Persuasive Essay

Before we begin looking at how to write this type of essay, it is important that we understand what a persuasive essay is. Below is a short description of the persuasive essay.

A persuasive essay is one which is used to convince the audience of a particular viewpoint or opinion on a specific topic.

Tips For Writing A Persuasive Essay

Now that we are familiar with the type of essay we will be writing, let’s take a look at some great ideas for how to create the best piece of writing possible.

The most important point when it comes to writing a good persuasive essay is to choose your stance. For example, if you are writing about the topic of ‘should the death penalty be legal in every country?’ You are going to want to choose your point of view carefully and be sure that you can deliver a convincing take on this. In most cases, it is a good idea to write on a topic that you are passionate about because this will show in your writing. The main point here is to bring your reader around to your way of thinking and without a good position, this will not be achieved.

Before you begin writing, you should put in a good amount of research time in order to find statistics and data that can back up your argument. In the example of the death penalty, you might find facts about lower crime rates in countries which use this method. By having solid facts in your essay, the reader will be more easily brought around to your way of thinking.

You should also consider the audience that you are writing for and how they are likely to respond to the essay. Consider whether the reader will be currently opposed to your argument or whether they just need some gentle swaying, this will help you to write more persuasive points.

Outlining The Persuasive Essay

Before you actually put pen to paper, it is vital that you create an essay outline, and this is very important when writing a persuasive essay. You need to be sure that you have included all the relevant points and that the essay is structured and ordered in the correct fashion. Let’s take a look at what you should include in your persuasive essay outline.

Introduction

Use a hook to grab the attention of the reader. This could be a joke, some interesting data or a personal experience.

Detail the subject which will be discussed.

Present your thesis statement to provide the reader with your take on the subject.

Body 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc Paragraphs

The body of the essay is traditionally made up of three paragraphs but you are free to write more or less depending on the information you wish to present.

Each paragraph should contain one point of your argument, ordered in level of importance, starting with the most important.

You should include data as a way of backing up any claims you back and also as a way of further convincing the reader of your argument.

Opposing Paragraph

Use this paragraph to air the point of view of the opposition.

You can provide data and statistics here too.

You should then give reasons as to why this argument is not correct and refute any claims that have been made, with reasons.

Conclusion

Summarise all the points that have been made throughout the piece of writing.

Restate the thesis statement