaluate your work. What works and what doesn’t? For help with evaluating and revising your work, check out this ProWritingAid post on manuscript revision .
After you’ve evaluated your draft, revise it. Repeat that process as many times as you need to make your work the best it can be.
When you’re 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 ethos—the authority—of your work.
You don’t have to edit alone! ProWritingAid’s Realtime Report will find errors and make suggestions for improvements.
You can even use it on emails to your professors:
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 what’s 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 “argue” 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.
Be confident about grammar
Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.
Allison Bressmer
Allison Bressmer is a professor of freshman composition and critical reading at a community college and a freelance writer. If she isn’t writing or teaching, you’ll 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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40 Real-World Persuasive Writing Examples (Essays, Speeches, Ads, and More)
Learn from the experts.
The more we read, the better writers we become. Teaching students to write strong persuasive essays should always start with reading some top-notch models. This round-up of persuasive writing examples includes famous speeches, influential ad campaigns, contemporary reviews of famous books, and more. Use them to inspire your students to write their own essays. (Need persuasive essay topics? Check out our list of interesting persuasive essay ideas here! )
- Persuasive Essays
- Persuasive Speeches
- Advertising Campaigns
Persuasive Essay Writing Examples
From the earliest days of print, authors have used persuasive essays to try to sway others to their own point of view. Check out these top persuasive essay writing examples.
Professions for Women by Virginia Woolf
Sample lines: “Outwardly, what is simpler than to write books? Outwardly, what obstacles are there for a woman rather than for a man? Inwardly, I think, the case is very different; she has still many ghosts to fight, many prejudices to overcome. Indeed it will be a long time still, I think, before a woman can sit down to write a book without finding a phantom to be slain, a rock to be dashed against. And if this is so in literature, the freest of all professions for women, how is it in the new professions which you are now for the first time entering?”
The Crisis by Thomas Paine
Sample lines: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.”
Politics and the English Language by George Orwell
Sample lines: “As I have tried to show, modern writing at its worst does not consist in picking out words for the sake of their meaning and inventing images in order to make the meaning clearer. It consists in gumming together long strips of words which have already been set in order by someone else, and making the results presentable by sheer humbug.”
Letter From a Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sample lines: “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was ‘well timed’ in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word ‘Wait!’ It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This ‘Wait’ has almost always meant ‘Never.’ We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that ‘justice too long delayed is justice denied.’”
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
Sample lines: “Even voting for the right is doing nothing for it. It is only expressing to men feebly your desire that it should prevail. A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority. There is but little virtue in the action of masses of men.”
Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Roger Ebert
Sample lines: “‘Kindness’ covers all of my political beliefs. No need to spell them out. I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime.”
The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin
Sample lines: “Methinks I hear some of you say, must a man afford himself no leisure? I will tell thee, my friend, what Poor Richard says, employ thy time well if thou meanest to gain leisure; and, since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour. Leisure is time for doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but the lazy man never; so that, as Poor Richard says, a life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things.” ADVERTISEMENT
The Crack-Up by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Sample lines: “Of course all life is a process of breaking down, but the blows that do the dramatic side of the work—the big sudden blows that come, or seem to come, from outside—the ones you remember and blame things on and, in moments of weakness, tell your friends about, don’t show their effect all at once.”
Open Letter to the Kansas School Board by Bobby Henderson
Sample lines: “I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. … Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. … We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him. It is for this reason that I’m writing you today, to formally request that this alternative theory be taught in your schools, along with the other two theories.”
Open Letter to the United Nations by Niels Bohr
Sample lines: “Humanity will, therefore, be confronted with dangers of unprecedented character unless, in due time, measures can be taken to forestall a disastrous competition in such formidable armaments and to establish an international control of the manufacture and use of the powerful materials.”
Persuasive Speech Writing Examples
Many persuasive speeches are political in nature, often addressing subjects like human rights. Here are some of history’s most well-known persuasive writing examples in the form of speeches.
I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sample lines: “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
Woodrow Wilson’s War Message to Congress, 1917
Sample lines: “There are, it may be, many months of fiery trial and sacrifice ahead of us. It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars, civilization itself seeming to be in the balance. But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts—for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as shall bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free.”
Chief Seattle’s 1854 Oration
Sample lines: “I here and now make this condition that we will not be denied the privilege without molestation of visiting at any time the tombs of our ancestors, friends, and children. Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished. Even the rocks, which seem to be dumb and dead as they swelter in the sun along the silent shore, thrill with memories of stirring events connected with the lives of my people, and the very dust upon which you now stand responds more lovingly to their footsteps than yours, because it is rich with the blood of our ancestors, and our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch.”
Women’s Rights Are Human Rights, Hillary Rodham Clinton
Sample lines: “What we are learning around the world is that if women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If women are free from violence, their families will flourish. If women have a chance to work and earn as full and equal partners in society, their families will flourish. And when families flourish, communities and nations do as well. … If there is one message that echoes forth from this conference, let it be that human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights once and for all.”
I Am Prepared To Die, Nelson Mandela
Sample lines: “Above all, My Lord, we want equal political rights, because without them our disabilities will be permanent. I know this sounds revolutionary to the whites in this country, because the majority of voters will be Africans. This makes the white man fear democracy. But this fear cannot be allowed to stand in the way of the only solution which will guarantee racial harmony and freedom for all. It is not true that the enfranchisement of all will result in racial domination. Political division, based on color, is entirely artificial and, when it disappears, so will the domination of one color group by another. … This then is what the ANC is fighting. Our struggle is a truly national one. It is a struggle of the African people, inspired by our own suffering and our own experience. It is a struggle for the right to live.”
The Struggle for Human Rights by Eleanor Roosevelt
Sample lines: “It is my belief, and I am sure it is also yours, that the struggle for democracy and freedom is a critical struggle, for their preservation is essential to the great objective of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. Among free men the end cannot justify the means. We know the patterns of totalitarianism—the single political party, the control of schools, press, radio, the arts, the sciences, and the church to support autocratic authority; these are the age-old patterns against which men have struggled for 3,000 years. These are the signs of reaction, retreat, and retrogression. The United Nations must hold fast to the heritage of freedom won by the struggle of its people; it must help us to pass it on to generations to come.”
Freedom From Fear by Aung San Suu Kyi
Sample lines: “Saints, it has been said, are the sinners who go on trying. So free men are the oppressed who go on trying and who in the process make themselves fit to bear the responsibilities and to uphold the disciplines which will maintain a free society. Among the basic freedoms to which men aspire that their lives might be full and uncramped, freedom from fear stands out as both a means and an end. A people who would build a nation in which strong, democratic institutions are firmly established as a guarantee against state-induced power must first learn to liberate their own minds from apathy and fear.”
Harvey Milk’s “The Hope” Speech
Sample lines: “Some people are satisfied. And some people are not. You see there is a major difference—and it remains a vital difference—between a friend and a gay person, a friend in office and a gay person in office. Gay people have been slandered nationwide. We’ve been tarred and we’ve been brushed with the picture of pornography. In Dade County, we were accused of child molestation. It is not enough anymore just to have friends represent us, no matter how good that friend may be.”
The Union and the Strike, Cesar Chavez
Sample lines: “We are showing our unity in our strike. Our strike is stopping the work in the fields; our strike is stopping ships that would carry grapes; our strike is stopping the trucks that would carry the grapes. Our strike will stop every way the grower makes money until we have a union contract that guarantees us a fair share of the money he makes from our work! We are a union and we are strong and we are striking to force the growers to respect our strength!”
Nobel Lecture by Malala Yousafzai
Sample lines: “The world can no longer accept that basic education is enough. Why do leaders accept that for children in developing countries, only basic literacy is sufficient, when their own children do homework in algebra, mathematics, science, and physics? Leaders must seize this opportunity to guarantee a free, quality, primary and secondary education for every child. Some will say this is impractical, or too expensive, or too hard. Or maybe even impossible. But it is time the world thinks bigger.”
Persuasive Writing Examples in Advertising Campaigns
Ads are prime persuasive writing examples. You can flip open any magazine or watch TV for an hour or two to see sample after sample of persuasive language. Here are some of the most popular ad campaigns of all time, with links to articles explaining why they were so successful.
Nike: Just Do It
The iconic swoosh with the simple tagline has persuaded millions to buy their kicks from Nike and Nike alone. Teamed with pro sports-star endorsements, this campaign is one for the ages. Blinkist offers an opinion on what made it work.
Dove: Real Beauty
Beauty brand Dove changed the game by choosing “real” women instead of models to tell their stories. They used relatable images and language to make connections, and inspired other brands to try the same concept. Learn why Global Brands considers this one a true success story.
Wendy’s: Where’s the Beef?
Today’s kids are too young to remember the cranky old woman demanding to know where the beef was on her fast-food hamburger. But in the 1980s, it was a catchphrase that sold millions of Wendy’s burgers. Learn from Better Marketing how this ad campaign even found its way into the 1984 presidential debate.
De Beers: A Diamond Is Forever
A diamond engagement ring has become a standard these days, but the tradition isn’t as old as you might think. In fact, it was De Beers jewelry company’s 1948 campaign that created the modern engagement ring trend. The Drum has the whole story of this sparkling campaign.
Volkswagen: Think Small
Americans have always loved big cars. So in the 1960s, when Volkswagen wanted to introduce their small cars to a bigger market, they had a problem. The clever “Think Small” campaign gave buyers clever reasons to consider these models, like “If you run out of gas, it’s easy to push.” Learn how advertisers interested American buyers in little cars at Visual Rhetoric.
American Express: Don’t Leave Home Without It
Amex was once better known for traveler’s checks than credit cards, and the original slogan was “Don’t leave home without them.” A simple word change convinced travelers that American Express was the credit card they needed when they headed out on adventures. Discover more about this persuasive campaign from Medium.
Skittles: Taste the Rainbow
These candy ads are weird and intriguing and probably not for everyone. But they definitely get you thinking, and that often leads to buying. Learn more about why these wacky ads are successful from The Drum.
Maybelline: Maybe She’s Born With It
Smart wordplay made this ad campaign slogan an instant hit. The ads teased, “Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline.” (So many literary devices all in one phrase!) Fashionista has more on this beauty campaign.
Coca-Cola: Share a Coke
Seeing their own name on a bottle made teens more likely to want to buy a Coke. What can that teach us about persuasive writing in general? It’s an interesting question to consider. Learn more about the “Share a Coke” campaign from Digital Vidya.
Always: #LikeAGirl
Talk about the power of words! This Always campaign turned the derogatory phrase “like a girl” on its head, and the world embraced it. Storytelling is an important part of persuasive writing, and these ads really do it well. Medium has more on this stereotype-bashing campaign.
Persuasive Editorial Writing Examples
Newspaper editors or publishers use editorials to share their personal opinions. Noted politicians, experts, or pundits may also offer their opinions on behalf of the editors or publishers. Here are a couple of older well-known editorials, along with a selection from current newspapers.
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus (1897)
Sample lines: “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.”
What’s the Matter With Kansas? (1896)
Sample lines: “Oh, this IS a state to be proud of! We are a people who can hold up our heads! What we need is not more money, but less capital, fewer white shirts and brains, fewer men with business judgment, and more of those fellows who boast that they are ‘just ordinary clodhoppers, but they know more in a minute about finance than John Sherman,’ we need more men … who hate prosperity, and who think, because a man believes in national honor, he is a tool of Wall Street.”
America Can Have Democracy or Political Violence. Not Both. (The New York Times)
Sample lines: “The nation is not powerless to stop a slide toward deadly chaos. If institutions and individuals do more to make it unacceptable in American public life, organized violence in the service of political objectives can still be pushed to the fringes. When a faction of one of the country’s two main political parties embraces extremism, that makes thwarting it both more difficult and more necessary. A well-functioning democracy demands it.”
The Booster Isn’t Perfect, but Still Can Help Against COVID (The Washington Post)
Sample lines: “The booster shots are still free, readily available and work better than the previous boosters even as the virus evolves. Much still needs to be done to build better vaccines that protect longer and against more variants, including those that might emerge in the future. But it is worth grabbing the booster that exists today, the jab being a small price for any measure that can help keep COVID at bay.”
If We Want Wildlife To Thrive in L.A., We Have To Share Our Neighborhoods With Them (Los Angeles Times)
Sample lines: “If there are no corridors for wildlife movement and if excessive excavation of dirt to build bigger, taller houses erodes the slope of a hillside, then we are slowly destroying wildlife habitat. For those people fretting about what this will do to their property values—isn’t open space, trees, and wildlife an amenity in these communities?”
Persuasive Review Writing Examples
Book or movie reviews are more great persuasive writing examples. Look for those written by professionals for the strongest arguments and writing styles. Here are reviews of some popular books and movies by well-known critics to use as samples.
The Great Gatsby (The Chicago Tribune, 1925)
Sample lines: “What ails it, fundamentally, is the plain fact that it is simply a story—that Fitzgerald seems to be far more interested in maintaining its suspense than in getting under the skins of its people. It is not that they are false: It is that they are taken too much for granted. Only Gatsby himself genuinely lives and breathes. The rest are mere marionettes—often astonishingly lifelike, but nevertheless not quite alive.”
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (The Washington Post, 1999)
Sample lines: “Obviously, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone should make any modern 11-year-old a very happy reader. The novel moves quickly, packs in everything from a boa constrictor that winks to a melancholy Zen-spouting centaur to an owl postal system, and ends with a scary surprise. Yet it is, essentially, a light-hearted thriller, interrupted by occasional seriousness (the implications of Harry’s miserable childhood, a moral about the power of love).”
Twilight (The Telegraph, 2009)
Sample lines: “No secret, of course, at whom this book is aimed, and no doubt, either, that it has hit its mark. The four Twilight novels are not so much enjoyed, as devoured, by legions of young female fans worldwide. That’s not to say boys can’t enjoy these books; it’s just that the pages of heart-searching dialogue between Edward and Bella may prove too long on chat and too short on action for the average male reader.”
To Kill a Mockingbird (Time, 1960)
Sample lines: “Author Lee, 34, an Alabaman, has written her first novel with all of the tactile brilliance and none of the preciosity generally supposed to be standard swamp-warfare issue for Southern writers. The novel is an account of an awakening to good and evil, and a faint catechistic flavor may have been inevitable. But it is faint indeed; novelist Lee’s prose has an edge that cuts through cant, and she teaches the reader an astonishing number of useful truths about little girls and about Southern life.”
The Diary of Anne Frank (The New York Times, 1952)
Sample lines: “And this quality brings it home to any family in the world today. Just as the Franks lived in momentary fear of the Gestapo’s knock on their hidden door, so every family today lives in fear of the knock of war. Anne’s diary is a great affirmative answer to the life-question of today, for she shows how ordinary people, within this ordeal, consistently hold to the greater human values.”
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What is a Persuasive Essay? Full Persuasive Essay Guide
In a world where effective communication is crucial, mastering persuasive writing is essential. It transcends simply expressing opinions by enabling you to influence others and clearly articulate your message. Say goodbye to difficulties in making your point; join us as we explore how to craft persuasive essays that are both informative and genuinely compelling in our guide!
Persuasive Essay Definition
This type of essay persuades the reader to agree with your viewpoint by presenting convincing arguments, research, and ideas. You rely on logic and reason to demonstrate why your perspective is more valid than others. You must present clear arguments supported by compelling facts. Several key elements should be included in these essays:
- A clear thesis statement or main idea that guides your essay's focus.
- An opening paragraph that introduces your thesis statement and sets the stage for your argument.
- Body paragraphs that use specific research evidence to support your points.
- Smooth transitions between paragraphs that connect ideas clearly and engagingly.
- Addressing counterarguments to acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints.
- A conclusion that reinforces your central idea without repeating it word for word.
Elements of a Persuasive Essay
Persuasive essays rely on three key elements called modes of persuasion . These were introduced by Aristotle, a famous philosopher, to help make arguments strong and convincing.
First, there's logos , which means using evidence and logical reasoning to support your points. It's crucial to clearly state your main argument and back it up with solid evidence. Remember, what counts as convincing evidence can vary depending on who you're trying to persuade.
Next up is pathos , which involves appealing to people's emotions. Sharing personal stories can be really effective here because they help readers connect emotionally with your argument. Plus, personal anecdotes can give your essay a unique voice.
Lastly, there's ethos , which is all about building trust and credibility with your audience. The way you write your essay—whether it's serious, funny, or sincere—can affect how readers see you. Using reliable sources and showing empathy can also help establish your credibility. And when you're making claims, it's important to consider what your readers already believe and try to address any doubts they might have.
Feeling overwhelmed by all this info? Just say - ' write my paper ,' and our expert writers will jump in to assist you right away!
How to Write a Persuasive Essay in 7 Steps
Writing a persuasive essay usually follows a structured format: introduction, body, conclusion . Unlike argument essays, which involve discussing and attacking alternate views, persuasive essays aim to convince the reader of your argument's validity. They're a bit more gentle and understanding in tone. To craft a solid persuasive essay, follow the 7 steps in this section. And while you're at it, don't forget to explore our guide on how to write an argumentative essay , too. These two types of assignments are the most common in school and college.
Step 1: Topic Selection and Research
Choosing a good topic is where you start when writing a persuasive essay. Think about things that really interest you and make you feel strongly. But it's not just about what you like; you also need to think about what matters to your readers. Do some digging to learn more about your topic. Look into different parts of it by checking out reliable sources like books, websites, and academic articles.
While you're doing your research, keep an eye out for different opinions and new ideas about your topic. This helps you get ready for arguments against your point of view. It's also important to see if there's enough evidence out there to back up what you believe. Having lots of evidence makes it easier to make a strong case.
For more help on picking a topic, check out our persuasive essay topics .
Step 2: Develop a Strong Thesis Statement
A well-developed thesis statement should be specific, concise, and debatable. Avoid saying things that are too vague or broad, as they won't give your essay a clear direction. Instead, try to come up with a thesis that clearly says what you believe and encourages people to think about it critically.
Make sure your thesis statement is backed up by the evidence you found in your research. Use facts, numbers, or opinions from experts to support what you're saying and make your argument stronger.
Also, think about how your thesis statement fits into your whole persuasive essay. It should not only outline your main argument but also give a hint about why it's important.
Step 3: Create an Outline
An academic persuasive essay outline typically follows the 'classical' structure, which is based on techniques used by ancient Roman rhetoricians. Here are the basic elements your outline should include:
Section | Details |
---|---|
Introduction | 1. Engaging opener 2. Providing context and necessary background information 3. Stating the writer's main argument or claim 4. Offering a preview of what will be discussed in the essay |
Body Paragraphs | 1. Introducing and providing evidence for each reason sequentially 2. Demonstrating how each reason aligns with values or beliefs held by the audience |
Counterargument | 1. Recognizing and addressing opposing viewpoints 2. Explaining why these opposing viewpoints are flawed or less persuasive |
Conclusion | 1. Bringing the essay to a close 2. Summarizing the main points or arguments presented 3. Leaving a lasting impression on the reader 4. Encouraging action or connecting the topic to broader societal issues |
Step 4: Write the Introduction
When writing a persuasive essay introduction, it should not only give background information but also frame it as a problem or issue, known as the exigence. Presenting a clearly defined problem and proposing the thesis as a solution makes for a compelling introduction, as readers naturally want to see problems solved.
Here's a breakdown of an effective persuasive essay introduction:
- Hook : Begin with a brief anecdote that highlights an emerging issue, capturing the reader's attention.
- Context : Provide background information related to the topic.
- Problem : Connect the anecdote with the emerging issue, presenting it as a problem in need of addressing.
- Debate : Mention briefly the existing debate surrounding how to respond to the problem.
- Claim : Conclude the introduction by hinting at how you intend to address the problem, presented in a conversational tone as part of an ongoing dialogue.
Step 5: Delve into Body Paragraphs
The core of a persuasive essay lies in presenting a claim supported by reasoning and evidence. This means that much of the essay's body is dedicated to providing supporting reasons backed by evidence. A common approach taught in schools and colleges is the PEAS formula:
- Point : Start by explaining your reason clearly. For example, 'Another reason why we need to recycle is because...'
- Evidence : After explaining your reason, give proof that supports it. You can mention facts or share what experts say. You might say, ' I saw in a study that.. .' or ' Scientists have found that.. .'
- Analysis : Explain how your proof supports your reason. You can say, ' This means that.. .' or ' This shows us that... '
- Summary/So what? : Finish by quickly summarizing everything you said before. Then, explain why it's important or what it means for your argument.
Step 6: Address Counterarguments
When you're dealing with counterarguments, pick the response strategy that matches your argument.
- If you agree with some points from the counterargument, acknowledge them and explain why they're not important for your topic.
- If the counterargument uses different evidence, say why it's not trustworthy.
- If the counterargument looks at evidence in a different way, explain why their understanding is wrong.
- If the counterargument weakens your point with evidence, explain why it doesn't actually disprove your argument.
Use phrases like these to introduce counterarguments:
- Some researchers say...
- Critics argue that...
- Others might think...
- There's a different view that...
And transition like this from counterargument to response:
- While some of that makes sense, I still believe...
- Even if that's true, it doesn't change the fact that...
- Those points are interesting, but they don't affect my argument because...
- I see where you're coming from, but I can't agree because...
Step 7: Conclude with a Call to Action or a Memorable Closing Statement
A good persuasive conclusion should do two things:
- Summarize the main points of your essay. If it's a longer essay, using phrases like 'I have argued that' can help, but for shorter essays, it might not be needed since the reader will remember the main ideas.
- Address the ' So what? ' or ' Now what? ' challenge. Imagine your reader asking, 'Okay, I'm convinced by your essay, but why are these ideas important? What should I do with them? Do you expect things to change?' Depending on whether your essay aims to change how people think or act, offer brief action points or insights into the implications of your ideas.
Consider ending with an anecdote, fact, or quote that highlights the significance of your argument.
Also, take a look at our guide on how to write a synthesis essay . It's a common type of assignment you'll encounter in school and college.
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Persuasive Essay Examples
Here are great examples of persuasive essays to inspire you. If you like the writing style of our authors, you can buy essay paper from them, who will ensure a high-quality document specifically tailored to your needs!
5 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay
Here are some additional tips to enhance your essay from our persuasive essay writing service :
- Start with a Captivating Hook : Grab your reader's attention from the beginning with an engaging hook. Instead of using common approaches like surprising facts or quotes, try incorporating a unique angle or a suspenseful story related to your topic.
- Build Your Credibility : It's crucial to establish your credibility to persuade your audience to trust your argument. In addition to presenting well-researched facts and statistics, share personal experiences or insights to demonstrate your expertise. Citing lesser-known experts or studies can also provide a fresh perspective and show a thorough exploration of the topic.
- Clearly State Your Thesis: Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that effectively addresses the nuances of your argument. Take time to consider the wording of your thesis and how it aligns with your essay's direction. Provide a brief overview of the main points you'll cover to give readers a clear roadmap.
- Use Persuasive Language : Choose words and phrases that evoke emotion and urgency, compelling the reader to take action. Experiment with rhetorical devices like parallelism or repetition to add depth to your argument. Maintain a tone that balances assertiveness with respect.
- Appeal to Emotions and Logic : While emotional appeals can be powerful, support them with solid logic and evidence. Supplement personal anecdotes with relevant data, expert opinions, or logical reasoning for a well-rounded perspective. Anticipate and address potential counterarguments to demonstrate thorough consideration of the issue.
To bring it all together, you now understand the power of persuasion - it teaches you how to express your ideas clearly and convincingly. This means you can speak up for what you believe in, making society more active and informed. These skills are super useful not just in school but also in jobs and everyday life. And, if you want to make things easier, you can always check out our essay service . We'll save you time and give you some extra help with your writing!
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Daniel Parker
is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.
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- Rewrote the whole article except the samples which are good and new, and FAQs section
- Added new writing steps
- Researched new information overall
1. Gladd, J. (2020, August 18). Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays . Pressbooks. https://idaho.pressbooks.pub/write/chapter/structure-of-academic-persuasive-essays/
WTO / Education / 30 Great Persuasive Essay Examples | Guide & Tips
30 Great Persuasive Essay Examples | Guide & Tips
A persuasive essay , or argumentative essay , is one in which you use logic and arguments to convince or persuade your readers to agree with a specific opinion or idea.
A good one employs excellent research and choice of words to strongly present the writer’s opinion and convince the readers to agree with it.
To write one, you must research thoroughly, write convincingly, and arrange your points succinctly. This article will gain more insight into the prewriting stage, the writing stage, and the editing stage. You will also learn winning tips that will help you write outstanding examples.
Persuasive Essay Examples
Fundamentals of Writing a Great Persuasive Essay
To write a great persuasive essay, you need to follow the outlined writing process. Below are tips for each stage of the writing process:
Prewriting stage
This stage is critical to the success of your writing. At this point, you plan the different parts of the essay.
These are the steps to take:
Choose a position you’re passionate about
Choose a topic and select the position you would love to advocate for. It would help if you chose a side you believe in, as that will make the research, writing, and argument more personalized. Opting for a topic you strongly believe in will make the defense easy. Also, because you are knowledgeable on the subject, you will not have issues with the research.
Understand the audience
To write a unique essay, you need to consider your audience. Remember that your writing should be suited to your audience. Check whether they are knowledgeable and inclined to believe your arguments. If you’re writing for a semi-literate audience, using high-sounding words will be ineffective as they won’t understand you. Instead, make it easy, simple, and easy to understand.
Research both sides thoroughly
You must thoroughly research the different sides of the argument to put up a convincing essay example. By researching both sides, you will discover points for and against the opinion and the loopholes in the different opinions. Utilize your school’s resources, such as a library, reference materials, and academic journals.
Identify convincing evidence
After conducting your research, select the most convincing evidence, as it will form the basis of your essay. Also, discover the significant points for the opposite team.
Create a working outline or structure
In this stage, you must create a working structure that will guide your essay. To do this, you must think critically about the pros and cons of your argument and note the places to put forward your most robust evidence.
Your outline will also keep you organized from the beginning, with supporting facts, figures, and pieces of evidence. So, for each point, you must outline the significant facts and research to support it. A working outline also helps you define your argument concisely and logically to make your writing process more manageable.
Here is a good sample outline to use:
Introductory paragraph
- Get your readers’ attention with a hook: A hook is the one big idea that hooks your audience. It can be a significant promise, quotation , unusual statistic, question, premise, or argument that will keep your readers engaged with your essay.
- Provide an overview of the argument: After writing the hook, the next step is to outline the argument.
- Close with the statement: Close by providing a thesis statement that reveals the position of the argument.
Body paragraphs
- Each paragraph should tackle one part of the evidence.
- Back up each paragraph with adequate supporting facts, figures, and pieces of evidence.
Opposing view paragraph
- In the opposing view paragraph, explain and counter the significant points of the opposite view.
Concluding paragraph
- In the concluding paragraph, reaffirm and re-emphasize the thesis and supporting points.
Draft your essay
After creating your outline, the next stage is to create an initial draft.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the Introductory Paragraph with a hook; your hook can be a quote, a story, a question, or a strong statement. For example, for an essay on education, you can use this hook. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
- State the thesis statement clearly, concisely, and succinctly.
- For each body paragraph, address one reason that emphasizes your point and provide strong evidence using research results, facts and figures , real-life examples, and quotable quotes from experts.
- Make arguments using different means, like analogies, comparisons, and logic.
- Define terms and give background information. Your readers may not be deeply knowledgeable about the subject. To carry everyone along, you must define terms and provide some background information.
- Remember that the concluding paragraph must summarize the points and provide more credence to your argument. It can be a question, a plea, a recommendation, or a prediction that convinces your readers to believe your point and act in the direction you want.
How to Revise the Persuasive Essay
After scribbling your essay, the next step is to revise and review it. Remember, “The first draft reveals the art; revision reveals the artist.” ― Michael Lee. So, to refine it and take it to the next level, you must revise what you have written.
Here are some things to do when revising a persuasive essay:
Crosscheck your position on the issue
Here, you should check whether your position is coherent and well-captured. Check if your points are well explained with illustrations, analogies, and arguments. Also, check if the essay states a firm position on the topic and is backed up with adequate statistics, quotes, facts, and examples.
Review the opening
Check if the hook captures the topic and aligns with the points you want to make. Ensure the hook is captivating, persuasive, and intriguing.
Ensure coherence of paragraphs
Your paragraphs should be coherent. They should have logical evidence, supporting analogies, and illustrations. In addition, your paragraphs should be legible, brief, and concise.
Confirm validity of refutation
Verify whether you refuted the opposing views convincingly with enough evidence to support your ideas while revising.
Review the formal structure
Check for the formal essay structure. Are the paragraphs well outlined? Do the paragraphs address only one issue? What’s the word choice like? Are the paragraphs coherent and readable? Are the sentences well-written and clear?
Food for thought in the concluding paragraph
Verify if the article persuades the reader to think and act in the manner in which it is concluded.
Persuasive Essay Topics
To further assist you in your writing, we will provide you with different and appropriate topic examples.
Here are some topics you can write on:
- Should people be forced to take the Covid-19 vaccine?
- Is the American dream a reality or a myth?
- Are eBooks better than physical books?
- Should under 18 children have any abortion rights?
- Should abortion be abolished?
- Should same-sex couples be allowed to adopt children?
- Should there be limits to free speech?
- Is religion the opium of the masses?
- Should classes on emotional intelligence be part of the curriculum for high school students?
- Should wealthier people pay more taxes?
- Is the keto diet a safe way to lose weight?
- Is feminism equal to misandry?
- Should paternal leave be made compulsory?
- Should human cloning be encouraged?
- Does artificial intelligence portend great harm in the future?
- Is social media a curse or a blessing?
- Is the quality of marriages eroding?
- Is society losing its long-upheld values?
- Is marriage a curse or a blessing?
- Should euthanasia be abolished?
- Should financial education be part of the curriculum?
- Do violent TV shows and games encourage violence in real life?
- Should social media be banned for under-aged children?
- Does nature or nurture play a greater role in shaping an individual?
- Can we change our behavior?
- Can science be a tool of destruction in the world?
- Should student loans be forgiven?
Persuasive Essay Outline Examples
Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay
Although writing a persuasive essay is an interesting and easy task, there are a few considerations that, if kept in mind while writing, can make the end result perfect.
Following are some effective considerations for writing a persuasive essay:
Write with integrity and empathy
To write an award-winning essay, you must employ ethos (integrity or ethics), pathos (empathy), and logos (logic). First, your writing must appeal to ethics. Second, you must convince your readers that you are writing from an ethical standpoint. That means your position must be correct. Third, disagree with ethically wrong opinions. More so, it would help if you appealed to emotions. You ought to awaken your reader’s anger, sadness, or sympathy through your essay. Your points should also be logical and supported by supporting facts and research.
Proofread and correct errors
After putting down a well-written essay, you should ensure it is grammatically correct by proofreading and correcting errors. You can use online tools as well to correct your write-up.
Key Takeaways
- A persuasive essay entails convincing your readers of a particular opinion.
- It is a significant part of life today and appears in ads, marketing campaigns, political manifestos, newspapers, and magazines.
- However, to write a convincing one, you must be thoroughly versed and passionate about the topic.
- You must also state your point convincingly, with supporting research and facts to back up your points.
- This write-up has provided you with well-written points on persuasive writing. Working with them will help create convincing essays.
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Persuasive Essay Examples
50 free persuasive essay examples (+best topics).
There are plenty of persuasive essay examples available online and you can access them to learn more about what this type of essay is all about. Persuasive essays explain a topic while trying to persuade the readers that your perspective is the most logical, valid, and informed one about the topic. Read on to learn more about persuasive essays before looking through sample persuasion essays.
Table of Contents
- 1 Persuasive Essay Examples
- 2 What is a persuasive essay?
- 3 Persuasive Writing Examples
- 4 Elements of persuasive essay
- 5 Persuasive Paper Examples
- 6 Choosing a topic for your essay
- 7 Persuasive Essay Samples
- 8 Creating the outline of persuasive essay examples
- 9 Tips for writing persuasive essay examples
What is a persuasive essay?
A persuasive essay which is also called an argumentative essay is a type of written document that’s academic in nature. Here, you use reason and logic to convince the reader of the legitimacy of your perspective. Therefore, you must use clear arguments and support these with logical reasons and compelling facts.
Persuasive Writing Examples
Elements of persuasive essay
Persuasive writing examples make use of reasons and logic to make them more persuasive. When you write your own persuasive essay examples, you must convince your readers to adopt your point of view or to take a specific action. To do this, you must present solid arguments using facts, examples, and quotes from experts.
If you want to come up with an effective and well-written persuasive paper example, make sure to include these elements:
- Introduction and thesis statement An essay isn’t complete without an introduction. Here, you provide an explanation for the relevant points of your chosen topic to help the readers understand your position. Keep in mind that any argument can have many aspects. Therefore, you should give as many details and information about the specific aspects you plan to discuss in your essay. As for the thesis statement, you would include this as the very end of your essay’s introduction.
- Supporting facts Provide facts to support your point of view in the sample persuasion essay. These facts may include statistics, the information you’ve researched, excerpts from academic journals or publications, and quotes from experts. Don’t forget to cite all of the facts properly.
- Proof for your arguments When presenting the facts in your persuasive writing examples, make sure to follow a sequence which strengthens your argument. Start with the least relevant facts and move up to the most important ones. When explaining these points, follow the same sequence so as not to confuse your readers. The first argument you prove must be the first issue that you stated in your thesis statement. From there, build your explanations all the way to the main point of your essay.
- Conclusion This is the last part of your persuasive essay. Don’t just think of this as a summary. Instead, you must use it to explain why you’ve written the essay in the first place. This creates a stronger paragraph which helps persuade the reader.
Persuasive Paper Examples
Choosing a topic for your essay
Although you may know the definition of a persuasive essay, do you know what it means and how to create one correctly? Before you even start writing persuasive essay examples, you must choose a topic for your essay first. This is the first step in writing any essay.
When you’re assigned to write a persuasive paper example, how do you choose a topic? There are so many options for you to choose which you can take from the various areas of study. Once you’ve chosen your topic, format your title as a question. This gives you a good basis to defend and express your opinions.
If you’re feeling stuck and you can’t think of a good topic, you can go online and search for one. Write down all of the topics which “speak” to you before making a final choice. Having more options will give you a better idea of what a persuasive essay calls for.
Finally, you should select a topic which inspires you but which also provides you with a wide range of materials to research. There’s no point in writing a persuasive essay about something which you don’t believe in. Otherwise, you won’t feel compelled to create persuasive arguments.
Persuasive Essay Samples
Creating the outline of persuasive essay examples
Persuasive essay examples must achieve a balance between ethos, pathos, and logos. This convinces the readers to think carefully about your point of view and even go as far as adopting it. But how do you create an effective persuasive essay? What comes after the topic and title?
The next step in the essay writing process is to come up with an outline to serve as your essay’s structure. Here are some tips for creating the outline:
- Introduction Provide some background about the topic you’ve chosen. Indicate your main argument and create your thesis statement.
- Body In the paragraphs following your introduction, provide your arguments and the facts you have researched to support them. Make sure that you do a lot of research, especially if you want to create a compelling and persuasive piece of writing. Choosing the arguments, reasons, and facts that you want to include in your essay involves a lot of careful consideration. You should only choose those which you believe make your essay stronger and more convincing.
- Conclusion If you want your conclusion to be as organized and readable as the rest of your essay, make this a part of the outline too. That way, you know exactly how to approach writing your conclusion when the time comes.
Tips for writing persuasive essay examples
Once you’ve already understood what sample persuasion essays are all about, it’s time to start writing your own. It may take some time before you can start writing more fluidly but if this is your first time to write such an essay, here are some tips to guide you:
- Start by reading the instructions of your assignment regarding the persuasive essay you must write. If you have the freedom to choose the topic to write about, then you may want to look at different persuasive writing examples to get inspiration. Remember, choose a topic that you’re interested in, one which inspires you.
- Before you start with your research, make a list of all the facts you know about the topic you’ve chosen. Then create another list, this time containing your opinions and ideas about the topic. Arrange these points according to how important you see them.
- Now it’s time to reflect on what you’ve written. Think about why you have these opinions. You must first clarify your views so that you don’t get overwhelmed by all the information you come across when you do research.
- Try to think of your own perspective on the topic. In doing this, you can come up with a draft of your thesis statement to reflect your view in a concise manner.
- The next step is to start doing research. Use different sources to give you a broader perspective regarding your topic. From library books to academic sources to online journals and more, there are so many resources available.
- As you’re doing research, take note of the things you want to include in your essay. If you can find facts which support the information you already know about your topic, all the better! The point of doing research is to collect enough information to strengthen the statements you include in your persuasive essay.
- After researching, go back to the thesis statement you’ve created. If you think that it’s still relevant, keep it. But if all of the information you’ve gathered makes your thesis statement seem weak, revise it. Think of another thesis statement which is more compelling and thought-provoking.
- Create an outline for your essay . After your research, you would have a better idea of the overall content of your essay. Try to come up with a clear outline to guide you as you write the content.
- The next step is to go through all of your notes. Organize the information according to relevance. If you’ve already placed the points you want to discuss in your outline, search for information about those points and put them together. Make sure that all the points in your outline have clear facts and explanations.
- Finalize your outline after organizing all of the information you have at your disposal. This makes it easier for you to follow when you start writing your essay.
- Most people start writing their essays with the introduction. But for some, they prefer to write the body of the essay before writing both the introduction and the conclusion. Either way, use the outline and the notes you’ve gathered to help guide you.
- When writing your essay, make sure to include the following: Definitions of key ideas or terms. Descriptions and analyses of specific examples included in your essay. Summary and evaluations of conflicting opinions about the topic. Comparisons and contrasts of the examples you’ve given and how they relate to the thesis statement. Connections of the examples to each other and to the main idea.
- If needed and if appropriate, use a lot of quotations from experts. Just make sure that they support your arguments and analyses.
- Cite all information you use properly. Follow the citation format required by your assignment or your professor.
- Before printing, emailing or submitting, make sure to proofread your essay to ensure that it doesn’t contain any errors.
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100 Persuasive Essay Topics
- M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
- B.A., History, Armstrong State University
Persuasive essays are a bit like argument essays , but they tend to be a little kinder and gentler. Argument essays require you to discuss and attack an alternate view, while persuasive essays attempt to convince the reader that you have a believable argument. In other words, you are an advocate, not an adversary.
Writing a compelling persuasive essay requires you to select a topic that ideally stirs your readers' emotions. Before settling on a subject, explore some options to find one that helps craft the strongest and most engaging argument.
Below is a list of potential persuasive essay topics to spark your brainstorming process. You can choose a topic from this list or use it as inspiration to develop an idea of your own.
Main Components of a Persuasive Essay
- Introduction : This is the opening paragraph of your essay. It contains the hook , which is used to grab the reader's attention, and the thesis , or argument, which you'll explain in the next section.
- Body : This is the heart of your essay, usually three to five paragraphs in length. Each paragraph examines one theme or issue used to support your thesis.
- Conclusion : This is the final paragraph of your essay. In it, you'll sum up the main points of the body and connect them to your thesis. Persuasive essays often use the conclusion as a final appeal to the audience.
Learning how to write a persuasive essay is an essential skill people use every day in fields from business to law to media and entertainment. English students can begin writing a persuasive essay at any skill level. You'll surely find a sample topic or two from the list of 100 persuasive essays below, sorted by degree of difficulty.
Watch Now: 12 Ideas for Great Persuasive Essay Topics
Beginner topics.
- Kids should get paid for good grades.
- Students should have less homework.
- Snow days are great for family time.
- Penmanship is important.
- Short hair is better than long hair.
- We should all grow our own vegetables.
- We need more holidays.
- Aliens probably exist.
- Gym class is more important than music class.
- Kids should be able to vote.
- Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports.
- School should take place in the evenings.
- Country life is better than city life.
- City life is better than country life.
- We can change the world.
- Skateboard helmets should be mandatory.
- We should provide food for the poor.
- Children should be paid for doing chores.
- We should populate the moon .
- Dogs make better pets than cats.
Intermediate Topics
- The government should impose household trash limits.
- Nuclear weapons are an effective deterrent against foreign attack.
- Teens should be required to take parenting classes.
- We should teach etiquette in schools.
- School uniform laws are unconstitutional.
- All students should wear uniforms.
- Too much money is a bad thing.
- High schools should offer specialized degrees in arts or sciences.
- Magazine advertisements send unhealthy signals to young women.
- Robocalling should be outlawed.
- Age 12 is too young to babysit.
- Children should be required to read more.
- All students should be allowed to study abroad.
- Yearly driving tests should be mandatory past age 65.
- Cell phones should never be used while driving.
- All schools should implement bullying awareness programs.
- Bullies should be kicked out of school.
- Parents of bullies should have to pay a fine.
- The school year should be longer.
- School days should start later.
- Teens should be able to choose their bedtime.
- There should be a mandatory entrance exam for high school.
- Public transit should be privatized.
- We should allow pets in school.
- The voting age should be lowered to 16.
- Beauty contests are bad for body image.
- Every American should learn to speak Spanish.
- Every immigrant should learn to speak English.
- Video games can be educational.
- College athletes should be paid for their services.
- We need a military draft .
- Professional sports should eliminate cheerleaders.
- Teens should be able to start driving at 14 instead of 16.
- Year-round school is a bad idea.
- High school campuses should be guarded by police officers.
- The legal drinking age should be lowered to 19.
- Kids under 15 shouldn't have Facebook pages.
- Standardized testing should be eliminated.
- Teachers should be paid more.
- There should be one world currency.
Advanced Topics
- Domestic surveillance without a warrant should be legal.
- Letter grades should be replaced with a pass or fail.
- Every family should have a natural disaster survival plan.
- Parents should talk to kids about drugs at a young age.
- Racial slurs should be illegal.
- Gun ownership should be tightly regulated.
- Puerto Rico should be granted statehood.
- People should go to jail when they abandon their pets.
- Free speech should have limitations.
- Members of Congress should be subject to term limits.
- Recycling should be mandatory for everyone.
- High-speed internet access should be regulated like a public utility.
- Yearly driving tests should be mandatory for the first five years after getting a license.
- Recreational marijuana should be made legal nationwide.
- Legal marijuana should be taxed and regulated like tobacco or alcohol.
- Child support dodgers should go to jail.
- Students should be allowed to pray in school.
- All Americans have a constitutional right to health care.
- Internet access should be free for everyone.
- Social Security should be privatized.
- Pregnant couples should receive parenting lessons.
- We shouldn't use products made from animals.
- Celebrities should have more privacy rights.
- Professional football is too violent and should be banned.
- We need better sex education in schools.
- School testing is not effective.
- The United States should build a border wall with Mexico and Canada.
- Life is better than it was 50 years ago.
- Eating meat is unethical.
- A vegan diet is the only diet people should follow.
- Medical testing on animals should be illegal.
- The Electoral College is outdated.
- Medical testing on animals is necessary.
- Public safety is more important than an individual's right to privacy.
- Single-sex colleges provide a better education.
- Books should never be banned.
- Violent video games can cause people to act violently in real life.
- Freedom of religion has limitations.
- Nuclear power should be illegal.
- Climate change should be the president's primary political concern.
Key Takeaways
- Persuasive essays aim to convince rather than confront, effectively making you advocate for a position or idea.
- Choosing a compelling topic that evokes emotions is crucial for crafting a strong persuasive essay.
- The main parts of a persuasive essay are the introduction (with a hook and thesis), body paragraphs (explaining themes supporting the thesis), and conclusion (summarizing main points and making a final appeal).
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How to Write a Persuasive Essay
Last Updated: September 13, 2024 Fact Checked
This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,290,121 times.
A persuasive essay is an essay used to convince a reader about a particular idea or focus, usually one that you believe in. Your persuasive essay could be based on anything about which you have an opinion or that you can make a clear argument about. Whether you're arguing against junk food at school or petitioning for a raise from your boss, knowing how to write a persuasive essay is an important skill that everyone should have.
Sample Persuasive Essays
How to Lay the Groundwork
- Look for language that gives you a clue as to whether you are writing a purely persuasive or an argumentative essay. For example, if the prompt uses words like “personal experience” or “personal observations,” you know that these things can be used to support your argument.
- On the other hand, words like “defend” or “argue” suggest that you should be writing an argumentative essay, which may require more formal, less personal evidence.
- If you aren’t sure about what you’re supposed to write, ask your instructor.
- Whenever possible, start early. This way, even if you have emergencies like a computer meltdown, you’ve given yourself enough time to complete your essay.
- Try using stasis theory to help you examine the rhetorical situation. This is when you look at the facts, definition (meaning of the issue or the nature of it), quality (the level of seriousness of the issue), and policy (plan of action for the issue).
- To look at the facts, try asking: What happened? What are the known facts? How did this issue begin? What can people do to change the situation?
- To look at the definition, ask: What is the nature of this issue or problem? What type of problem is this? What category or class would this problem fit into best?
- To examine the quality, ask: Who is affected by this problem? How serious is it? What might happen if it is not resolved?
- To examine the policy, ask: Should someone take action? Who should do something and what should they do?
- For example, if you are arguing against unhealthy school lunches, you might take very different approaches depending on whom you want to convince. You might target the school administrators, in which case you could make a case about student productivity and healthy food. If you targeted students’ parents, you might make a case about their children’s health and the potential costs of healthcare to treat conditions caused by unhealthy food. And if you were to consider a “grassroots” movement among your fellow students, you’d probably make appeals based on personal preferences.
- It also should present the organization of your essay. Don’t list your points in one order and then discuss them in a different order.
- For example, a thesis statement could look like this: “Although pre-prepared and highly processed foods are cheap, they aren’t good for students. It is important for schools to provide fresh, healthy meals to students, even when they cost more. Healthy school lunches can make a huge difference in students’ lives, and not offering healthy lunches fails students.”
- Note that this thesis statement isn’t a three-prong thesis. You don’t have to state every sub-point you will make in your thesis (unless your prompt or assignment says to). You do need to convey exactly what you will argue.
- A mind map could be helpful. Start with your central topic and draw a box around it. Then, arrange other ideas you think of in smaller bubbles around it. Connect the bubbles to reveal patterns and identify how ideas relate. [5] X Research source
- Don’t worry about having fully fleshed-out ideas at this stage. Generating ideas is the most important step here.
- For example, if you’re arguing for healthier school lunches, you could make a point that fresh, natural food tastes better. This is a personal opinion and doesn’t need research to support it. However, if you wanted to argue that fresh food has more vitamins and nutrients than processed food, you’d need a reliable source to support that claim.
- If you have a librarian available, consult with him or her! Librarians are an excellent resource to help guide you to credible research.
How to Draft Your Essay
- An introduction. You should present a “hook” here that grabs your audience’s attention. You should also provide your thesis statement, which is a clear statement of what you will argue or attempt to convince the reader of.
- Body paragraphs. In 5-paragraph essays, you’ll have 3 body paragraphs. In other essays, you can have as many paragraphs as you need to make your argument. Regardless of their number, each body paragraph needs to focus on one main idea and provide evidence to support it. These paragraphs are also where you refute any counterpoints that you’ve discovered.
- Conclusion. Your conclusion is where you tie it all together. It can include an appeal to emotions, reiterate the most compelling evidence, or expand the relevance of your initial idea to a broader context. Because your purpose is to persuade your readers to do/think something, end with a call to action. Connect your focused topic to the broader world.
- For example, you could start an essay on the necessity of pursuing alternative energy sources like this: “Imagine a world without polar bears.” This is a vivid statement that draws on something that many readers are familiar with and enjoy (polar bears). It also encourages the reader to continue reading to learn why they should imagine this world.
- You may find that you don’t immediately have a hook. Don’t get stuck on this step! You can always press on and come back to it after you’ve drafted your essay.
- Put your hook first. Then, proceed to move from general ideas to specific ideas until you have built up to your thesis statement.
- Don't slack on your thesis statement . Your thesis statement is a short summary of what you're arguing for. It's usually one sentence, and it's near the end of your introductory paragraph. Make your thesis a combination of your most persuasive arguments, or a single powerful argument, for the best effect.
- Start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point of your paragraph.
- Make your evidence clear and precise. For example, don't just say: "Dolphins are very smart animals. They are widely recognized as being incredibly smart." Instead, say: "Dolphins are very smart animals. Multiple studies found that dolphins worked in tandem with humans to catch prey. Very few, if any, species have developed mutually symbiotic relationships with humans."
- "The South, which accounts for 80% of all executions in the United States, still has the country's highest murder rate. This makes a case against the death penalty working as a deterrent."
- "Additionally, states without the death penalty have fewer murders. If the death penalty were indeed a deterrent, why wouldn't we see an increase in murders in states without the death penalty?"
- Consider how your body paragraphs flow together. You want to make sure that your argument feels like it's building, one point upon another, rather than feeling scattered.
- End of the first paragraph: "If the death penalty consistently fails to deter crime, and crime is at an all-time high, what happens when someone is wrongfully convicted?"
- Beginning of the second paragraph: "Over 100 wrongfully convicted death row inmates have been acquitted of their crimes, some just minutes before their would-be death."
- Example: "Critics of a policy allowing students to bring snacks into the classroom say that it would create too much distraction, reducing students’ ability to learn. However, consider the fact that middle schoolers are growing at an incredible rate. Their bodies need energy, and their minds may become fatigued if they go for long periods without eating. Allowing snacks in the classroom will actually increase students’ ability to focus by taking away the distraction of hunger.”
- You may even find it effective to begin your paragraph with the counterargument, then follow by refuting it and offering your own argument.
- How could this argument be applied to a broader context?
- Why does this argument or opinion mean something to me?
- What further questions has my argument raised?
- What action could readers take after reading my essay?
How to Write Persuasively
- Persuasive essays, like argumentative essays, use rhetorical devices to persuade their readers. In persuasive essays, you generally have more freedom to make appeals to emotion (pathos), in addition to logic and data (logos) and credibility (ethos). [13] X Trustworthy Source Read Write Think Online collection of reading and writing resources for teachers and students. Go to source
- You should use multiple types of evidence carefully when writing a persuasive essay. Logical appeals such as presenting data, facts, and other types of “hard” evidence are often very convincing to readers.
- Persuasive essays generally have very clear thesis statements that make your opinion or chosen “side” known upfront. This helps your reader know exactly what you are arguing. [14] X Research source
- Bad: The United States was not an educated nation, since education was considered the right of the wealthy, and so in the early 1800s Horace Mann decided to try and rectify the situation.
- For example, you could tell an anecdote about a family torn apart by the current situation in Syria to incorporate pathos, make use of logic to argue for allowing Syrian refugees as your logos, and then provide reputable sources to back up your quotes for ethos.
- Example: Time and time again, the statistics don't lie -- we need to open our doors to help refugees.
- Example: "Let us not forget the words etched on our grandest national monument, the Statue of Liberty, which asks that we "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” There is no reason why Syrians are not included in this.
- Example: "Over 100 million refugees have been displaced. President Assad has not only stolen power, he's gassed and bombed his own citizens. He has defied the Geneva Conventions, long held as a standard of decency and basic human rights, and his people have no choice but to flee."
- Good: "Time and time again, science has shown that arctic drilling is dangerous. It is not worth the risks environmentally or economically."
- Good: "Without pushing ourselves to energy independence, in the arctic and elsewhere, we open ourselves up to the dangerous dependency that spiked gas prices in the 80's."
- Bad: "Arctic drilling may not be perfect, but it will probably help us stop using foreign oil at some point. This, I imagine, will be a good thing."
- Good: Does anyone think that ruining someone’s semester, or, at least, the chance to go abroad, should be the result of a victimless crime? Is it fair that we actively promote drinking as a legitimate alternative through Campus Socials and a lack of consequences? How long can we use the excuse that “just because it’s safer than alcohol doesn’t mean we should make it legal,” disregarding the fact that the worst effects of the drug are not physical or chemical, but institutional?
- Good: We all want less crime, stronger families, and fewer dangerous confrontations over drugs. We need to ask ourselves, however, if we're willing to challenge the status quo to get those results.
- Bad: This policy makes us look stupid. It is not based in fact, and the people that believe it are delusional at best, and villains at worst.
- Good: While people do have accidents with guns in their homes, it is not the government’s responsibility to police people from themselves. If they're going to hurt themselves, that is their right.
- Bad: The only obvious solution is to ban guns. There is no other argument that matters.
How to Polish Your Essay
- Does the essay state its position clearly?
- Is this position supported throughout with evidence and examples?
- Are paragraphs bogged down by extraneous information? Do paragraphs focus on one main idea?
- Are any counterarguments presented fairly, without misrepresentation? Are they convincingly dismissed?
- Are the paragraphs in an order that flows logically and builds an argument step-by-step?
- Does the conclusion convey the importance of the position and urge the reader to do/think something?
- You may find it helpful to ask a trusted friend or classmate to look at your essay. If s/he has trouble understanding your argument or finds things unclear, focus your revision on those spots.
- You may find it helpful to print out your draft and mark it up with a pen or pencil. When you write on the computer, your eyes may become so used to reading what you think you’ve written that they skip over errors. Working with a physical copy forces you to pay attention in a new way.
- Make sure to also format your essay correctly. For example, many instructors stipulate the margin width and font type you should use.
Expert Q&A
You Might Also Like
- ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-persuasive-essay/
- ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/persuasive-essays
- ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/writing/writing-resources/persuasive-essays
- ↑ https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/sites/default/files/docs/learningguide-mindmapping.pdf
- ↑ https://examples.yourdictionary.com/20-compelling-hook-examples-for-essays.html
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/argument_papers/rebuttal_sections.html
- ↑ http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson56/strategy-definition.pdf
- ↑ https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/pathos-logos-and-ethos.aspx
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/revising-drafts/
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/proofreading_suggestions.html
About This Article
To write a persuasive essay, start with an attention-grabbing introduction that introduces your thesis statement or main argument. Then, break the body of your essay up into multiple paragraphs and focus on one main idea in each paragraph. Make sure you present evidence in each paragraph that supports the main idea so your essay is more persuasive. Finally, conclude your essay by restating the most compelling, important evidence so you can make your case one last time. To learn how to make your writing more persuasive, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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Persuasive Essay Writing
Persuasive Essay Examples
Ace Your Next Essay With These Persuasive Essay Examples!
Published on: Jan 5, 2023
Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024
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Are you starting to feel overwhelmed with that persuasive essay assignment?
Relax! We're here to help.
In this post, we've collected some persuasive essay examples for you to study. By looking at these examples, you'll better understand how to craft your persuasive essay .
Plus, who knows? You might even find some inspiration for your next writing project.
So let's get started!
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Persuasive Essay Examples for Students
We've compiled a selection of persuasive essay examples to provide you with a starting point. These examples will serve as practical guides to help you understand how to write persuasively and effectively structure your essays.
Check them out below:
How to Start a Persuasive Essay Examples PDF
Persuasive Essay Examples Middle School PDF
Persuasive Essay Examples High School PDF
Persuasive Essay Examples Grade 10 PDF
Persuasive Essay Examples University PDF
Higher English Persuasive Essay Examples PDF
Political Persuasive Essay Examples PDF
Persuasive Essay Examples About Life PDF
Persuasive Essay Examples About Global Warming PDF
Now that you've seen these examples, you're all set to start writing!
Let's now shift our focus to different formats of persuasive essays, offering you even more versatility in your writing journey.
Persuasive Essay Examples for Different Formats
Looking to get an idea of how a persuasive essay should look according to various formats? We will provide some persuasive essay examples PDF to show you the ideal persuasive essay format.
Persuasive Essay Examples 5 Paragraph PDF
Persuasive Essay Examples 3 Paragraph PDF
Short Persuasive Essay Examples PDF
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6 Tips to Write a Compelling Persuasive Essay
By now, you are familiar with the basic persuasive essay requirements, structure, and format. So, here are six basic tips that can help you write a high-scoring persuasive essay:
1. Know Your Audience
Consider who will be reading your essay and what their preconceived notions or beliefs would be. This will enable you to tailor your persuasive essay accordingly to ensure that it has a maximum persuasive impact.
2. Research Thoroughly
Strong persuasive essays are rooted in solid research. When researching for your essay topic, get as much information as possible to make a persuasive case.
3. Analyze Persuasive Essay Examples
Examining persuasive essay examples such as those provided in this blog can help you better understand the persuasive writing style and structure. Look for persuasive essays written by others and use them as models to improve your writing.
4. Structure Your Persuasive Essay
When writing persuasive essays, it is important to have a logical structure that allows you to make your case in an organized manner and effectively support your thesis statement .
Creating a persuasive essay outline before writing can help you structure your essay properly. Through a well-organized outline, proper transitions, and persuasive language, you can achieve a logical arrangement of arguments in your essay.
5. Support Your Argument
Make sure that any claims made in your persuasive essays are backed up through evidence . Be sure to include data, facts, and quotes that aim to convince the readers and support your point of view.
6. Know How To End Your Essay
Just as it's crucial to begin your persuasive essay on a high note, closing your essay effectively is equally important. Close strongly by summarizing the main points and encouraging readers to adopt a specific action.
Persuasive Essay Examples Topics
Selecting the right topic is an important aspect of crafting an effective persuasive essay. Your choice of topic defines the foundation of your argument and greatly influences your essay's overall impact.
Here are some good examples of topics to get you started:
- Should national healthcare be subsidized by the government?
- Should college education be free for all students?
- Is it ethical to use animals in medical research?
- Should public schools incorporate prayer into daily activities?
- Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
- Should drug testing for welfare recipients be mandatory?
- Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
- Should extreme sports be banned from public entertainment?
- Should recreational marijuana use be legalized?
- Is online education as effective as traditional learning?
Remember, the key is to be convincing by providing clear evidence and logically linking your points together.
Check out some additional persuasive essay topics to get some inspiration to write your next essay.
So, there you have it. Ten persuasive essay examples and tips to help you write a successful paper.
We hope these essays inspire you as you work on your writing.
And if you need a little extra help getting started or polishing off your masterpiece, our custom essay writing service is here to assist.
We offer help from expert writers who are sure to get the grades you deserve. Our persuasive essay writing service ensures that you always get the best essays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of persuasive essays.
Examples of persuasive essays include argumentative essays, opinion essays, and cause-and-effect essays that state a clear position and support it with relevant evidence.
How can I make my persuasive essay more effective?
To make your persuasive essay more effective, you should include clear and concise arguments supported by evidence, provide logical explanations for why your position is valid, and address any opposing viewpoints.
How do I structure a persuasive essay?
A persuasive essay typically follows the standard 5-paragraph structure of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
What are some common persuasive essay topics?
Common persuasive essay topics include gun control, global warming, animal rights, climate change, racial inequality, education reform, and health care reform.
Additionally, current events and controversial topics can be effective persuasive essay topics.
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162 Persuasive Writing Prompts & Topics: Examples & Tips
Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task. While it is excellent for improving a student’s critical thinking and rhetoric skills, coming up with a good topic might be difficult.
The easiest way to kickstart the writing process is to find persuasive writing prompts. Are you passionate about some controversial issue? Want to express your opinion? A prompt will help you to start thinking about it critically. It may contain a set of questions or a brief guideline for your discussion.
Our team will help you!
There is plenty of persuasive writing prompts for high school and college that deserve attention. So, we’ve prepared a list of such. Once you choose one to your liking, remember to read a prompt thoroughly. The controversy of an issue is usually apparent. It is crucial to find a prompt that states the main aspects of the topic clearly.
Believe us—writing a persuasive essay is elementary with prompts at your disposal!
- 🤷 Writing with Prompts
- 💡 How to Write?
- ⭐ 12 Best Prompts
- 🧒 Elementary School
- 🎒 Middle School
- 🖊️ High School
- 🌊 Environment
- 🕹️ Video Games
- 🔌 Technology
🤷 Persuasive Writing with Prompts
Before we dive into the prompts, let’s answer a few vital questions.
What is a persuasive essay?
A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing where you try to persuade your reader using arguments and supporting evidence. You provide facts and examples that explain why your position is the correct one. Describe the issue in the introduction, and express your stance on it in your thesis statement.
Remember to include the other side of the argument in your essay. It is essential to consider different perspectives on the problem. You can find numerous examples of persuasive papers in a free essay database . Not only will it serve as a sample, but can act as a source of writing prompts, too.
What is a writing prompt?
A writing prompt is a short passage that describes an idea for an essay, report, article, or some other piece of writing. It can be as short as one sentence, although it is usually more elaborate.
Some prompts can be presented in the form of an image. The most crucial thing is that they give a clear understanding of the topic.
How does a persuasive writing prompt look like?
The main goal of persuasive writing is to convince the reader that your side of an argument is the most legitimate one. Unlike in expository or descriptive writing, persuasive essay prompts express the duality of a dispute.
Persuasive letter prompts should be pertinent to the audience’s concerns. A prompt should ultimately convey your stance on the subject. Use words like convince , persuade , and why . Avoid using how in a persuasive essay prompt as it distracts from the purpose of such writing.
💡 How to Write a Persuasive Essay Using a Prompt?
Persuasive writing prompts help produce a good quality essay. Here is a list of things you should do to write an essay using a prompt:
- Read it and learn what issue the prompt states. What should you elaborate on? Look out for words that you find especially important or problematic.
- Understand what the prompt wants you to do. See whether you should discuss causes and effects or your opinion. In the case of persuasive writing prompt, it asks you to convince your reader in something. In what? Should you discuss both sides of an argument or state your opinion immediately?
- Divide the prompt. Look deeper into what it’s saying. Write down your initial thoughts on the subject.
- Compose a thesis statement . Outline the question or the situation the prompt states and elaborate on it in one topic sentence.
- Write arguments and supporting evidence. Dedicate one body paragraph to describing the opposing argument. Remember to use transition words to ensure good writing flow.
- Revise if you have time for it. Check with the prompt not to miss anything. That’s why writing drafts is always a good idea. This way, you can change your text without making a mess out of your paper.
⭐ 12 Persuasive Writing Prompts for High School
- Cooking as art — a delicate craft.
- 4-Day work week.
- Facebook vs. Instagram: visual design.
- Winter holidays — a time for friends.
- Is living in a village stressful?
- Beef production.
- Is kindergarten education importnat?
- Hobby as a job is a bad idea.
- High school students and independence.
- Allowance for kids: how much?
- Reptiles as pets — a lifelong commitment.
- Outside classes and fresh air benefits.
✔ 50 Persuasive Essay Writing Prompts
If you have trouble coming up with ideas for writing a persuasive essay, here is our prompts list. Whether you’re in school or college, we’re sure here you’ll find a topic that interests you!
🧒 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Elementary Students
- Your parents should go to bed at 9 pm every day. They say that it’s your time to fall asleep, but why? This way, they get to have a good night’s rest to feel energized the next morning. And your parents need it as their jobs are tedious and stressful. While you would like to have more spare time before going to bed. Persuade your parents that going to bed at 9 pm is perfect for them, not for you.
- We should stop wearing a uniform to school. If not every day, at least once a week, students should be allowed to wear casual clothes to school. Discuss why it is a fun and useful initiative.
- You need to move to another country for a year. Explain why you think that studying abroad is essential for you. Which country would you pick and why? Discuss what made you choose this country.
- Every child needs a pet. Some parents don’t allow animals at home. Explain why it is vital to have a pet in a family. Convince that a pet of your choice is the perfect option for any kid.
- Pupils should select their seats in the class . Your teacher always tells you where to sit in class. Would it be better if you get to pick your place? What is your opinion on that?
- Playing music is an educating activity that is crucial for child development. What musical instrument is the most fun to play? Convince your reader that the music instrument of your choice is the best one.
- The summer break has to be longer. Do you believe the summer holidays are long or short? Is it enough for you to get rest and find the strength to start a new term? Convince your reader that your point of view is the right one.
- The ability to read people’s minds in both the worst and best superpower. Imagine that you get to have this superpower. What are its advantages and disadvantages? When can you use it? Is it ethical? Discuss your opinion in your essay.
- Pupils should select their tutors. In school, you don’t get to choose your teacher. Would it be better if you could? Can students change teachers based on their personal preferences? Discuss why or why not.
- We should manage our budget from an early age. Do your parents give you pocket money? Well, they’re better to start. Some parents think they should give their kids pocket money even if they misbehaved. Others wouldn’t give allowance to their children if they did something wrong. What position do you think is fairer, and why?
🎒 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Middle School Students
- Tutors should wear uniforms to schools, just like students do. Imagine there is an initiative that wants teachers to do so. Some people believe it is a sign of equality and professional attire. Others think that just a formal dress code is enough. What is your opinion on this?
- Every school has to initiate school trips. Some individuals think they are disruptive to the study process. Other people claim that such trips unite students and are an essential part of education. What do you think? Explain your point of view and why it is the right one.
- Students should learn from famous people from time to time. There is an opportunity for one famous person to come to your school with a motivational speech. Who would you want to come, and why? Discuss why your school can benefit if a celebrity of your choice gives a speech there.,
- Single-sex schools are better than mixed ones. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? Talk about your point of view using convincing argumentation.
- Some individuals should lack money. What’s better: enough money to get by or too much money and more problems? Some think that too much money makes you forget about more straightforward and essential things in life. Yes, cash gives more opportunities, but people tend to strive for more money than necessary. What’s the point of millionaires in the 21st century? What is your opinion on this?
- Fast food damages children’s health and should be excluded from the school meal plan. Do you agree or disagree? What are some benefits of having fast food as a meal option at school? Discuss which opinion is more legitimate.
- Educational institutions have to support the arts and sciences more. Imagine there is a new building opening up in your school. The school administration hasn’t decided what is going to be there. It could be an art studio, a new sports center, or a computer class. Explain why it should belong to the arts and sciences. Talk about how such disciplines motivate students to evolve.
- We should study for four days a week. There is a law that considers implementing a more extended weekend. Do you think three days would be too much? Why or why not? Support your point of view with thoughtful arguments.
- Teachers should be required to turn off their mobiles during the classes. You can’t use your phone during the course (or at school). It’s a law in various educational institutions and for obvious reasons. Should teachers be prohibited from using their phones as well? Is it fair?
- It is better to have PE lessons as the first classes of the day. Some people think it is an excellent way to kickstart the day. Others believe that students will be physically tired to carry on with other classes. Which opinion is the right one?
- Plagiarism and cheating should be punished more strictly. Copying others’ works or using crib notes in class is strictly prohibited, yet it happens. Should schools implement more measures to ensure there is no cheating? How can they work?
- Students should select their courses according to their performance. Some people are better at science, while others excel at arts. Would it be better if we were allowed only to study things we are naturally good at? Why or why not? Convince your reader that your opinion is valid.
- You shouldn’t eat in class. Teachers generally think that it interrupts the lesson and distracts other students. At the same time, eating a snack can help you concentrate better and stay energized. Discuss your opinion on this in your essay.
- There should be mixed sports teams at school. Girls often like to play the same sports as boys. Should schools let them play in the same groups? Why or why not? Support your opinion with argumentation.
- Teachers should treat every student equally. It seems like an obvious thing, but the reality is often different. What would you do to make sure everyone is respected? Why?
🖊 Persuasive Writing Prompts for High School Students
- In the US, the 18-year-olds should be allowed to drink alcohol. In the country, driving is permitted after age 16, while drinking becomes legal after 21. How fair are these age thresholds? Statistics show that countries with integrated drinking culture (like France or Italy) have lower alcoholism rates. Would it be better to bring the legal drinking age down to 18? Discuss why or why not, using supportive argumentation.
- The “book of your choice” is fantastic, and here is why. Write a persuasive essay explaining why your favorite book deserves attention. Convince your audience it is worth reading it.
- Time management skill is vital for a successful adult life. It’s what you acquire in school and use for a job. Why is being organized so important? And why should you learn this already in school? Talk about your opinion on this subject.
- What’s more important in school – discipline or an ability to self-express? Some think that you come to school to get knowledge and acquire social skills. However, some students thrive in a less harsh environment. Discuss your point of view and why it is valid.
- Educational institutions should implement anti-bullying policies. School authorities should intervene if a student is bullied by other students, even outside of school. Do you agree or disagree? Convince your reader that your opinion is the most legitimate.
- Parents shouldn’t raise their children the same way they’ve been raised. Some people think there are universal values and principles that parents should teach their kids. While this is true, times change tremendously as generations grow up. What do you think is more just? Discuss your point of view in your essay.
- Your neighborhood requires a renovation. Imagine city authorities are planning on improving your area. What would you change in particular, and why? Write an essay using the appropriate argumentation.
- The importance of community is overrated. Some people are naturally more outgoing and thrive in such environments. Others often feel pressured and may feel out of place. Talk about your opinion on that subject.
- Are fictional books useless? Some people believe fiction improves imagination and teaches empathy. Others consider it a waste of time since there is no actual value in it. Which stance is more valid?
- Life is fair because it is unfair to everyone. Do you think this statement is true? Discuss the issue of class privilege. Do you think modern society gives everyone equal opportunities? Why or why not?
- Community service should be mandatory for high school students. Do you agree or disagree? What kind of activities would be included? Discuss your point of view in your essay.
- Classic literature should be an integral part of the high school curriculum. Should students be required to read old texts like Homer’s Odyssey or Shakespeare’s tragedies? Why or why not?
- You can make a career out of a hobby. True or not? Pick your side of an argument and convince a reader it’s valid.
- It would be better if all countries in the world switched to one currency. There are many aspects to consider when talking about this argument. Which side of it would you support? Why?
- Safety on school property should be a primary concern. Some institutions offer inefficient security services, which can result in tragedies. They may lack funds to ensure their students are safe. Should the government prioritize these issues? Discuss your opinion on this.
🎓 Persuasive Writing Prompts for College Students
- Abortions should be legal in all US states. Some religious communities are vehemently opposed to abortions. People with more liberal beliefs claim that it should be a mother’s personal choice. Discuss your opinion in an essay.
- The military should be voluntary. Military service is a civic duty is some countries. Should it be obligatory everywhere? Why or why not? Persuade your reader that your opinion is the most legitimate.
- Veganism and vegetarianism should become a new norm. They start to gain popularity in Western society. Some people consider it beneficial for health and the environment. Others switch to these diets because good meat is often too pricey. What are the real advantages? Or are they a myth? Discuss your opinion.
- The education system in the Western world has become outdated. Do you agree or disagree? What should be changed to make it more suitable for modern times?
- Your parents shouldn’t be your buddies. What’s better: a parent who is your mentor or best friend? Choose your stance on the subject and defend it using appropriate reasoning.
- Soft skills are more important than hard skills. It is thought that employers often prioritize your personal skills over professional ones at first. Do you think this is the right position? Express your opinion and support it with facts.
- Social media is a major frustrating factor in the lives of many people. Have you ever gotten FOMO looking at other’s picture-perfect lives? Why is it so easy to succumb to this illusion of ideal life? Discuss your opinion on the subject and support your point of view with pertinent facts.
- Democracy has proven to be the most sustainable governmental form. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Express your opinion and use relevant argumentation in your essay.
- United Nations have become inefficient over time. There is an opinion that the UN does not function properly anymore. Would you agree with this statement?
- Are genderless pronouns a good idea? They have become a crucial tool for transgender and genderfluid people to express their identity. Or does society overthink about words instead of actions? Do you agree or disagree?
💯 Persuasive Essay Writing Topics
If you feel more confident and inspired after reading our prompts list, check out some persuasive writing topics!
🎤 Persuasive writing: Music
- Hip-hop music objectifies women .
- Jazz does not exist anymore.
- Music festivals involve too many drugs.
- Classical music is the most sophisticated genre.
- The music culture of other societies does not get enough attention because of Western dominance .
- Musical therapy is not efficient.
- Patriotic songs can have a stimulating effect on people.
- Listening to music can increase one’s productivity.
- Anyone can learn how to sing.
- Humanity cannot imagine itself without the art of music.
- Music is the most influential form of art.
- Rap should be considered a form of poetry .
- Jazz sounds the best at a live concert .
- A piano is the best musical instrument.
- All children should have musical training at school.
- Music can unite people from all over the world.
- Specific lyrics can trigger aggression in people.
- Queen is the most influential band in Western history.
- To some extent, all music reflects a creator’s personal experience.
- Is the bell ringer a musician?
🦙 Persuasive Writing: Animals
- Wild animals should not be kept in a zoo.
- Animal fights should be illegal.
- Hybrid animals are unnatural.
- Agricultural production puts endangered species at more significant risk .
- Slaughtering farm animals for food does not justify their killing .
- Animal hunts should be illegal everywhere.
- There is no better alternative than animal experimentation for some medicine.
- Exotic animals should not be kept as pets.
- Animals should not be treated as objects—they are meant to cohabitate with humans .
- Cow milk is terrible for human health.
- Dolphins are the most intelligent animals.
- Using animals for medical research is unethical.
- There are better alternatives than cosmetic testing on animals .
- Poaching has multiple adverse effects on the economy.
- Farming is a form of animal abuse .
- Zoos can help in preserving endangered animals.
- All makeup brands should switch to cruelty-free policies.
- The use of elephants in the entertainment industry can lead to their extinction .
- Children should be taught how to treat animals.
- A dog is the best animal companion for a human.
🌊 Persuasive Writing: Environment
- Governments should advocate for the use of renewable energy sources.
- Garbage recycling should be obligatory.
- Humanity should take rainforest conservation more seriously.
- Urban areas should implement environment-friendly design and policies .
- There is a connection between waste management and global warming.
- If proper measures are not taken, the loss of biodiversity in coral reefs will be devastating .
- Greta Thunberg is the voice of her generation . The girl’s letter to the UN was one of the most discussed events of 2019. Talk about why her call to enhance environmental protection is more than timely.
- Sustainable clothing is the best fashion trend in 2023.
- Poor farming technologies accelerate climate change .
- Water pollution will soon become a more significant issue than air pollution.
- Environmental conservation is an essential element of economic growth in developing countries .
- First-world countries should implement a carbon tax.
- It is impossible to decrease environmental pollution without severe damage to the world’s economy .
- Weather forecasts are too inaccurate.
- Climate change trends have made the risk of natural disasters worse.
🌽 Persuasive writing: Food
- Parents in America should take better care of their children’s diets . Childhood obesity is a growing concern in the US.
- Healthy eating is more important than exercise.
- Overeating junk food affects mental health.
- Restaurants should be transparent about the nutritional value of the food they serve.
- There is no harm in consuming GMOs .
- Addiction to sugar can be worse than drug addiction.
- The fast-food industry isn’t entirely responsible for consumers’ health . It is up to every individual to take care of their diet.
- Food is not just fuel; it’s a leisure experience .
- Schools must provide students with healthy food options.
- Intuitive eating is the best diet.
- The downsides of sugar substitutes aren’t thoroughly researched .
- Being underweight is more dangerous than being overweight.
- Social and psychological factors have a notable role in obesity development .
- Eating meat is bad for health.
- Food supplements are harmful.
🕹 Persuasive Writing: Video Games
- Violence in video games causes behavioral problems in kids .
- Board games will never go out of fashion.
- Playing computer games can develop one’s cognitive skills .
- Game addiction is a more prominent concern than most of us realize.
- Virtual reality can disrupt one’s social skills .
- Children should have limited access to certain video games.
- There is no place for gaming in education.
- Certain video games can be beneficial for human health and brains.
- Hunger Games should not have been turned into a franchise.
- Gaming will become the most popular leisure activity in 30 years.
- You can earn a fortune by playing online games.
- Video games have multiple adverse effects on children .
- Gaming is just a way to escape reality.
- First-person shooter games improve one’s reaction and reflexes.
- Playing video games too much affects one’s academic and life performance.
🔌 Persuasive Writing: Technology
- Siri is the best example of publicly available Artificial intelligence .
- Computer science classes at school should incorporate beginner-level software engineering.
- Internet is humanity’s greatest invention.
- E-learning in medicine is still too expensive .
- Nowadays, nobody’s personal data is protected.
- If World War III happens, it will be a war of modern technology and information, not nuclear power.
- Genetically modified organisms are science’s big mistake.
- Cloning should be illegal.
- Cell phone addiction will soon become humanity’s worst challenge.
- Cyberbullying leads to drug and alcohol abuse among the youth .
- Robots will never be able to replace humans .
- Technology can help individuals with learning disabilities .
- Drones are an invasion of privacy and should be illegal.
- Apple is the best technology brand on the market.
- Data mining is an essential part of every company’s marketing strategy .
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🔗 References
- 15 Awesome Persuasive Writing Prompts: Thoughtful Learning, K-12
- 200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing: Michael Gonchar, The New York Times
- English II Persuasive Essay [10th grade]: Brianna Johnson, Trinity College
- Writing Prompt (Composition): Richard Nordquist, ThoughtCo
- What Is a Writing Prompt: Karen Frazier, LoveToKnow
- What Makes a Great Writing Prompt: Laura Davis, Kripalu
- Writing Prompts for Middle School: Holt McDougal Online
- Persuasive Essay Outline: Houston Community College Learning Web
- Tips To Write An Effective Persuasive Essay: Melissa Burns, The College Puzzle
- Counterargument: Gordon Harvey for the Writing Center at Harvard University
- Persuasive Essay: EssayInfo, Writing Guides
- Ten Timeless Persuasive Writing Techniques: Brian Clark, CopyBlogger
- 31 Powerful Persuasive Writing Techniques: Karri Stover, Writtent
- A CS Research Topic Generator or How To pick A Worthy Topic In 10 Seconds: Department of Computer Science, Purdue University
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How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Step-by-Step Guide + Examples
Have you ever tried to get somebody round to your way of thinking? Then you should know how daunting the task is. Still, if your persuasion is successful, the result is emotionally rewarding.
A persuasive essay is a type of writing that uses facts and logic to argument and substantiate such or another point of view. The purpose is to assure the reader that the author’s position is viable. In this article by Custom-writing experts, you can find a guide on persuasive writing, compelling examples, and outline structure. Continue reading and learn how to write a persuasive essay!
⚖️ Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essay
- 🐾 Step-by-Step Writing Guide
🔗 References
An argumentative essay intends to attack the opposing point of view, discussing its drawbacks and inconsistencies. A persuasive essay describes only the writer’s opinion, explaining why it is a believable one. In other words, you are not an opponent; you are an advocate.
A persuasive essay primarily resorts to emotions and personal ideas on a deeper level of meaning, while an argumentative one invokes logic reasoning. Despite the superficial similarity of these two genres, argumentative speech presupposes intense research of the subject, while persuasive speech requires a good knowledge of the audience.
🐾 How to Write a Persuasive Essay Step by Step
These nine steps are the closest thing you will find to a shortcut for writing to persuade. With practice, you may get through these steps quickly—or even figure out new techniques in persuasive writing.
This approach gives you two tremendous advantages. First, you will already have an opinion and an understanding of the arguments for and against your perspective. Second, you can go through the writing process more quickly. | ||
The more research you can do, the better. A great idea is to set a deadline for stopping research. Immerse yourself until then. This way, you can stay on pace to finish before your final deadline. By the end of this research process, you should crystalize your position on the topic. | ||
Here, you are going to want to read at least one or two expert persuasive essay samples that agree with your position. They will show you good ways to structure your argument. Simultaneously, it can reveal any apparent holes in your position. Take notes on the most convincing lines of support. And always cite your sources correctly. | ||
If Step 3 didn’t reveal flaws in your position, this step certainly will. Look for examples of persuasive essays that defend a point of view opposite to yours. Study them carefully. Use this knowledge to strengthen your research and essay. | ||
Many writers skip outlining. And then spend hours staring at a blank page. Don’t do that! Make your persuasive essay outline! Professional writers will tell you that it is easier to make an outline than it is to “just start writing.” Note that the next section of this article contains detailed instructions on how to make a persuasive essay outline. | ||
Since you have your persuasive essay structure now, this should be the easiest step of all. At this point, don’t think—just write! You’ve already thought a lot. Furthermore, you’ll do plenty more thinking. Don’t waste time deciding what to write. Just turn each of your ideas into grammatical sentences. | ||
When you complete a rough draft, give yourself a break before rereading your essay. Later, read your draft, correcting typos, and making small improvements as you go. If you like your essay, great! If you dislike your essay, take notes. Use those notes as you begin the of revising and editing your essay. Repeat this as many times as necessary. | ||
Asking for help is not easy. But still, if you have the opportunity, give your essay to a friend and ask for feedback. Good feedback can greatly improve your text. | ||
You’ll most likely make minimal (if any) edits to your content on this stage. Now it’s time to take care of the format. Make your persuasive essay shine! |
📑 Persuasive Essay Outline
Below you’ll find an example of a persuasive essay outline . Remember: papers in this genre are more flexible than argumentative essays are. You don’t need to build a perfectly logical structure here. Your goal is to persuade your reader.
Note that the next section contains a sample written in accordance with this outline.
Persuasive Essay Introduction
- Hook: start with an intriguing sentence.
- Background: describe the context of the discussed issue and familiarize the reader with the argument.
- Definitions: if your essay dwells upon a theoretical subject matter, be sure to explain the complicated terms.
- Thesis statement: state the purpose of your piece of writing clearly and concisely. This is the most substantial sentence of the entire essay, so take your time formulating it.
Persuasive Essay Body
Use the following template for each paragraph.
- Topic sentence: linking each new idea to the thesis, it introduces a paragraph. Use only one separate argument for each section, stating it in the topic sentence.
- Evidence: substantiate the previous sentence with reliable information. If it is your personal opinion, give the reasons why you think so.
- Analysis: build the argument, explaining how the evidence supports your thesis.
Persuasive Essay Conclusion
- Summary: briefly list the main points of the essay in a couple of sentences.
- Significance: connect your essay to a broader idea.
- Future: how can your argument be developed?
⭐ Persuasive Essay Examples
In this section, there are three great persuasive essay examples. The first one is written in accordance with the outline above, will the components indicated. Two others are downloadable.
Example #1: Being a Millionaire is a Bad Thing
Introduction.
Could a glass of good wine on a private airplane have a bitter taste? | |
People tend to idealize the life they do not have. Money resolves many issues: leisure, education, and often even health problems. But when basic needs are met, new and more exquisite desires appear. Wealth does not guarantee happiness. Moreover, it can become a malediction. | |
A millionaire is a person whose fortune makes up a million dollars or more, but the word is used for any wealthy individual for the purpose of the essay. | |
This text intends to prove that being a millionaire is a dubious pleasure through objective reasons. |
Paragraph #1
Millionaires spend the first part of their lives accumulating the assets, and the second half trying to keep them. | |
It may sound motivating only for those who have never lived it through. People who have spent their lifetime running for a fortune admit in their old days that life has passed by, and they did not engage in really important activities. Instead of intensive work, meetings, and interviews, they would have spent time with their families and friends. | |
Thus, no money can buy back the lost time for earning it. |
Paragraph #2
Moreover, the continuous striving for fortune and fear of losing it provokes high stress. | |
Running a business is always a risk, and being rich and famous attracts much attention to the family and lifestyle. Being wealthy is also a full-time job that can drain the emotional and physical forces. Even if a millionaire in question is a workaholic and enjoys round-the-clock attention, such a way of life undermines their health, forcing them to spend much time and monetary resources on medical treatment. Personal relationships are also harmed because wealthy people cannot spend much time with their families. | |
Nothing comes without cost, and it happens that the cost is more valuable than the gain. |
Paragraph #3
Finally, large fortune imposes responsibility. | |
It may seem that money can buy you the possibility to do whatever you want, and sometimes it is really so. A millionaire can afford a month-long vacation if their business runs smoothly, and they have trusted deputies. However, practice shows that success requires supervision. Furthermore, employees, business investors, and family depend on business owners. Besides, people expect a wealthy person to share with the poor and sick. | |
A wrong decision can ruin many lives, making a millionaire’s life even more stressful. |
Having considered everything mentioned above, the life of a wealthy person is anything but easy. They have to waste years earning a fortune, and then suffer stress in fear of losing it. They cannot give up to their discretion because many people depend on them. This pressure undermines their health and relationships. | |
This information is not intended to demotivate the reader from striving to earn more. Instead, the idea is that nothing comes without a price. | |
Therefore, knowing the outcomes and the stakes you have the choice of what to dedicate your life to. |
Example #2: Teachers or Doctors?
The importance of doctors in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic is difficult to overstate. The well-being of the nation depends on how well doctors can fulfill their duties before society. The US society acknowledges the importance of doctors and healthcare, as it is ready to pay large sums of money to cure the diseases. However, during the lockdown, students and parents all around the world began to understand the importance of teachers.
Before lockdown, everyone took the presence of teachers for granted, as they were always available free of charge. In this country, it has always been the case that while doctors received praises and monetary benefits, teachers remained humble, even though they play the most important role for humanity: passing the knowledge through generations. How fair is that? The present paper claims that even in the period of the pandemic, teachers contribute more to modern society than doctors do.
Example #3: Is Online or Homeschool More Effective?
The learning process can be divided into traditional education in an educational institution and distance learning. The latter form has recently become widely popular due to the development of technology. Besides, the COVID-19 pandemic is driving the increased interest in distance learning. However, there is controversy about whether this form of training is sufficient enough. This essay aims to examine online and homeschooling in a historical and contemporary context and to confirm the thesis that such activity is at least equivalent to a standard type of education.
Persuasive Essay Topics
- Why do managers hate the performance evaluation?
- Why human cloning should be prohibited.
- Social media have negative physical and psychological effect on teenagers.
- Using cell phones while driving should be completely forbidden.
- Why is business ethics important?
- Media should change its negative representation of ageing and older people.
- What is going on with the world?
- Good communication skills are critical for successful business.
- Why capitalism is the best economic system.
- Sleep is extremely important for human health and wellbeing.
- Face-to-face education is more effective than online education.
- Why video games can be beneficial for teenagers.
- Bullies should be expelled from school as they encroach on the school safety.
- Why accountancy is a great occupation and more people should consider it as a future career.
- The reasons art and music therapy should be included in basic health insurance.
- Impact of climate change on the indoor environment.
- Parents should vaccinate their children to prevent the spread of deadly diseases.
- Why celebrities should pay more attention to the values they promote.
- What is wrong with realism?
- Why water recycling should be every government’s priority.
- Media spreads fear and panic among people.
- Why e-business is very important for modern organizations.
- People should own guns for self-protection.
- The neccessity of container deposit legislation.
- We must save crocodiles to protect ecological balance.
- Why we should pay more attention to renewable energy projects.
- Anthropology is a critically relevant science.
- Why it’s important to create a new global financial order.
- Why biodiversity is crucial for the environment?
- Why process safety management is crucial for every organization.
- Speed limits must not be increased.
- What’s wrong with grades at school ?
- Why tattoos should be considered as a form of fine art.
- Using all-natural bath and body products is the best choice for human health and safety.
- What is cancel culture?
- Why the Internet has become a problem of modern society.
- Illegal immigrants should be provided with basic social services.
- Smoking in public places must be banned for people’s safety and comfort.
- Why it is essential to control our nutrition.
- How to stimulate economic growth?
- Why exercise is beneficial for people.
- Studying history is decisive for the modern world.
- We must decrease fuel consumption to stop global warming.
- Why fighting social inequality is necessary.
- Why should businesses welcome remote work?
- Social media harms communication within families.
- College athletes should be paid for their achievements.
- Electronic books should replace print books.
- People should stop cutting down rainforest.
- Why every company should have a web page.
- Tips To Write An Effective Persuasive Essay: The College Puzzle, Stanford University
- 31 Powerful Persuasive Writing Techniques: Writtent
- Persuasive Essay Outline: Houston Community College System
- Essays that Worked: Hamilton College
- Argumentative Essays // Purdue Writing Lab
- Persuasion – Writing for Success (University of Minnesota)
- Persuasive Writing (Manitoba Education)
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3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed
General Education
Need to defend your opinion on an issue? Argumentative essays are one of the most popular types of essays you’ll write in school. They combine persuasive arguments with fact-based research, and, when done well, can be powerful tools for making someone agree with your point of view. If you’re struggling to write an argumentative essay or just want to learn more about them, seeing examples can be a big help.
After giving an overview of this type of essay, we provide three argumentative essay examples. After each essay, we explain in-depth how the essay was structured, what worked, and where the essay could be improved. We end with tips for making your own argumentative essay as strong as possible.
What Is an Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to support the claim it’s making. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument being made.
A good argumentative essay will use facts and evidence to support the argument, rather than just the author’s thoughts and opinions. For example, say you wanted to write an argumentative essay stating that Charleston, SC is a great destination for families. You couldn’t just say that it’s a great place because you took your family there and enjoyed it. For it to be an argumentative essay, you need to have facts and data to support your argument, such as the number of child-friendly attractions in Charleston, special deals you can get with kids, and surveys of people who visited Charleston as a family and enjoyed it. The first argument is based entirely on feelings, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven.
The standard five paragraph format is common, but not required, for argumentative essays. These essays typically follow one of two formats: the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.
- The Toulmin model is the most common. It begins with an introduction, follows with a thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support that claim. This style of essay also includes rebuttals of counterarguments.
- The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.
3 Good Argumentative Essay Examples + Analysis
Below are three examples of argumentative essays, written by yours truly in my school days, as well as analysis of what each did well and where it could be improved.
Argumentative Essay Example 1
Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries are expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because they won’t have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to read and read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because libraries won’t have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital copies as they need.
However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books and resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A study done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who read the same information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown to cause numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes, headaches, and eye strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who use tablets and mobile devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious health issues such as fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strain. I know that whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people, especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.
Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has a physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving people a way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics, providing jobs, answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One neighborhood found that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times for toddlers and parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over a third of residents reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew survey conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-thirds of American adults feel that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. People see libraries as a way to connect with others and get their questions answered, benefits tablets can’t offer nearly as well or as easily.
While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them. It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on. In many areas, libraries are such an important part of the community network that they could never be replaced by a simple object.
The author begins by giving an overview of the counter-argument, then the thesis appears as the first sentence in the third paragraph. The essay then spends the rest of the paper dismantling the counter argument and showing why readers should believe the other side.
What this essay does well:
- Although it’s a bit unusual to have the thesis appear fairly far into the essay, it works because, once the thesis is stated, the rest of the essay focuses on supporting it since the counter-argument has already been discussed earlier in the paper.
- This essay includes numerous facts and cites studies to support its case. By having specific data to rely on, the author’s argument is stronger and readers will be more inclined to agree with it.
- For every argument the other side makes, the author makes sure to refute it and follow up with why her opinion is the stronger one. In order to make a strong argument, it’s important to dismantle the other side, which this essay does this by making the author's view appear stronger.
- This is a shorter paper, and if it needed to be expanded to meet length requirements, it could include more examples and go more into depth with them, such as by explaining specific cases where people benefited from local libraries.
- Additionally, while the paper uses lots of data, the author also mentions their own experience with using tablets. This should be removed since argumentative essays focus on facts and data to support an argument, not the author’s own opinion or experiences. Replacing that with more data on health issues associated with screen time would strengthen the essay.
- Some of the points made aren't completely accurate , particularly the one about digital books being cheaper. It actually often costs a library more money to rent out numerous digital copies of a book compared to buying a single physical copy. Make sure in your own essay you thoroughly research each of the points and rebuttals you make, otherwise you'll look like you don't know the issue that well.
Argumentative Essay Example 2
There are multiple drugs available to treat malaria, and many of them work well and save lives, but malaria eradication programs that focus too much on them and not enough on prevention haven’t seen long-term success in Sub-Saharan Africa. A major program to combat malaria was WHO’s Global Malaria Eradication Programme. Started in 1955, it had a goal of eliminating malaria in Africa within the next ten years. Based upon previously successful programs in Brazil and the United States, the program focused mainly on vector control. This included widely distributing chloroquine and spraying large amounts of DDT. More than one billion dollars was spent trying to abolish malaria. However, the program suffered from many problems and in 1969, WHO was forced to admit that the program had not succeeded in eradicating malaria. The number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa who contracted malaria as well as the number of malaria deaths had actually increased over 10% during the time the program was active.
One of the major reasons for the failure of the project was that it set uniform strategies and policies. By failing to consider variations between governments, geography, and infrastructure, the program was not nearly as successful as it could have been. Sub-Saharan Africa has neither the money nor the infrastructure to support such an elaborate program, and it couldn’t be run the way it was meant to. Most African countries don't have the resources to send all their people to doctors and get shots, nor can they afford to clear wetlands or other malaria prone areas. The continent’s spending per person for eradicating malaria was just a quarter of what Brazil spent. Sub-Saharan Africa simply can’t rely on a plan that requires more money, infrastructure, and expertise than they have to spare.
Additionally, the widespread use of chloroquine has created drug resistant parasites which are now plaguing Sub-Saharan Africa. Because chloroquine was used widely but inconsistently, mosquitoes developed resistance, and chloroquine is now nearly completely ineffective in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 95% of mosquitoes resistant to it. As a result, newer, more expensive drugs need to be used to prevent and treat malaria, which further drives up the cost of malaria treatment for a region that can ill afford it.
Instead of developing plans to treat malaria after the infection has incurred, programs should focus on preventing infection from occurring in the first place. Not only is this plan cheaper and more effective, reducing the number of people who contract malaria also reduces loss of work/school days which can further bring down the productivity of the region.
One of the cheapest and most effective ways of preventing malaria is to implement insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). These nets provide a protective barrier around the person or people using them. While untreated bed nets are still helpful, those treated with insecticides are much more useful because they stop mosquitoes from biting people through the nets, and they help reduce mosquito populations in a community, thus helping people who don’t even own bed nets. Bed nets are also very effective because most mosquito bites occur while the person is sleeping, so bed nets would be able to drastically reduce the number of transmissions during the night. In fact, transmission of malaria can be reduced by as much as 90% in areas where the use of ITNs is widespread. Because money is so scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, the low cost is a great benefit and a major reason why the program is so successful. Bed nets cost roughly 2 USD to make, last several years, and can protect two adults. Studies have shown that, for every 100-1000 more nets are being used, one less child dies of malaria. With an estimated 300 million people in Africa not being protected by mosquito nets, there’s the potential to save three million lives by spending just a few dollars per person.
Reducing the number of people who contract malaria would also reduce poverty levels in Africa significantly, thus improving other aspects of society like education levels and the economy. Vector control is more effective than treatment strategies because it means fewer people are getting sick. When fewer people get sick, the working population is stronger as a whole because people are not put out of work from malaria, nor are they caring for sick relatives. Malaria-afflicted families can typically only harvest 40% of the crops that healthy families can harvest. Additionally, a family with members who have malaria spends roughly a quarter of its income treatment, not including the loss of work they also must deal with due to the illness. It’s estimated that malaria costs Africa 12 billion USD in lost income every year. A strong working population creates a stronger economy, which Sub-Saharan Africa is in desperate need of.
This essay begins with an introduction, which ends with the thesis (that malaria eradication plans in Sub-Saharan Africa should focus on prevention rather than treatment). The first part of the essay lays out why the counter argument (treatment rather than prevention) is not as effective, and the second part of the essay focuses on why prevention of malaria is the better path to take.
- The thesis appears early, is stated clearly, and is supported throughout the rest of the essay. This makes the argument clear for readers to understand and follow throughout the essay.
- There’s lots of solid research in this essay, including specific programs that were conducted and how successful they were, as well as specific data mentioned throughout. This evidence helps strengthen the author’s argument.
- The author makes a case for using expanding bed net use over waiting until malaria occurs and beginning treatment, but not much of a plan is given for how the bed nets would be distributed or how to ensure they’re being used properly. By going more into detail of what she believes should be done, the author would be making a stronger argument.
- The introduction of the essay does a good job of laying out the seriousness of the problem, but the conclusion is short and abrupt. Expanding it into its own paragraph would give the author a final way to convince readers of her side of the argument.
Argumentative Essay Example 3
There are many ways payments could work. They could be in the form of a free-market approach, where athletes are able to earn whatever the market is willing to pay them, it could be a set amount of money per athlete, or student athletes could earn income from endorsements, autographs, and control of their likeness, similar to the way top Olympians earn money.
Proponents of the idea believe that, because college athletes are the ones who are training, participating in games, and bringing in audiences, they should receive some sort of compensation for their work. If there were no college athletes, the NCAA wouldn’t exist, college coaches wouldn’t receive there (sometimes very high) salaries, and brands like Nike couldn’t profit from college sports. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes don’t receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. Additionally, people who believe college athletes should be paid state that paying college athletes will actually encourage them to remain in college longer and not turn pro as quickly, either by giving them a way to begin earning money in college or requiring them to sign a contract stating they’ll stay at the university for a certain number of years while making an agreed-upon salary.
Supporters of this idea point to Zion Williamson, the Duke basketball superstar, who, during his freshman year, sustained a serious knee injury. Many argued that, even if he enjoyed playing for Duke, it wasn’t worth risking another injury and ending his professional career before it even began for a program that wasn’t paying him. Williamson seems to have agreed with them and declared his eligibility for the NCAA draft later that year. If he was being paid, he may have stayed at Duke longer. In fact, roughly a third of student athletes surveyed stated that receiving a salary while in college would make them “strongly consider” remaining collegiate athletes longer before turning pro.
Paying athletes could also stop the recruitment scandals that have plagued the NCAA. In 2018, the NCAA stripped the University of Louisville's men's basketball team of its 2013 national championship title because it was discovered coaches were using sex workers to entice recruits to join the team. There have been dozens of other recruitment scandals where college athletes and recruits have been bribed with anything from having their grades changed, to getting free cars, to being straight out bribed. By paying college athletes and putting their salaries out in the open, the NCAA could end the illegal and underhanded ways some schools and coaches try to entice athletes to join.
People who argue against the idea of paying college athletes believe the practice could be disastrous for college sports. By paying athletes, they argue, they’d turn college sports into a bidding war, where only the richest schools could afford top athletes, and the majority of schools would be shut out from developing a talented team (though some argue this already happens because the best players often go to the most established college sports programs, who typically pay their coaches millions of dollars per year). It could also ruin the tight camaraderie of many college teams if players become jealous that certain teammates are making more money than they are.
They also argue that paying college athletes actually means only a small fraction would make significant money. Out of the 350 Division I athletic departments, fewer than a dozen earn any money. Nearly all the money the NCAA makes comes from men’s football and basketball, so paying college athletes would make a small group of men--who likely will be signed to pro teams and begin making millions immediately out of college--rich at the expense of other players.
Those against paying college athletes also believe that the athletes are receiving enough benefits already. The top athletes already receive scholarships that are worth tens of thousands per year, they receive free food/housing/textbooks, have access to top medical care if they are injured, receive top coaching, get travel perks and free gear, and can use their time in college as a way to capture the attention of professional recruiters. No other college students receive anywhere near as much from their schools.
People on this side also point out that, while the NCAA brings in a massive amount of money each year, it is still a non-profit organization. How? Because over 95% of those profits are redistributed to its members’ institutions in the form of scholarships, grants, conferences, support for Division II and Division III teams, and educational programs. Taking away a significant part of that revenue would hurt smaller programs that rely on that money to keep running.
While both sides have good points, it’s clear that the negatives of paying college athletes far outweigh the positives. College athletes spend a significant amount of time and energy playing for their school, but they are compensated for it by the scholarships and perks they receive. Adding a salary to that would result in a college athletic system where only a small handful of athletes (those likely to become millionaires in the professional leagues) are paid by a handful of schools who enter bidding wars to recruit them, while the majority of student athletics and college athletic programs suffer or even shut down for lack of money. Continuing to offer the current level of benefits to student athletes makes it possible for as many people to benefit from and enjoy college sports as possible.
This argumentative essay follows the Rogerian model. It discusses each side, first laying out multiple reasons people believe student athletes should be paid, then discussing reasons why the athletes shouldn’t be paid. It ends by stating that college athletes shouldn’t be paid by arguing that paying them would destroy college athletics programs and cause them to have many of the issues professional sports leagues have.
- Both sides of the argument are well developed, with multiple reasons why people agree with each side. It allows readers to get a full view of the argument and its nuances.
- Certain statements on both sides are directly rebuffed in order to show where the strengths and weaknesses of each side lie and give a more complete and sophisticated look at the argument.
- Using the Rogerian model can be tricky because oftentimes you don’t explicitly state your argument until the end of the paper. Here, the thesis doesn’t appear until the first sentence of the final paragraph. That doesn’t give readers a lot of time to be convinced that your argument is the right one, compared to a paper where the thesis is stated in the beginning and then supported throughout the paper. This paper could be strengthened if the final paragraph was expanded to more fully explain why the author supports the view, or if the paper had made it clearer that paying athletes was the weaker argument throughout.
3 Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay
Now that you’ve seen examples of what good argumentative essay samples look like, follow these three tips when crafting your own essay.
#1: Make Your Thesis Crystal Clear
The thesis is the key to your argumentative essay; if it isn’t clear or readers can’t find it easily, your entire essay will be weak as a result. Always make sure that your thesis statement is easy to find. The typical spot for it is the final sentence of the introduction paragraph, but if it doesn’t fit in that spot for your essay, try to at least put it as the first or last sentence of a different paragraph so it stands out more.
Also make sure that your thesis makes clear what side of the argument you’re on. After you’ve written it, it’s a great idea to show your thesis to a couple different people--classmates are great for this. Just by reading your thesis they should be able to understand what point you’ll be trying to make with the rest of your essay.
#2: Show Why the Other Side Is Weak
When writing your essay, you may be tempted to ignore the other side of the argument and just focus on your side, but don’t do this. The best argumentative essays really tear apart the other side to show why readers shouldn’t believe it. Before you begin writing your essay, research what the other side believes, and what their strongest points are. Then, in your essay, be sure to mention each of these and use evidence to explain why they’re incorrect/weak arguments. That’ll make your essay much more effective than if you only focused on your side of the argument.
#3: Use Evidence to Support Your Side
Remember, an essay can’t be an argumentative essay if it doesn’t support its argument with evidence. For every point you make, make sure you have facts to back it up. Some examples are previous studies done on the topic, surveys of large groups of people, data points, etc. There should be lots of numbers in your argumentative essay that support your side of the argument. This will make your essay much stronger compared to only relying on your own opinions to support your argument.
Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample
Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion. When writing your essay, remember to always make your thesis clear, show where the other side is weak, and back up your opinion with data and evidence.
What's Next?
Do you need to write an argumentative essay as well? Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics for ideas!
You'll probably also need to write research papers for school. We've got you covered with 113 potential topics for research papers.
Your college admissions essay may end up being one of the most important essays you write. Follow our step-by-step guide on writing a personal statement to have an essay that'll impress colleges.
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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.
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Persuasive Essay Outline – Examples, Templates & Structure
Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.
Writing a good persuasive essay can help convince others of a point that means a lot to you. It can be anything from an environmental crisis to something as simple as the importance of ebooks to the modern reader. But how do you write a persuasive essay? Where do you even start? Right here! I’ll explain everything you need to know and even show you an example of a persuasive essay.
What Is a Persuasive Essay?
Persuasive essays are meant to convince someone or a group of people to agree with you on a certain topic or point of view. As the writer, you’ll use definitive evidence, simple reasoning, and even examples to support your argument and persuade them to understand the point of the essay.
Why Write a Persuasive Essay?
Believe it or not, you’ll have to form convincing arguments throughout real life. This could be in the form of college essays or academic essays, speeches for debate club that requires a valid argument, or even presenting an idea for change to your town council.
Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essay
An argumentative essay presents an argument on a specific topic and tries to persuade people to accept that argument as valid. It uses evidence, logic, and sometimes counterarguments to support the main point.
A persuasive essay is similar but presents an argument and focuses more on appealing to the reader’s emotions and values to convince them of your point of view. Think of it as convincing vs. persuading. And, yes, persuasive essays can also use evidence, but they often rely more on personal anecdotes and moral appeals to plead their case.
Let me give you an example. I’m a content writer, but I’m also a published author. If I were going to write an argumentative essay, I’d probably choose a topic like “Do you think authors should self-edit their work?”
But if I were doing a persuasive essay with a similar angle, the topic would look more like “The benefits of self-editing for authors.” Make sense?
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Basically, the main difference between argumentative and persuasive essays is all in the emphasis placed on logic and emotion.
How Many Paragraphs in a Persuasive Essay?
A decent persuasive essay should be around five or six paragraphs with double line spacing, depending on the topic, and can range from 500-2000 words in length. This includes your introduction and conclusion.
Introduction of a Persuasive Essay Example
Our world is facing a crisis, and that crisis is plastic pollution! Every day, a disgusting amount of plastic waste is just dumped into our oceans, killing and harming innocent marine life and ultimately affecting the entire food chain, including us.
Even though there is a clear and present danger that plastic presents, there are still a lot of people and corporations that continue to use single-use plastics with zero regards for their impact on our environment. It’s time for people to really look around and take some responsibility.
We can make a change by learning and using environmentally friendly alternatives in our everyday lives. So, in this essay, I’ll argue that using reusable bags, water bottles, and containers is not only necessary for the health of our precious planet but also a simple and effective way to make a real difference.
A Persuasive Essay Structure
As persuasive essay writers, you can write it however you like, but to follow a traditional persuasive essay structure, use this basic layout to get an effective paper:
- An Introduction: You need a good hook to grab the reader’s attention, a thesis statement presenting the main argument, and a roadmap of the essay, so they know what to expect.
- The Body Paragraphs: 2-3 paragraphs should suffice to provide strong evidence, examples, and any reasoning to support the thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea.
- The Counterargument: This section acknowledges and refutes the opposing viewpoint, strengthening your argument but still without being as forward as an argumentative essay.
- A Conclusion or Closing Statement: Here is where you would summarize the main points of the essay and a restatement of the thesis, including a call to action for the reader and/or a final thought.
In the end, a persuasive essay usually consists of 5-6 paragraphs and needs to be clear, concise, and logically structured to really persuade the reader on the point.
Tips for Persuasive Writing
- Choose a strong, clear thesis statement that presents your argument well.
- Know your audience and tailor your language and arguments to them. You’ll need a different approach if you’re speaking to a group of teenagers versus a team of adults.
- Use credible and reliable sources to support your argument so no one can second guess your point.
- Expect that people will have counterarguments and prepare a few talking points to address them.
- Use strong pieces of evidence and back them up with facts, statistics, examples, and personal anecdotes. Putting a personal touch on it helps ground the essay and lets people know you’re serious about the topic.
- Use an emotional appeal to engage the reader and make a personal connection to your argument. Basically, tug at their heartstrings and play into their guilt.
- Use clear and concise wordage. Try and avoid confusing technical jargon that might confuse people, and maintain a consistent tone throughout the essay.
- Make sure you’re confident and use an assertive tone but avoid being overly aggressive or confrontational. That will just spark a fight.
- Finish up with a powerful call to action or a final thought that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or listener.
- Use the same font throughout your essay, even for headings and titles. Go with easy-to-read fonts like Calibri, Times New Roman, or Garamond.
- Proofread and edit your essay for clarity, grammar, and style. I cannot stress this one enough. If you’re not confident, use programs like Grammarly to help spot typos and inconsistencies.
Persuasive Essay Topic Ideas
If you’re stuck on some ideas of what to form your essay around, here’s a list of some popular topics to inspire you.
- Importance of recycling and reducing waste in today’s climate.
- The need for stricter gun control laws all over the world.
- A paper on abortion rights in today’s age.
- Benefits of alternative energy sources over fossil fuels and how we can be using them.
- How social media has negative impacts on mental health in kids.
- Key benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet and how it can help the planet.
- The value of a college education.
- Rise of plastic pollution on the environment and sea life and how it is affecting us.
- Why physical exercise and leading an active lifestyle are important.
- The dangers of texting while driving.
- How our public schools need better funding.
- Benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace both online and in-person.
Any of these could be used as logical arguments. Still, to make a persuasive argument from either of them, just follow the basic persuasive essay outline examples I’ve given you.
Example of a Persuasive Essay
Introduction.
In today’s age of ever-changing technology, the way we consume and experience books have changed dramatically in just a short time. While physical books were once the only option, ebooks have grown increasingly popular in recent years. In my essay, I’ll argue that, while we all still love paperbacks and hardcovers, ebooks offer so many benefits over physical books, making them the number one choice for most readers today.
Body Paragraph 1: Convenience
Ebooks are convenient; there’s just no denying it. They’re easily accessible through devices like smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, and they allow readers to carry hundreds of books with them at all times. This makes them perfect for traveling or heading to work, or even going to the gym. Readers can now have an entire library with them without the added weight of physical books. Plus, ebooks are easily bought online with just the click of a button, further adding to their convenience.
Body Paragraph 2: Customization
Ebooks offer a level of customization that physical books just can’t match. For one, the font size can be adjusted for easier reading, which is great for those who have eyesight problems. The background color can also be changed from light to dark to reduce eye strain. Personally, as someone who suffers from Meniere’s disease, this is a great feature. All of these options make ebooks a great choice for people with visual impairments, neurological disorders, or reading difficulties.
Body Paragraph 3: Affordability
Ebooks are often far cheaper than physical books, especially when purchased in bulk. You can get an entire series for a fraction of the cost of one paperback. This makes them a more accessible option for budget-conscious readers and people who simply don’t have the disposable funds for books. Also, tons of ebooks are available for free, which is a great option for readers that are looking for ways to save money but keep up with their reading habits.
Body Paragraph 4: Environmentally Friendly
626,000 tons of paper is used to produce all the books we see published every year. That’s a scary number when you consider the rate of deforestation and the state of our world in terms of global warming. We simply can’t afford to move ahead at a rate like that. Ebooks help tackle the issue because they require zero trees to produce.
In conclusion, ebooks offer endless benefits over physical books, including convenience, customization, and affordability. While physical books will always hold a special place in our hearts, you have to admit that the benefits of ebooks just can’t be ignored. For modern, busy, on-the-go readers, ebooks are the preferred choice. It’s time to embrace the digital age and make the switch to ebooks.
Now Write Your Persuasive Essay!
I hope this guide has helped you figure out persuasive essay writing and how to put together powerful arguments. Just stick to the facts and ease the reader into your point with gentle arguments that continue to prove your point. Don’t be afraid to get personal if it can help the essay and convince the reader.
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To find the right path for your essay, it's helpful to go through some examples. Similarly, good essay examples also help to avoid any potential pitfalls and offer clear information to the readers to adopt. Let's take a look at 2 short persuasive essay examples, focusing on current and relevant issues: Example 1:
Persuasive Essay Examples for Elementary Students. At primary school, teachers assign essays to students as a way of improving their writing skills. However, the essays are very simple and not very complex, so the students easily write them. Below are some good persuasive essay topics for primary school kids. Persuasive Essay Examples for 3rd Grade
List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics. Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you'll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, "should fracking be legal?" you'd decide whether you believe fracking should ...
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 "announcing" your thesis.
Read and analyze famous persuasive writing examples like essays, speeches, advertisements, op-eds, book and movie reviews, and more. ... The novel is an account of an awakening to good and evil, and a faint catechistic flavor may have been inevitable. But it is faint indeed; novelist Lee's prose has an edge that cuts through cant, and she ...
If you need to prove your point in a persuasive essay, you'll need to start with a great prompt. ... 120+ Good Persuasive Essay Topics From Easy to Unique By ... consider counterarguments, and draft your essay. Check out a template for a basic argumentative or persuasive essay, complete with a sample outline PDF. Advertisement ...
1 Choose wording carefully. Word choice—the words and phrases you decide to use—is crucial in persuasive writing as a way to build a personal relationship with the reader. You want to always pick the best possible words and phrases in each instance to convince the reader that your opinion is right. Persuasive writing often uses strong ...
Step 1: Topic Selection and Research. Choosing a good topic is where you start when writing a persuasive essay. Think about things that really interest you and make you feel strongly. But it's not just about what you like; you also need to think about what matters to your readers.
Persuasive Essay Writing Guide Sample 01. New SAT Persuasive Analysis Essay Tips Example. Cell Phones in School Persuasive Essay Example. Social Networking Sites Persuasive Essay Example. Persuasive Essay Writing Guide Sample 02. Physical Education is Vital Persuasive Essay Example. School's Out Persuasive Essay Example.
The last time you wrote a persuasive essay may have been in high school or college, but the skill of writing a strong persuasive argument is always a useful one to have. Persuasive writing begins with a writer forming their own opinion on a topic, which they then attempt to convince their reader of this opinion by walking them through a number of logical and ethical arguments.
Persuasive writing examples make use of reasons and logic to make them more persuasive. When you write your own persuasive essay examples, you must convince your readers to adopt your point of view or to take a specific action. To do this, you must present solid arguments using facts, examples, and quotes from experts.
The first step in writing a persuasive essay is choosing a topic and picking a side. If the topic is something you believe in, it will make the entire experience of researching, writing, and arguing your perspective more personal. Choosing a topic that appeals to you on an emotional or sentimental level will make its defense easier.
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. ... 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.
Learning how to write a persuasive essay is an essential skill people use every day in fields from business to law to media and entertainment. English students can begin writing a persuasive essay at any skill level. You'll surely find a sample topic or two from the list of 100 persuasive essays below, sorted by degree of difficulty.
The thesis should. 1. be a complete sentence, 2. identify the topic, and. 3. make a specific claim about that topic. In a persuasive paper, the thesis is a claim that someone should believe or do something. For example, a persuasive thesis might assert that something is effective or ineffective.
434 Good Persuasive Topics for Speech or Essay: My Speech Class. How to Write Persuasive Essays: Matrix Education. 31 Powerful Persuasive Writing Techniques: Writtent. A CS Research Topic Generator or How To pick A Worthy Topic In 10 Seconds: Purdue University. Topic Ideas Generator: Online Research Library Questia.
Pick a topic that appeals to you. Because a persuasive essay often relies heavily on emotional appeals, you should choose to write on something about which you have a real opinion. Pick a subject about which you feel strongly and can argue convincingly. [3] 6. Look for a topic that has a lot of depth or complexity.
College Persuasive Essay Topics: Medicine. Strong pain killers should be sold by prescription only. Drug prices should be set ethically. Herbal medications are the safest. Self-medication is extremely dangerous, even in the case of a simple cold or an allergy. Differentiating various forms of medicines is essential.
This will enable you to tailor your persuasive essay accordingly to ensure that it has a maximum persuasive impact. 2. Research Thoroughly. Strong persuasive essays are rooted in solid research. When researching for your essay topic, get as much information as possible to make a persuasive case. 3.
162 Persuasive Writing Prompts & Topics: Examples & Tips. by IvyPanda®. 14 min. 18,908. Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task. While it is excellent for improving a student's critical thinking and rhetoric skills, coming up with a good topic might be difficult. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our ...
Take notes on the most convincing lines of support. And always cite your sources correctly. ️. Step 4: Focus on the Opinions against Your Position. If Step 3 didn't reveal flaws in your position, this step certainly will. Look for examples of persuasive essays that defend a point of view opposite to yours.
Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion.
As persuasive essay writers, you can write it however you like, but to follow a traditional persuasive essay structure, use this basic layout to get an effective paper: An Introduction: You need a good hook to grab the reader's attention, a thesis statement presenting the main argument, and a roadmap of the essay, so they know what to expect.