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The Persuasive Essay Time4Writing





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What is a Persuasive essay?


 


  • A convincing case in favor of, or in opposition to, an argument
  • Difference from an expository essay

    • Bias
    • Taking a side
    • Carefully argued perspective




Persuasive Essay


 


  • Requires the student to…

    • Appeal to the reader’s sense of logic

      • Present specific and relevant evidence
      • Well-organized structure


    • Use evidence to support your viewpoint

      • Statistics
      • Facts
      • Quotations from experts
      • Examples




  • Consider opposing views

    • Anticipate concerns and questions
    • Respond to these points
    • Explain why your viewpoint is best


  • Present a strong conclusion

    • Evidence and explanations should build to a strong ending
    • Summarize your view in a clear and memorable way
    • May include a call to action


  • Do use a pleasant and reasonable tone

    • Logic and fairness will keep it strong


  • Don’t use sarcasm or name-calling

    • Weakens an argument




Choose a topic


 


  • The first step is choosing a topic
  • Brainstorm ideas

    • Needs to have depth and support


  • Pick a topic in which you strongly believe

    • Easier to defend your ideas
    • Makes your paper more convincing




 


  • Consider the opposing viewpoints


More about the topic


 


  • You must take a stand
  • No room for wishy-washy declarations


  • Write about something with which you are familiar
  • You will know something about it and be willing to research to learn more


 


  • The topic should be something upon which there is a reasonable difference of opinion
  • The topic must be very specific


Prewriting-Brainstorming


 


  • Do your research
  • Use at least three sources

    • Never use just one source


  • Will strengthen your argument
  • Will help you understand the counter-arguments
  • Will help persuade reader by showing verifiable facts


Prewriting-Drafting


 


  • Use an active voice
  • Avoid passive language


  • Use third person point of view
  • You need lots of research to back up your position
  • First person weakens your research

    • Sounds like just an opinion




  • Be clear
  • Use concise, clear language
  • Unnecessary wordiness will detract from the clarity


Drafting


 


  • Arrange the essay
  • Introduction with strong thesis statement
  • Body paragraphs

    • Each one will take one reason from the thesis statement and offer proof that the reason is valid
    • Each one will include three smaller points defending the reason from the thesis statement

      • Add citations to help drive home the message that these are facts rather than just opinions


    • Each one will end with a transitional sentence to the next paragraph

      • Keeps the reading smooth






 


  • Dissect the counter-arguments
  • Can be separate paragraph


 


  • Mention the counter argument to each reason
  • Should be shot down with persuasive, rational arguments

    • Emotions have no place in this type of essay
    • Spell out why the counter-argument is wrong
    • Use facts to dissuade the readers from the counter-argument




  • Build a solid conclusion
  • Tie together the entire essay
  • Drive home the main argument once more
  • Remind the reader of your strongest sources
  • Reader should be convinced that your position is valid and supported by facts


Outline


 


  • Introduction
  • Hook (attention-grabbing opening sentence)
  • Background information

    • Three sentences leading up to your main idea or perspective on the topic


  • Thesis statement

    • Subject + argument about the subject + three reasons for your argument or viewpoint




  • Body paragraphs
  • Each paragraph should focus on one reason listed in the thesis statement (topic sentence)
  • Each paragraph should include three details, in the way of evidence or examples (support/detail sentences)
  • Each paragraph should end with a transition to the next reason or paragraph (closing sentence)
  • One paragraph can be included to accurately explain and then refute the most significant opposing view


  • Conclusion
  • Creatively rephrase your thesis statement
  • Summarize the main supporting points
  • Leave the reader with a sense of closure


Time4Writing provides practice in this area. Sign up for our High School Essay Writing course or browse other related courses below to find a course that’s right for you.