Writing a Persuasive Essay
View in pdf format, the introduction.
Simply enough, the introductory paragraph introduces the argument of your paper. A well-constructed introductory paragraph immediately captures a reader’s interest and gives appropriate background information about the paper’s topic. Such a paragraph might include a brief summary of the ideas to be discussed in body of the paper as well as other information relevant to your paper’s argument. The most important function of the introductory paragraph, however, is to present a clear statement of the paper’s argument. This sentence is your paper’s thesis. Without a thesis, it is impossible for you to present an effective argument. The thesis sentence should reflect both the position that you will argue and the organizational pattern with which you will present and support your argument. A useful way to think about the construction of a thesis sentence is to view it in terms of stating both the “what” and the “how” of the paper’s argument. The “what” is simply the basic argument in your paper: what exactly are you arguing? The “how” is the strategy you will use to present this argument. The following are helpful questions for you to consider when formulating a thesis sentence:
- What is the argument that I am trying to convince the reader to accept?
- How exactly do I expect to convince the reader that this argument is sound?
Once you have answered these questions, the next step is to synthesize these answers into a single thesis sentence, or, if necessary, two thesis sentences.
For example: You want to convince your reader that the forces of industry did not shape American foreign policy from the late 19th century through 1914, and you plan to do this by showing that there were other factors which were much more influential in shaping American foreign policy. Both of these elements can be synthesized into a thesis sentence:
Fear of foreign influence in the Western hemisphere, national pride, and contemporary popular ideas concerning both expansion and foreign peoples had significantly more influence on American foreign policy than did the voices of industrialists.
This sentence shows the position you will argue and also sets up the organizational pattern of your paper's body.
The body of your paper contains the actual development of your paper’s argument. Each body paragraph presents a single idea or set of related ideas that provides support for your paper’s argument. Each body paragraph addresses one key aspect of your paper’s thesis and brings the reader closer to accepting the validity of your paper’s argument. Because each body paragraph should be a step in your argument, you should be mindful of the overall organization of your body paragraphs. The first step in writing an effective body paragraph is the construction of the first sentence of this paragraph, the topic sentence. Just as the thesis sentence holds together your essay, the topic sentence is the glue binding each individual body paragraph. A body paragraph’s topic sentence serves two main purposes: introducing the content of the paragraph and introducing the next step of your argument. It is important to keep in mind that the goal of the topic sentence is to advance your paper's argument, not just to describe the content of the paragraph. For example: The first part in your thesis on page two states that fear of foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere had more influence on American foreign policy than did industry. Thus, you need to elaborate on this point in your body paragraphs. An effective topic sentence for one of these paragraphs could be:
American fear of foreign influence was a key factor in the United States’ actions in the Spanish-American War. Subsequent body paragraphs might offer further evidence for the idea presented in this body paragraph.
A good way to test the strength of both your topic sentences and your argument as a whole is to construct an outline of your paper using only your paper's thesis statement and topic sentences. This outline should be a logical overview of your paper's argument; all of your paper’s topic sentences should work together to support your thesis statement.
The Conclusion
A basic purpose of your paper’s concluding paragraph is both to restate the paper’s argument and to restate how you have supported this argument in the body of the paper. However, your conclusion should not simply be a copy of your introduction. The conclusion draws together the threads of the paper’s argument and shows where the argument of your paper has gone. An effective conclusion gives the reader reasons for bothering to read your paper. One of the most important functions of this paragraph is to bring in fresh insight. Some possible questions to consider when writing your conclusion are:
- What are some real world applications of this paper’s argument?
- Why is what I am writing about important?
- What are some of the questions that this paper’s argument raises?
- What are the implications of this paper’s argument?
While the organization and structure described in this handout are necessary components of an effective persuasive essay, keep in mind that writing itself is a fluid process. There are no steadfast rules that you need to adhere to as you write. Simply because the introduction is the first paragraph in your essay does not mean that you must write this paragraph before any other. Think of the act of writing as an exploration of ideas, and let this sense of exploration guide you as you write your essay.
by Adam Polak ’98 and Jen Collins ’96
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writing of a persuasive essay assignment. Be sure to review the assignment instructions and grading rubric, complete each task in the instructions, and contact the instructor with ... Gates corresponds with themes from the following paragraph on Justin Reich. It's okay to have more than one paragraph to explore a major point. Consider ending this
Persuasive writing will persuade to a purpose or point of view (for example, to sell a product, or influence opinion/belief), usually concerning itself with a single topic or issue. The main requirements of the persuasive essay are that it will: carry a clear sense of conviction or inducement; tone may range from
A persuasive essay is an essay in which the writer takes a side on an issue and tries to convince the reader to see the situation from the writer's point(s) of view, change the reader' s preconceived notions on the issue, and/or take action that evokes change. In order to write a persuasive essay, the writer must thoroughly research the topic ...
Learn how to write persuasively with clear and relevant language, a statement of your point of view, the opposing view, and emphatic order. Use this checklist to review your paper and ensure you have all the elements of persuasive writing.
Choose a topic from the list below, and write a persuasive essay outline. From the remaining topics, choose five, and write thesis statements. 1. Junk food should be banned from school cafeterias 2. Students should not have to write exams 3. Children as young as eight years old are declaring their commitment to vegetarianism.
Learn how to structure and organize a persuasive essay with a clear thesis, topic sentences, and a logical argument. This handout from Hamilton College Writing Center provides tips and examples for each section of your paper.
There are three main components to persuasive writing: Personal: It is primarily focused on your reader's needs and preferences About probabilities: Someone else's solution might be appealing, but your goal is to convince your reader that your solution is the more likely to succeed Conclusive: It leaves no doubt as to the best course of action
Learn how to write a persuasive essay by following six steps: organizing your thoughts, researching your topic, developing a thesis, writing the introduction, writing the body, and writing the conclusion. Find out the characteristics, structure, and format of a persuasive essay and see examples and illustrations.
This essay argues that students in San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) should be supplied with electronic smart tablets to improve their literacy rates and engagement with curriculum. It cites evidence, examples, and benefits of tablet use in other districts, as well as challenges and costs of implementation.
More writing tips: As with most essays, your persuasive essay should present a thesis that encompasses all of the main points developed in the body of the essay. Organize your essay so that readers can easily follow your argument and logic. If the essay is disorganized, the reader will think that your logic is, too.
Learn how to read an assignment prompt, ask analytical questions, develop a thesis, and organize your essay with this guide from the Harvard Writing Center. Find tips for introductions, body paragraphs, transitions, counterarguments, and conclusions.
Learn how to write persuasively for legal documents by developing a theory of the case, telling a compelling story with the facts, and using persuasive language and structure. This handout provides an overview of the differences between objective and persuasive writing, and offers specific tools and examples for maximizing your persuasive potential.
Learn how to write a persuasive paper by selecting a topic, deciding on a position, supporting your thesis, and using persuasive techniques. One persuasive technique is oversimplifying complex issues, which can be effective but also risky.
Learn how to structure and organize a persuasive essay with a clear thesis, topic sentences, and a logical argument. Find tips and examples for writing an effective introduction, body, and conclusion.
Persuasive writing is a type of writing that aims to persuade or convince the reader to take a particular action, adopt a certain point of view, or believe in a specific idea. Ex: Essays, articles, advertisements, speeches, and even social media posts. The goal is to convince the reader of a particular point of view or
Learn how to write an argumentative or persuasive essay with clear thesis, logical evidence, and fair presentation of opposing viewpoints. See examples, format, and editing tips from Tidewater Community College Writing Center.
Persuasive.Wri0ng.can.be.used.to…. Purpose • S&r#up#sympathy### • Create#interest## • Getpeople#to#agree#with# you### Persuasive#Statement • "If#you#don'tadoptthis#dog,#it could#have#to#live#in#ashelter. "# • "BeFer#grades#getyou#abeFer# job#and#more#money."# • "Iam#sure#you 'll#agree#that Milky#Way#is#the#bestcandy#
Learn how to develop your argument in an essay by adding persuasive language to your analysis. See examples of how to use key words, contrasts, and reasons to support your points.
3. Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic. 4. Structure your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you
Download PDFs of tips and guides for writing essays in various disciplines and formats. Learn how to read assignment prompts, ask analytical questions, write introductions, body paragraphs, transitions, conclusions, and more.
In this chapter, you will write a persuasive essay. You will learn how to present and support your arguments, how to counter likely opposing arguments, and how to convince your reader of your point of view. Persuasive Essays 0089-110_WritersAtWork_CH04.indd 8989-110_WritersAtWork_CH04.indd 89 111/14/07 8:21:21 PM1/14/07 8:21:21 PM
In persuasive essays, writers must also support their opinions. Typically, persuasive essays support their arguments through the use of appropriate evidence, such as quotations, examples, expert opinions, or other facts. Nevertheless, simply having an opinion and supporting evidence is still not enough to write a strong persuasive essay.
are writing an argumentative essay, include the counterargument and how you will refute it. If you are writing a persuasive essay, include the facts/statistics that you will use to persuade your audience. If you are writing an opinion essay, state your opinion and how it is relevant. the essay is argumentative, the outline