template for a persuasive essay

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Persuasive Essay Outline – Examples, Templates & Structure

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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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Persuasive Essay Guide

Persuasive Essay Outline

Learn How to Create a Persuasive Essay Outline

10 min read

What is a Persuasive Essay Outline?

A persuasive essay outline serves as a blueprint for your entire essay. It ensures that your essay is well-structured, logically sound, and, most importantly, persuasive.

At its core, a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument. Your outline is the tool that helps you achieve this goal effectively. It does that by organizing your thoughts, ideas, and evidence in a systematic way, making it easier for your readers to follow your reasoning.

The main goals of a persuasive paper outline include:

To organize your thoughts, arguments, and evidence about a topic
To ensure proper division of word count, paragraphs, and sections
To ensure the logical flow of the arguments you will use

Persuasive Essay Outline Format

A standard outline for a persuasive essay consists of five paragraphs, each with a specific role within the essay. However, the number of paragraphs can vary according to the chosen topic.

Let's break down the structure of a persuasive essay outline:

Introduction (One-Paragraph - 7-8 Sentences)

Hook - A famous quotation, question, fact, or insight in 1-2 sentences
Background Information about the Topic
Thesis Statement - A strong argument in 1 sentence

Body Paragraphs (3 Paragraphs At least)

Topic Sentence - First sentence of a paragraph that presents the main point or argument of that paragraph.
Supporting Evidence - This can include statistics, facts, examples, anecdotes, or quotations from experts.
Analysis/Discussion - Explaining the evidence mentioned and its relevance to the overall argument.
Transitions - They connect a paragraph with the next paragraph to ensure a sense of flow.

Conclusion (7-8 sentences)

Restating the Thesis - This reminds your readers of your main argument and reinforces its importance.
Summarizing Key Points - This helps tie everything together and reinforces your argument's strength.
Call to Action or Final Thought - Concluding sentence that aims to leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Moreover, ensure correct page formatting to ensure the readability and helpfulness of your outline. Here are some recommendations:

Font Style: Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial
Font Size: 12pt
Line Spacing: Double-spacing
Alignment: Left-Aligned
Margins: One-inch on all sides
Word Count: As per instructions & requirements

Steps to Create a Persuasive Essay Outline

Now that you know the main purpose and basic format of an outline, you are ready to begin outlining. Here is a step-wise guide to writing a persuasive essay outline:

Persuasive Essay Introduction

The outline for a persuasive essay starts with an introduction paragraph. The introduction is your first chance to grab the reader’s attention. Here are some of the strategies you should follow to create an outline for an engaging introduction.

1. Think About Your Topic

The first step for your outline is to decide your essay topic . Carefully choosing your topic and stance will set the tone for the whole essay. Moreover, only after confirming your topic, you can proceed to research and gather evidence.

Ran out of topic ideas? Check out our list of 200+ engaging persuasive essay topics to get inspiration.

2. Determine Your Target Audience

A persuasive essay aims to persuade the readers, which can’t be possible without knowing them. So it is better to determine your target audience before starting writing. It will help you choose those points that best suit the audience.

For example, writing for kids and adults is different. Similarly, some groups are also sensitive to specific issues, making you adjust your tone and arguments accordingly.

3. Begin With a Hook Statement

Begin your essay outline with a hook statement related to your topic. It creates interest regarding the topic by demonstrating your knowledge. Similarly, it also provides concrete proof of the writer’s viewpoint.

The best hooks for starting a persuasive essay include quotations, anecdotes, questions, and statistical facts and figures.

For Example:

Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales in Canada.
Elbert Hubbard once said, "Truth is stronger than fiction."

4. Provide Background Information

Add some background information or context about the topic. However, never share the detailed arguments and evidence in this section. Instead, just introduce the topic and explain why it is debatable.

5. Develop a Thesis Statement

Craft a thesis statement that presents your main argument. This statement will serve as the foundation for your essay. Add your thesis statement at the end of your introduction outline, as it is often the last sentence of the introduction.

Here are a few examples of persuasive thesis statements:

Access to public restrooms should be given to homeless people to improve their living standards.
Celebrities should not be considered role models because of their engagement in illegal activities.

This is how your introduction outline will look like:

Persuasive Essay Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs present your detailed arguments and analyses. Here you present evidence supporting your arguments and convince your audience of your stance.

Below are the elements that outline for each body paragraph should include:

1. Topic Sentence

Remember, each body paragraph focuses on a single idea that supports the larger thesis. It presents, explains, and discusses one point in detail to persuade the audience.

This main point of a paragraph is expressed in the topic sentence, which is the first sentence of the paragraph. It indicates to the reader what the paragraph is about.

2. Supporting Details

After the topic sentence, you can add supporting details and credible evidence to your outline. It can be in the form of facts, statistics, real-life examples, quotations, and anecdotes. Make sure to add citations along in your outline so you don’t forget the source later.

3. Transitions

End your body paragraphs with a concluding sentence to tie the ideas together. Add transition words to connect all the ideas in an essay logically. Use words like similarly, in contrast, therefore, thus, however, nevertheless, etc.

Here is what the outline for the body paragraphs will include:

Persuasive Essay Conclusion

Persuasive writing usually ends by summarizing the important details of your essay. It is written to give closure to the main arguments. The outline for a conclusion should include a restatement of your thesis, a summary of key points, and a compelling closing statement.

1. Restatement of Thesis

Rewrite in thesis in different to reinforce it in light of the arguments presented above. This ties all your argument presented body paragraphs to the central point of the essay.

2. Summary of Arguments

Add a short summary of the arguments you presented to remind your readers of the key points that support your thesis.

3. Concluding Thoughts

Think of a powerful concluding statement for your persuasive essay. It can be a call to action, a question, or an insight. Your concluding statement should be powerful, and thought-provoking, and reinforce the importance of your argument.

Watch the video below to get some tips on making outlines:

Persuasive Essay Outline Template

Here is a persuasive outline template that will help you make your essay outline. Simply fill in the blanks after identifying your main arguments and evidence.

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Persuasive Essay Outline Examples

Below are the persuasive essay outline samples and examples to get a better idea of writing this type of essay.

Persuasive Essay Outline 5th Grade

Persuasive Essay Outline Middle School

Persuasive Essay Outline College

5-paragraph Persuasive Essay Outline Template

Persuasive Essay Outline Worksheet

Argumentative Persuasive Essay Outline

Abortion Persuasive Essay Outline

Animal Testing Persuasive Essay Outline

Global Warming Persuasive Essay Outline

Want to read complete persuasive essays about these topics? Check out our interesting persuasive essay examples .

To Conclude,

Crafting a persuasive essay outline is like sculpting the foundation of a powerful argument. Through careful planning and organization, you can not only capture your readers' attention but also sway their opinions. Your outline serves as the compass, guiding you through the journey of persuasive writing.

So with the help of the format, steps, and examples provided above, you are now ready to embark on your persuasive journey.

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Tips and Tricks

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 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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Writing a Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays convince readers to accept a certain perspective. Writing a persuasive essay therefore entails making an argument that will appeal to readers, so they believe what you say has merit. This act of appealing to readers is the art of persuasion, also known as rhetoric. In classical rhetoric, persuasion involves appealing to readers using ethos, pathos, and logos.

In this tutorial, we refer to the sample persuasive draft and final paper written by fictional student Maggie Durham.

THE ART OF PERSUASION

Ethos refers to establishing yourself as a credible source of information. To convince an audience of anything, they must first trust you are being earnest and ethical. One strategy to do this is to write a balanced discussion with relevant and reliable research that supports your claims. Reliable research would include quoting or paraphrasing experts, first-hand witnesses, or authorities. Properly citing your sources, so your readers can also retrieve them, is another factor in establishing a reliable ethos. When writing for academic purposes, expressing your argument using unbiased language and a neutral tone will also indicate you are arguing fairly and with consideration of others having differing views.

When you appeal to your readers’ emotions, you are using pathos. This appeal is common in advertising that convinces consumers they lack something and buying a certain product or service will fulfill that lack. Emotional appeals are subtler in academic writing; they serve to engage a reader in the argument and inspire a change of heart or motivate readers toward a course of action. The examples you use, how you define terms, any comparisons you draw, as well as the language choices you use can draw readers in and impact their willingness to go along with your ideas.

Consider that one purpose of persuasion is to appeal to those who do not already agree with you, so it will be important to show that you understand other points of view. You will also want to avoid derogatory or insulting descriptions or remarks about the opposition. You wouldn’t want to offend the very readers you want to persuade.

Establishing an appeal of logos is to write a sound argument, one that readers can follow and understand. To do this, the facts and evidence you use should be relevant, representative, and reliable, and the writing as a whole should be well organized, developed, and edited.

STEPS FOR WRITING PERSUASIVELY

Step one: determine the topic.

The first step in writing a persuasive essay is to establish the topic. The best topic is one that interests you. You can generate ideas for a topic by prewriting, such as by brainstorming whatever comes to mind, recording in grocery-list fashion your thoughts, or freewriting in complete sentences what you know or think about topics of interest.

Whatever topic you choose, it needs to be:

Interesting : The topic should appeal both to you and to your intended readers.
Researchable : A body of knowledge should already exist on the topic.
Nonfiction : The information about the topic should be factual, not based on personal opinions or conspiracy theories.
Important : Your reader should think the topic is relevant to them or worthy of being explored and discussed.

Our sample student Maggie Durham has selected the topic of educational technology. We will use Maggie’s sample persuasive draft and final paper as we discuss the steps for writing a persuasive essay.

Step Two: Pose a Research Question

Once you have a topic, the next step is to develop a research question along with related questions that delve further into the first question. If you do not know what to ask, start with one of the question words: What? Who? Where? When? Why? and How? The research question helps you focus or narrow the scope of your topic by identifying a problem, controversy, or aspect of the topic that is worth exploration and discussion. Some general questions about a topic would be the following:

Who is affected by this problem and how?
Have previous efforts or polices been made to address this problem? – What are they?
Why hasn’t this problem been solved already?

For Maggie’s topic of educational technology, potential issues or controversies range from data privacy to digital literacy to the impact of technology on learning, which is what Maggie is interested in. Maggie’s local school district has low literacy rates, so Maggie wants to know the following:

Are there advantages and/or disadvantages of technology within primary and secondary education?
Which types of technology are considered the best in terms of quality and endurance?
What types of technology and/or programs do students like using and why?
Do teachers know how to use certain technologies with curriculum design, instruction, and/or assessment?

Step Three: Draft a Thesis

A thesis is a claim that asserts your main argument about the topic. As you conduct your research and draft your paper, you may discover information that changes your mind about your thesis, so at this point in writing, the thesis is tentative. Still, it is an important step in narrowing your focus for research and writing.

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. It might state that a policy should be changed or a plan should be implemented. Or a persuasive thesis might be a plea for people to change their minds about a particular issue.

Once you have figured out your research question, your thesis is simply the answer. Maggie’s thesis is “Schools should supply technology aids to all students to increase student learning and literacy rates.” Her next step is to find evidence to support her claim.

Step Four: Research

Once you have a topic, research question, and thesis, you are ready to conduct research. To find sources that would be appropriate for an academic persuasive essay, begin your search in the library. The Purdue Global Library has a number of tutorials on conducting research, choosing search teams, types of sources, and how to evaluate information to determine its reliability and usefulness. Remember that the research you use will not only provide content to prove your claim and develop your essay, but it will also help to establish your credibility as a reliable source (ethos), create a logical framework for your argument (logos), and appeal to your readers emotionally (pathos).

Step Five: Plan Your Argument; Make an Outline

Once you have located quality source information—facts, examples, definitions, knowledge, and other information that answers your research question(s), you’ll want to create an outline to organize it. The example outline below illustrates a logical organizational plan for writing a persuasive essay. The example outline begins with an introduction that presents the topic, explains the issue, and asserts the position (the thesis). The body then provides the reasoning for the position and addresses the opposing viewpoints that some readers may hold. In your paper, you could modify this organization and address the opposing viewpoints first and then give the reasoning for your viewpoints, or you can alternate and give one opposing viewpoint then counter that with your viewpoint and then give another opposing viewpoint and counter that with your viewpoint.

The outline below also considers the alternatives to the position—certainly, there are other ways to think about or address the issue or situation. Considering the alternatives can be done in conjunction with looking at the opposing viewpoints. You do not always have to disagree with other opinions, either. You can acknowledge that another solution could work or another belief is valid. However, at the end of the body section, you will want to stand by your original position and prove that in light of all the opposing viewpoints and other perspectives, your position has the most merit.

Sample Outline of a Persuasive Argument

1. Introduction: Tell them what you will tell them.
a. Present an interesting fact or description to make the topic clear and capture the reader’s attention.
b. Define and narrow the topic using facts or descriptions to illustrate what the situation or issue is (and that is it important).
c. Assert the claim (thesis) that something should be believed or done about the issue. (Some writers also briefly state the reasons behind this claim in the thesis as Maggie does in her paper when she claims that schools should supply tablets to students to increase learning , engagement, and literacy rates ).
2. Body: Tell them.
a. Defend the claim with logical reasons and practical examples based on research.
b. Anticipate objections to the claim and refute or accommodate them with research.
c. Consider alternate positions or solutions using examples from research.
d. Present a final point based on research that supports your claim in light of the objections and alternatives considered.
3. Conclusion: Tell them what you told them.
a. Recap the main points to reinforce the importance of the issue.
b. Restate the thesis in new wording to reinforce your position.
c. Make a final remark to leave a lasting impression, so the reader will want to continue this conversation and ideally adopt the belief or take the action you are advocating.

In Maggie’s draft, she introduced the topic with facts about school ratings in Texas and then narrowed the topic using the example of her local school district’s literacy rates. She then claimed the district should provide each student a tablet in order to increase learning (and thus, literacy rates).

Maggie defends her claim with a series of examples from research that proved how access to tablets, technology-integrated curriculums, and “flipped classrooms” have improved literacy rates in other districts. She anticipates objections to her proposal due to the high cost of technology and counter argues this with expert opinions and examples that show partnerships with businesses, personalized curriculums that technology makes possible, and teacher training can balance the costs. Maggie included an alternative solution of having students check out tablets from the library, but her research showed that this still left students needing Wi-Fi at home while her proposal would include a plan for students to access Wi-Fi.

Maggie concluded her argument by pointing out the cost of not helping the students in this way and restated her thesis reaffirming the benefits, and then left the reader with a memorable quote.

Click here to see Maggie’s draft with feedback from her instructor and a peer. Sample Persuasive Draft

Feedback, Revision, and Editing

After you write a draft of your persuasive essay, the next step is to have a peer, instructor, or tutor read it and provide feedback. Without reader feedback, you cannot fully know how your readers will react to your argument. Reader feedback is meant to be constructive. Use it to better understand your readers and craft your argument to more appropriately appeal to them.

Maggie received valuable feedback on her draft from her instructor and classmate. They pointed to where her thesis needed to be even more specific, to paragraphs where a different organization would make her argument more convincing, to parts of the paper that lacked examples, sentences that needed revision and editing for greater clarity, and APA formatting that needed to be edited.

Maggie also took a critical look at her paper and looked back at her writing process. One technique she found helpful was to read her paper aloud because it let her know where her wording and organization were not clear. She did this several times as she revised and again as she edited and refined her paper for sentence level clarity and concision.

In the end, Maggie produced a convincing persuasive essay and effective argument that would appeal to readers who are also interested in the way technology can impact and improve student learning, an important topic in 2014 when this paper was written and still relevant today.

Click here to see Maggie’s final draft after revising and editing. Sample Persuasive Revised

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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:

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.

Take Your Persuasive Writing to the Next Level!

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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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What are the 7 Tips for Persuasive Essays?

How do i make a persuasive essay.

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.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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/

How to Research a Topic: A Step-by-Step Guide

Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Paper Types / How to Write a Persuasive Essay

How to Write a Persuasive Essay

The entire point of a persuasive essay is to persuade or convince the reader to agree with your perspective on the topic. In this type of essay, you’re not limited to facts. It’s completely acceptable to include your opinions and back them up with facts, where necessary.

Guide Overview

Be assertive
Use words that evoke emotion
Make it personal
Topic selection hints

Tricks for Writing a Persuasive Essay

In this type of writing, you’ll find it is particularly helpful to focus on the emotional side of things. Make your reader feel what you feel and bring them into your way of thinking. There are a few ways to do that.

Be Assertive

A persuasive essay doesn’t have to be gentle in how it presents your opinion. You really want people to agree with you, so focus on making that happen, even if it means pushing the envelope a little. You’ll tend to get higher grades for this, because the essay is more likely to convince the reader to agree. Consider using an Persuasive Essay Template to understand the key elements of the essay.

Use Words that Evoke Emotion

It’s easier to get people to see things your way when they feel an emotional connection. As you describe your topic, make sure to incorporate words that cause people to feel an emotion. For example, instead of saying, “children are taken from their parents” you might say, “children are torn from the loving arms of their parents, kicking and screaming.” Dramatic? Yes, but it gets the point across and helps your reader experience the

Make it Personal

By using first person, you make the reader feel like they know you. Talking about the reader in second person can help them feel included and begin to imagine themselves in your shoes. Telling someone “many people are affected by this” and telling them “you are affected by this every day” will have very different results.

While each of these tips can help improve your essay, there’s no rule that you have to actually persuade for your own point of view. If you feel the essay would be more interesting if you take the opposite stance, why not write it that way? This will require more research and thinking, but you could end up with a very unique essay that will catch the teacher’s eye.

Topic Selection Hints

A persuasive essay requires a topic that has multiple points of view. In most cases, topics like the moon being made of rock would be difficult to argue, since this is a solid fact. This means you’ll need to choose something that has more than one reasonable opinion related to it.

A good topic for a persuasive essay would be something that you could persuade for or against.

Some examples include:

Should children be required to use booster seats until age 12?
Should schools allow the sale of sugary desserts and candy?
Should marijuana use be legal?
Should high school students be confined to school grounds during school hours?
Should GMO food be labeled by law?
Should police be required to undergo sensitivity training?
Should the United States withdraw troops from overseas?

Some topics are more controversial than others, but any of these could be argued from either point of view . . . some even allow for multiple points of view.

As you write your persuasive essay, remember that your goal is to get the reader to nod their head and agree with you. Each section of the essay should bring you closer to this goal. If you write the essay with this in mind, you’ll end up with a paper that will receive high grades.

Finally, if you’re ever facing writer’s block for your college paper, consider WriteWell’s template gallery to help you get started.

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay (This Convinced My Professor!)

Meredith Sell

You can make your essay more persuasive by getting straight to the point.

In fact, that's exactly what we did here, and that's just the first tip of this guide. Throughout this guide, we share the steps needed to prove an argument and create a persuasive essay.

This AI tool helps you improve your essay > This AI tool helps you improve your essay >

Key takeaways: - Proven process to make any argument persuasive - 5-step process to structure arguments - How to use AI to formulate and optimize your essay

Why is being persuasive so difficult?

"Write an essay that persuades the reader of your opinion on a topic of your choice."

You might be staring at an assignment description just like this 👆from your professor. Your computer is open to a blank document, the cursor blinking impatiently. Do I even have opinions?

The persuasive essay can be one of the most intimidating academic papers to write: not only do you need to identify a narrow topic and research it, but you also have to come up with a position on that topic that you can back up with research while simultaneously addressing different viewpoints.

That’s a big ask. And let’s be real: most opinion pieces in major news publications don’t fulfill these requirements.

The upside? By researching and writing your own opinion, you can learn how to better formulate not only an argument but the actual positions you decide to hold.

Here, we break down exactly how to write a persuasive essay. We’ll start by taking a step that’s key for every piece of writing—defining the terms.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is exactly what it sounds like: an essay that persuades . Over the course of several paragraphs or pages, you’ll use researched facts and logic to convince the reader of your opinion on a particular topic and discredit opposing opinions.

While you’ll spend some time explaining the topic or issue in question, most of your essay will flesh out your viewpoint and the evidence that supports it.

The 5 Must-Have Steps of a Persuasive Essay

If you’re intimidated by the idea of writing an argument, use this list to break your process into manageable chunks. Tackle researching and writing one element at a time, and then revise your essay so that it flows smoothly and coherently with every component in the optimal place.

1. A topic or issue to argue

This is probably the hardest step. You need to identify a topic or issue that is narrow enough to cover in the length of your piece—and is also arguable from more than one position. Your topic must call for an opinion , and not be a simple fact .

It might be helpful to walk through this process:

Identify a random topic
Ask a question about the topic that involves a value claim or analysis to answer
Answer the question

That answer is your opinion.

Let’s consider some examples, from silly to serious:

Topic: Dolphins and mermaids

Question: In a mythical match, who would win: a dolphin or a mermaid?

Answer/Opinion: The mermaid would win in a match against a dolphin.

Topic: Autumn

Question: Which has a better fall: New England or Colorado?

Answer/Opinion: Fall is better in New England than Colorado.

Topic: Electric transportation options

Question: Would it be better for an urban dweller to buy an electric bike or an electric car?

Answer/Opinion: An electric bike is a better investment than an electric car.

Your turn: Walk through the three-step process described above to identify your topic and your tentative opinion. You may want to start by brainstorming a list of topics you find interesting and then going use the three-step process to find the opinion that would make the best essay topic.

2. An unequivocal thesis statement

If you walked through our three-step process above, you already have some semblance of a thesis—but don’t get attached too soon!

A solid essay thesis is best developed through the research process. You shouldn’t land on an opinion before you know the facts. So press pause. Take a step back. And dive into your research.

You’ll want to learn:

The basic facts of your topic. How long does fall last in New England vs. Colorado? What trees do they have? What colors do those trees turn?
The facts specifically relevant to your question. Is there any science on how the varying colors of fall influence human brains and moods?
What experts or other noteworthy and valid sources say about the question you’re considering. Has a well-known arborist waxed eloquent on the beauty of New England falls?

As you learn the different viewpoints people have on your topic, pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses of existing arguments. Is anyone arguing the perspective you’re leaning toward? Do you find their arguments convincing? What do you find unsatisfying about the various arguments?

Allow the research process to change your mind and/or refine your thinking on the topic. Your opinion may change entirely or become more specific based on what you learn.

Once you’ve done enough research to feel confident in your understanding of the topic and your opinion on it, craft your thesis.

Your thesis statement should be clear and concise. It should directly state your viewpoint on the topic, as well as the basic case for your thesis.

Thesis 1: In a mythical match, the mermaid would overcome the dolphin due to one distinct advantage: her ability to breathe underwater.

Thesis 2: The full spectrum of color displayed on New England hillsides is just one reason why fall in the northeast is better than in Colorado.

Thesis 3: In addition to not adding to vehicle traffic, electric bikes are a better investment than electric cars because they’re cheaper and require less energy to accomplish the same function of getting the rider from point A to point B.

Your turn: Dive into the research process with a radar up for the arguments your sources are making about your topic. What are the most convincing cases? Should you stick with your initial opinion or change it up? Write your fleshed-out thesis statement.

3. Evidence to back up your thesis

This is a typical place for everyone from undergrads to politicians to get stuck, but the good news is, if you developed your thesis from research, you already have a good bit of evidence to make your case.

Go back through your research notes and compile a list of every …

… or other piece of information that supports your thesis.

This info can come from research studies you found in scholarly journals, government publications, news sources, encyclopedias, or other credible sources (as long as they fit your professor’s standards).

As you put this list together, watch for any gaps or weak points. Are you missing information on how electric cars versus electric bicycles charge or how long their batteries last? Did you verify that dolphins are, in fact, mammals and can’t breathe underwater like totally-real-and-not-at-all-fake 😉mermaids can? Track down that information.

Next, organize your list. Group the entries so that similar or closely related information is together, and as you do that, start thinking through how to articulate the individual arguments to support your case.

Depending on the length of your essay, each argument may get only a paragraph or two of space. As you think through those specific arguments, consider what order to put them in. You’ll probably want to start with the simplest argument and work up to more complicated ones so that the arguments can build on each other.

Your turn: Organize your evidence and write a rough draft of your arguments. Play around with the order to find the most compelling way to argue your case.

4. Rebuttals to disprove opposing theses

You can’t just present the evidence to support your case and totally ignore other viewpoints. To persuade your readers, you’ll need to address any opposing ideas they may hold about your topic.

You probably found some holes in the opposing views during your research process. Now’s your chance to expose those holes.

Take some time (and space) to: describe the opposing views and show why those views don’t hold up. You can accomplish this using both logic and facts.

Is a perspective based on a faulty assumption or misconception of the truth? Shoot it down by providing the facts that disprove the opinion.

Is another opinion drawn from bad or unsound reasoning? Show how that argument falls apart.

Some cases may truly be only a matter of opinion, but you still need to articulate why you don’t find the opposing perspective convincing.

Yes, a dolphin might be stronger than a mermaid, but as a mammal, the dolphin must continually return to the surface for air. A mermaid can breathe both underwater and above water, which gives her a distinct advantage in this mythical battle.

While the Rocky Mountain views are stunning, their limited colors—yellow from aspen trees and green from various evergreens—leaves the autumn-lover less than thrilled. The rich reds and oranges and yellows of the New England fall are more satisfying and awe-inspiring.

But what about longer trips that go beyond the city center into the suburbs and beyond? An electric bike wouldn’t be great for those excursions. Wouldn’t an electric car be the better choice then?

Certainly, an electric car would be better in these cases than a gas-powered car, but if most of a person’s trips are in their hyper-local area, the electric bicycle is a more environmentally friendly option for those day-to-day outings. That person could then participate in a carshare or use public transit, a ride-sharing app, or even a gas-powered car for longer trips—and still use less energy overall than if they drove an electric car for hyper-local and longer area trips.

Your turn: Organize your rebuttal research and write a draft of each one.

5. A convincing conclusion

You have your arguments and rebuttals. You’ve proven your thesis is rock-solid. Now all you have to do is sum up your overall case and give your final word on the subject.

Don’t repeat everything you’ve already said. Instead, your conclusion should logically draw from the arguments you’ve made to show how they coherently prove your thesis. You’re pulling everything together and zooming back out with a better understanding of the what and why of your thesis.

A dolphin may never encounter a mermaid in the wild, but if it were to happen, we know how we’d place our bets. Long hair and fish tail, for the win.

For those of us who relish 50-degree days, sharp air, and the vibrant colors of fall, New England offers a season that’s cozier, longer-lasting, and more aesthetically pleasing than “colorful” Colorado. A leaf-peeper’s paradise.

When most of your trips from day to day are within five miles, the more energy-efficient—and yes, cost-efficient—choice is undoubtedly the electric bike. So strap on your helmet, fire up your pedals, and two-wheel away to your next destination with full confidence that you made the right decision for your wallet and the environment.

3 Quick Tips for Writing a Strong Argument

Once you have a draft to work with, use these tips to refine your argument and make sure you’re not losing readers for avoidable reasons.

1. Choose your words thoughtfully.

If you want to win people over to your side, don’t write in a way that shuts your opponents down. Avoid making abrasive or offensive statements. Instead, use a measured, reasonable tone. Appeal to shared values, and let your facts and logic do the hard work of changing people’s minds.

Choose words with AI

You can use AI to turn your general point into a readable argument. Then, you can paraphrase each sentence and choose between competing arguments generated by the AI, until your argument is well-articulated and concise.

2. Prioritize accuracy (and avoid fallacies).

Make sure the facts you use are actually factual. You don’t want to build your argument on false or disproven information. Use the most recent, respected research. Make sure you don’t misconstrue study findings. And when you’re building your case, avoid logical fallacies that undercut your argument.

A few common fallacies to watch out for:

Strawman: Misrepresenting or oversimplifying an opposing argument to make it easier to refute.
Appeal to ignorance: Arguing that a certain claim must be true because it hasn’t been proven false.
Bandwagon: Assumes that if a group of people, experts, etc., agree with a claim, it must be true.
Hasty generalization: Using a few examples, rather than substantial evidence, to make a sweeping claim.
Appeal to authority: Overly relying on opinions of people who have authority of some kind.

The strongest arguments rely on trustworthy information and sound logic.

Research and add citations with AI

We recently wrote a three part piece on researching using AI, so be sure to check it out . Going through an organized process of researching and noting your sources correctly will make sure your written text is more accurate.

3. Persuasive essay structure

If you’re building a house, you start with the foundation and go from there. It’s the same with an argument. You want to build from the ground up: provide necessary background information, then your thesis. Then, start with the simplest part of your argument and build up in terms of complexity and the aspect of your thesis that the argument is tackling.

A consistent, internal logic will make it easier for the reader to follow your argument. Plus, you’ll avoid confusing your reader and you won’t be unnecessarily redundant.

The essay structure usually includes the following parts:

Intro - Hook, Background information, Thesis statement
Topic sentence #1 , with supporting facts or stats
Concluding sentence
Topic sentence #2 , with supporting facts or stats
Concluding sentence Topic sentence #3 , with supporting facts or stats
Conclusion - Thesis and main points restated, call to action, thought provoking ending

Are You Ready to Write?

Persuasive essays are a great way to hone your research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Approach this assignment well, and you’ll learn how to form opinions based on information (not just ideas) and make arguments that—if they don’t change minds—at least win readers’ respect. ‍

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How to Write a Great Persuasive Essay

Table of contents

1 Key Features and Objectives of Persuasive Essays
2.1 Objectives
2.3 Use of Evidence
2.4 Approach to the Audience
3.1.1 Give Background Details
3.1.2 State Your Thesis Statement
4.1.1 Making Point
4.1.2 Presenting Facts
4.1.3 Connecting With Emotions
5.1 Example of Outline for Persuasive Essay
6.1 Create a Strong Title
6.2 Share Your Audience’s Interests
6.3 Use Language and Rhetorical Devices
6.4 Integrate References and Citations
6.5 Avoid Fallacies
6.6 Employ Storytelling
6.7 Try Persuasive Techniques
6.8 Don’t Depend Too Much on Emotion
6.9 Stay Focused
6.10 Edit And Make a Persuasive Essay Format
7.1.1 “Imagine if…”
7.1.2 “Picture this…”
7.1.3 “Have you ever wondered…”
7.2.1 “For instance…”
7.2.2 “For example…”
7.2.3 “Specifically…”
7.2.4 “In particular…”
7.2.5 “Namely…”
7.3.1 “For example…”
7.3.2 “Thus…”
7.3.3 “As an example…”
7.3.4 “In the instance of…”
7.3.5 “In other words…”
7.3.6 “To illustrate…”
7.4.1 “To this end…”
7.4.2 “Keeping this in mind…”
7.4.3 “For this purpose…”
7.4.4 “Therefore…”
7.5.1 “Also…”
7.5.2 “Furthermore…”
7.5.3 “Additionally…”
7.5.4 “However…”
7.6.1 “On the other hand…”
7.6.2 “In spite of…”
7.6.3 “Yet…”
7.7.1 “With this in mind…”
7.7.2 “As a result of…”
7.7.3 “Because of this…”
7.7.4 “For this reason…”
7.8 The Final Secret Of Good Persuasive Essays

Would you like to write a persuasive essay that will be used as a perfect example of a persuasive essay for others? Composing memorable writing takes skills that everyone can learn by reading this guide. We’ll lead you through the process of informing and convincing your readers.

Upon finishing this article, you’ll:

Learn how to write a persuasive essay introduction, body, and conclusion;
Get expert tips to improve your paper strength;
Learn techniques that will improve your essay’s argument;
Know how to pick words that clearly convey your point;
Discover how to balance the general mood of your essay by combining facts and emotions.

As the clock is ticking and submission deadlines are drawing near, let’s move on to the parts that will improve your ability to write persuasive essays.

Key Features and Objectives of Persuasive Essays

A persuasive essay is a unique writing that tries to persuade the reader to think differently about a subject. Take a look at the following salient qualities of persuasive essays:

Emotional Appeal : You can craft an engaging story beyond bare facts by establishing a connection with your audience. Arouse the reader’s emotions. Use powerful words like “love” and “safety,” which resonate deeply, influencing feelings and decisions.
Strong Evidence: It’s vital to provide a solid base for your argument. Strengthen your claims with compelling words such as “results” and “proven,” which emphasize the reliability and effectiveness of your evidence. As a result, your essay becomes more compelling and credible.
Clearly Stated Opinion: Have a well-defined opinion. The thesis statement, or key concept, should point your opinion in an essay to the reader.

These elements work together to compel the reader to view things your way and, ideally, adopt this viewpoint. Persuasive writing not only spreads ideas but also motivates action by influencing opinions.

Persuasive vs. Argumentative Essays: What Is the Difference?

Even though both persuasive and argumentative essays want to convince the reader, they differ in their goals, how they sound, and how they introduce evidence and talk to the audience.

Persuasive essays try to make readers agree by appealing to emotions, convictions, or moral principles. The primary objective is to connect with the reader and help them comprehend the writer’s point of view. In contrast, argumentative essays focus on rational, logical arguments backed by factual evidence.

The tone in persuasive essays often involves more emotional language to connect with the reader on a personal level. Phrases like “imagine if” or “picture this” can be used to draw readers into a scenario, making it feel real and urgent. On the other hand, argumentative essays use a more formal and detached tone, relying on an objective presentation of facts.

Use of Evidence

Persuasive essays often incorporate emotional appeals to connect more deeply with the reader. Effective types of emotional evidence include:

Personal Stories: Engage the reader by sharing real-life experiences.
Anecdotes: Provide short, impactful examples to illustrate points.
Metaphors: Use symbolic language to create vivid comparisons.
Passionate Language: Employ emotionally charged words to enhance persuasion.
Rhetorical Questions: Pose questions to provoke thought without needing an actual answer.
Figurative Language: Use similes and other figures of speech to emphasize and embellish points.

Argumentative essays rely on logic and evidence to substantiate claims. Key forms of rational evidence include:

Statistical Data: Present numbers to support arguments quantitatively.
Credible Sources: Cite established authorities to add validity.
Expert Opinions: Include insights from individuals recognized in their fields.
Documented Instances: Reference specific cases or examples that illustrate your point.
Historical Evidence: Use past events to establish context and precedent.

Approach to the Audience

All types of essay writing have a different strategy for reaching their audience. Persuasive essays attempt to understand, predict, and influence the reader’s emotions, using direct and engaging language.

In argumentative essays, the audience approach is akin to formulating a coherent case in a formal context. The author works on logical arguments and avoids any prejudice or skepticism motivated by feelings, as well as transitions in argumentative essays for a smoother flow.

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How Does the Structure of a Persuasive Essay Look?

A persuasive essay follows a defined format. Basic persuasive essays typically consist of five paragraphs . In the introduction’s first paragraph, you introduce your topic and state your thesis. The next three paragraphs, known as the body, are where you present your evidence and arguments. Finally, in the last paragraph, the conclusion, you summarize your argument and urge the reader to take action. Keep it simple and clear so everyone can easily understand

Developing a well-crafted outline for a persuasive essay before writing helps arrange ideas and guarantees a logical flow. As a result, your persuasive essay structure will guide the audience through your thoughts, increase the essay’s receptive quality, and aid in gaining interest among readers.

Write a Captivating Introduction

Every writer knows that starting your persuasive essay outline with an engaging hook is essential. This applies to your introductory paragraph as well. Think of an engaging hook as a movie teaser. Movie teasers are intriguing enough to captivate your readers, but not overwhelming. Achieving a balance between being informative and engaging is key; don’t assume your readers grasp everything. Use a relevant quote or a compelling statistic as your introduction hook.

Begin with a compelling hook that grabs attention. Consider using:

An Intriguing Question : Pose a thought-provoking question to pique curiosity.
A Surprising Statistic : Share a statistic that highlights the urgency or importance of the topic.
A Relevant Quote : Use a quote that reflects the central theme of your essay and inspires readers.
A Vivid Anecdote : Tell a brief, engaging story that sets up your argument or shows why the topic is relevant.

Give Background Details

After using a hook, it’s time to give some context. Present an overview of the subject and any background knowledge that may be required. Remain succinct: you are not looking to overpower the reader with details just yet.

State Your Thesis Statement

Conclude your introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. This statement should:

Assert Your Position : Clearly express your stance on the topic, ensuring it is debatable and substantial.
Guide the Reader : Serve as a roadmap for the arguments you will present in the body of your essay.

Your persuasive essay’s thesis statement is your main point, the core, clear idea you’re arguing. For a relatable write-up, keep it clear and direct. Use real examples to support your claim, making it relatable. Your thesis statement should engage readers immediately, guiding them into your argument. Think of it as a roadmap, outlining your stance without confusion.

A persuasive thesis grabs attention and clearly states your position, setting the tone for your entire write-up. In your introduction, the thesis statement should be one of the final sentences. Your thesis statement should aim at explaining your essay’s purpose from your point of view. Afterward, use information from reliable sources. Consider also adding a call to action to support your argument.

Consider your essay’s introductory paragraph as its doorway. Since it’s the first part of your persuasive paper outline the reader will see, it has to spark their interest. Let’s look at some advice on how to build a strong essay opening.

The Secrets of an Effective Body Paragraph

In the heart of your persuasive essay lie its body paragraphs. Here, your arguments find a voice, and evidence bolsters your stance. Let’s explore how to construct these paragraphs effectively:

Topic Sentence : Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea you will discuss. This sentence should link back to your thesis statement and outline the argument you’ll expand upon in the paragraph.
Statistical Data : Quantify your argument with relevant numbers.
Expert Testimony : Bring in perspectives from authorities in the field to add credibility.
Examples and Anecdotes : Concrete examples and personal stories can make your argument more relatable and emotionally appealing.
Powerful Adjectives and Verbs : Choose words that convey strong emotions or action to persuade your audience.
Rhetorical Questions : Use these to challenge the reader’s thinking and engage them more deeply in the topic.
Direct Address : Occasionally speak directly to the reader to make your argument more personal and urgent.
Concluding Sentence : Each paragraph should end with a sentence that summarizes the main point discussed and leads smoothly into the next paragraph. This helps maintain the flow of your essay and reinforces the cohesion between your arguments.
Transitions : Employ transitional phrases to ensure a smooth progression from one paragraph to the next. Phrases like “furthermore,” “moreover,” and “however,” help maintain the rhythm of your narrative and clarify the relationships between your points.

Counterargument in Persuasive Essay

In the heart of your essay, the body paragraphs, your arguments come to life. Every paragraph is vital to your reader’s conviction. Let’s explore the nuances of writing a convincing body paragraph .

Making Point

Verify the logic of each paragraph’s arguments. Start off a persuasive essay with a statement that describes the primary idea. Add sentences that clarify and present proof to back up this statement. Your reader will easily follow your thinking process if you use this strategy.

Presenting Facts

Support your claims with evidence. Use numbers to increase trustworthiness, expert perspectives to support your position, and real-life instances to make your persuasive arguments less abstract. When your ideas are well supported, your essay persuades readers that what you’re saying is true.

Connecting With Emotions

‘The heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing,’ said Blaise Pascal. You might craft a thousand arguments, but the charm of a single good joke will capture your reader’s heart. Use jokes or vibrant vocabulary to connect with your audience emotionally and make your arguments memorable in the art of speaking and writing persuasively.

How to Finish a Persuasive Essay

The concluding statement for your persuasive essay holds great importance within your arguments and evidence. It acts as a concise summary, encapsulating your main points. Keep it clear and straightforward, ensuring your primary argument is easily comprehensible. Avoid lengthy sentences, use transition sentences, and never introduce new information. Your conclusion should align with the body of your essay, maintaining consistency in tone and content.

Maintaining a clear connection to your thesis and main arguments is key. This way, you get to emphasize your central point without ambiguity. An essay should include a conclusion that inspires readers to stand up and applaud. Here are the main points on how to properly conclude your essay:

Summarize your essay’s primary points. Bring up the key aspects and supporting data that you have provided throughout.
Restate your thesis for a persuasive essay in a new light. Sum up the main ideas you tried to get across in your work.
Finish with an interesting quote. It can be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a reflection on how your persuasive essay topics for college connect to other important ideas.
Don’t introduce new concepts in your final chapter. It is not the place for new arguments, ideas, or information. Otherwise, start to write the next parts of the persuasive essay immediately!

A well-structured persuasive essay outline template is essential. It helps you avoid pitfalls, especially when you examine concepts from your point of view. Sticking to an essay outline is one surefire way to ensure a coherent academic paper. Consider professional essay writing services to assist with outlining. They’ll help you save time and improve your essay’s format. Professional writers offer a streamlined approach that allows you to present supporting facts with arguments and evidence in your essay.

Example of Outline for Persuasive Essay

Here, we provide you with a template that makes your writing seamless. A structure simplifies what might seem like a cumbersome process, making your writing more straightforward.

Here’s a persuasive essay outline example:

✏️Template for body paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: My first reason for supporting ________________ is ________________.

Paragraph 2: Another reason for my position on ________________ is ________________.

Paragraph 3: Another perspective may argue that ________________, but I disagree because ________________.

This structured approach simplifies the process. This also applies when it comes to generating persuasive essay outline examples. You’ll find your persuasive writing process more direct. Follow this outline for a high-quality persuasive essay so you can excel in various contexts. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a contest, application paper, or debate.

Remember, the best persuasive essay reflects your beliefs. It should be a well-documented expression of your opinions. Make sure you stay concise and let your words resonate with clarity to convince the reader. Your persuasive essay will shine and engage your audience.

Top 10 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Once you realize how to write a persuasive essay structure, you’ll manage to create it quickly and efficiently. We’ve gathered all the necessary information and general steps to convince the audience of your credibility and gain your reader’s favor. Consider the following steps for writing a persuasive essay:

Create a Strong Title

Make an impressive title for your persuasive essay by emphasizing the key point, arousing curiosity, and employing impactful words. Aim for the best impression, be straightforward, and consider tone.

Share Your Audience’s Interests

To establish a connection, find topics your audience is interested in or can relate to. Talk about the experiences and beliefs that each person has. Show respect to those who have different points of view. They are far more likely to comprehend and concur with your text when you create a bridge between your thoughts and theirs.

Use Language and Rhetorical Devices

The use of rhetorical devices in writing increases its persuasiveness. These language techniques make your text stylish and help to explain ideas. Alliteration, hyperbole, similes, and metaphors are a few examples.

Successful rhetorical arguments combine three essential elements of a persuasive essay:

Ethos uses ethical principles to establish trust.
Logos builds a solid basis for your argument through the use of logic.
Pathos draws on emotional reasoning to arouse feelings and form a bond. If you want to reach a deeper connection with your readers, add pathos to an essay.

Making use of these tools strengthens your message. Additionally, try active words and phrases to persuade people, keep them interested, and make your point stick in their minds.

Integrate References and Citations

Incorporating proof from reliable sources to support your ideas is key to knowing how to write a persuasive essay effectively. Readers are likelier to believe you, and expert judgment lends credibility to your viewpoint.

In addition to acknowledging the original sources, proper citations assist you in avoiding plagiarism. Citations are a great way to honor and recognize other people’s ideas.

Avoid Fallacies

Just one violation of the logical sequence or any other error you write in a convincing essay, the reader no longer believes your words. It sounds unfair, but this is the sad truth: fallacies can doubt the information you provide. To be convincing, rely only on solid justifications and direct evidence.

Employ Storytelling

Who doesn’t like to read a good story? Tell about your or someone’s adventure, and share a funny anecdote or an instructive incident with your audience. It engages readers emotionally and gets the thoughts out of their heads about how long a persuasive essay is. Using storytelling, you establish a connection and transform your message from words into an experience.

To add a personal touch to your story, employ the first-person perspective. It invites the reader to join you on a unique journey and to see the case through your eyes.

Try Persuasive Techniques

Your ideas will have more flair and effect if you use persuasive techniques. Let’s take a look at three effective ones:

Rhetorical Questions: Ask questions that don’t require an answer. It grabs attention and makes readers consider what you’ve said. For example, “Did you notice how…” or “Ever thought about what would happen if…”.
Rebuttal : To support your position, respond to criticisms. Recognize opposing viewpoints and provide a counterargument for why yours is stronger. For example, you want to refute the argument that eating healthy is expensive. Your counterargument may look like “While choosing healthier food options may initially cost a little more, long-term gains greatly exceed the initial outlay.”
Call to Action: Attract readers to accept your point of view or do something. Drive someone to act, reflect, or think about a concept you’ve provided in your persuasive argument essay. For example, ‘Break the silence now! Later, you will thank yourself.’

Don’t Depend Too Much on Emotion

What a persuasive essay needs is balance. If you do not want to make your essay a drama novel, balance emotion and evidence. While the emotional aspect captivates the audience, having supporting data for your claims gives them greater trust.

Ensure facts or expert opinions support all emotional appeals. By striking a balance, you can avoid writing your essay just based on your emotions. Instead, you get a custom persuasive essay with a compelling story that appeals to the reader’s intellect and sentiments.

Stay Focused

Imagine you started contemplating the Napoleon era, only to conclude a persuasive essay with the unexpected subject of fur costs in Hawaii. Such a change damages your original intent and confuses the reader. By reviewing your thesis repeatedly, you make sure each section makes sense concerning your main point.

Edit And Make a Persuasive Essay Format

Have you recently completed your essay and found it too long to read over again? Take a deep breath, because making edits turns your essay into a well-written, convincing composition. Your work gets elevated during the polishing process, which makes it more comprehensible and persuasive for your readers.

Still not sure about editing? Papersowl.com can be a valuable resource for crafting a persuasive essay, providing a well-structured argument and evidence to support your point of view. With experienced writers, you can trust that your paper will be carefully written with a focus on detail and precision.

Transition Words as Part of a Persuasive Sentence

Similarly to persuasive words, transition words play a crucial role in persuasive writing, seamlessly guiding readers from one idea to the next. These interesting words are one of the most powerful components of persuasive texts and persuasive essay essentials , which act as a bridge, ensuring a smooth flow of thoughts and arguments and enhancing the coherence and persuasiveness of the text.

By using transitional speech phrases such as “furthermore,” “in addition,” and “more importantly” in persuasive language, writers can emphasize key points, reinforce their arguments, and lead the reader toward a compelling conclusion. In persuasive writing strategies, these small power words enable a stronger connection with the audience, making the message clearer and more convincing.

Phrases to Introduce Your Topic

Introducing your topic effectively is vital in persuasive speech writing, captivating your audience from the outset. Here are four powerful phrases as persuasive language examples:

“Did you know that…”

Ex 1: Did you know that approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic are in the oceans yearly? That’s a no brainer!

Ex 2: Did you know that a copy machine, also known as a photocopier, was invented by Chester Carlson in 1938?

“Imagine if…”

Ex 1: Imagine if we could harness solar energy to power entire cities, reducing our carbon footprint dramatically.

Ex 2: Imagine if small businesses thrived with enhanced support, powering local economies and fostering innovation.

“Picture this…”

Ex 1: Picture this: A skilled writer effortlessly weaves persuasive sentences through powerful strategies to make words that persuade the reader with finesse, generating better results.

Ex 2: Picture this: persuasive language words can sway minds and shape opinions.

“Have you ever wondered…”

Ex 1: Have you ever wondered how the power of persuasion can make a person feel special and valued?

Ex 2: Have you ever wondered how the most persuasive words on a page can sense and speak to the reader’s deepest desires?

Employing these engaging persuasive phrases will help you with persuasive essay writing , piquing curiosity, inciting reflection, and laying the groundwork for a compelling argument that captivates your readers and leaves a lasting impact.

Phrases to Introduce Evidence

In persuasive writing, evidence plays a huge role, a vital role in supporting claims convincingly. These persuasive essay words and phrases strategies enhance the impact of your evidence:

“For instance…”

Ex 1: The new educational program yielded impressive results; for instance, student attendance increased by 20%.

Ex 2: Persuasive words and phrases can be incredibly influential; for instance, they can sway opinions and inspire action.

“For example…”

Ex 1: Many countries have successfully implemented universal healthcare, for example, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Ex 2: Modern technology has transformed communication, for example, social media platforms.

“Specifically…”

Ex 1: The survey identified multiple concerns, specifically inadequate public transportation and rising housing costs.

Ex 2: The study focused on specific age groups, specifically teenagers between 14 and 18.

“In particular…”

Ex 1: People are often drawn to the word free and, in particular, “free stuff” because of the enticing sense of getting something without cost.

Ex 2: The book with words in the English language explored multiple themes, in particular, emphasizing challenges faced by marginalized communities.

“Namely…”

Ex 1: The point of persuasion, namely captivating the reader’s attention, is to entice them with the idea of receiving something for free and ultimately influence their decision.

Ex 2: The seminar covered various topics, namely climate change and sustainable agriculture.

“Such as…”

Ex 1: Many fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as oranges, an excellent source of vitamin C.

Ex 2: Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are gaining popularity.

Phrases to Introduce an Example

Effectively introducing examples of persuasive words for essays enriches your arguments. Here are six phrases with powerful writing and persuasive sentences examples for concise illustration:

Ex 1: For example, in a debate course, the point is to develop compelling arguments that leave no room for any excuse.

Ex 2: Athletes achieve greatness through dedication. For example, Serena Williams earned numerous Grand Slam titles.

“Thus…”

Ex 1: Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, thus, reducing heart disease risk.

Ex 2: Proper waste management promotes sustainability, thus, safeguarding ecosystems.

“As an example…”

Ex 1: Volunteer work offers valuable experiences; as an example, community clean-ups foster civic responsibility.

Ex 2: Learning a new language enhances human cognition; as an example, it improves memory.

“In the instance of…”

Ex 1: In the instance of severe weather, robust disaster preparedness ensures safety.

Ex 2: In the instance of water scarcity, rainwater harvesting becomes crucial.

“In other words…”

Ex 1: The funding supports educational programs, in other words, enhancing student experiences.

Ex 2: The marketing campaign aims to boost brand visibility; in other words, increase awareness.

“To illustrate…”

Ex1: To illustrate deforestation’s impact, compare forested and eroded regions.

Ex 2: Complex projects require diverse collaboration to illustrate teamwork’s significance.

Phrases to Make Suggestions

To convey suggestions effectively, consider using these phrases:

“To this end…”

Ex 1: To this end, implement a recycling program to promote environmental sustainability.

Ex 2: The project aims to improve community health. To this end, invest in accessible healthcare facilities.

“Keeping this in mind…”

Ex 1: Keeping this in mind, incorporate mindfulness practices in the workplace to reduce stress.

Ex 2: Keeping this in mind, students’ diverse learning needs should be considered before designing the curriculum.

“For this purpose…”

Ex 1: For this purpose, introduce workshops and training sessions to enhance employee engagement.

Ex 2: For this purpose, repurpose an unused area for a dedicated brainstorming space to foster creativity.

“Therefore…”

Ex 1: The current system faces inefficiencies; therefore, implement automation to enhance efficiency.

Ex 2: The study indicates potential risks; therefore, explore sustainable production approaches.

Phrases to Transition Between Information

To maintain a smooth flow of information, utilize these phrases:

“Also…”

Ex 1: The study found significant improvements in reading skills. Also, students demonstrated increased confidence in-class participation.

Ex 2: The company invested in renewable energy. Also, they implemented sustainable packaging practices.

“Furthermore…”

Ex 1: The research supports the hypothesis. Furthermore, it highlights potential applications in real-world scenarios.

Ex 2: The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, it encourages community engagement in environmental conservation.

“Additionally…”

Ex 1: The project achieved its primary goals. Additionally, it garnered positive feedback from stakeholders.

Ex 2: The program promotes healthy eating habits. Additionally, it offers personalized fitness plans to participants.

“However…”

Ex 1: The preliminary data suggest positive outcomes. However, further research is required to draw definitive conclusions.

Ex 2: The product received positive customer reviews. However, there is still room for improvement based on feedback.

Phrases to Contrast Points

To highlight contrasts between points, consider using these transition words for compare and contrast :

“On the other hand…”

Ex 1: The study supports the new hypothesis. On the other hand, previous research suggests alternative interpretations.

Ex 2: The company increased profits through cost-cutting measures. On the other hand, employee satisfaction declined.

“In spite of…”

Ex 1: In spite of challenging circumstances, the project was completed ahead of schedule.

Ex 2: In spite of financial constraints, the company launched an innovative advertising campaign.

“Yet…”

Ex 1: The product received positive feedback, yet, sales did not meet expectations.

Ex 2: She excels in verbal arguments and public speaking, yet her ability to write is equally impressive.

Phrases for Conclusions and Summarizing

To make a conclusion in an argumentative essay effectively, consider using these convincing words for persuasive writing:

“With this in mind…”

Ex 1: With this in mind, it is crucial to prioritize environmental conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable future.

Ex 2: Effective time management is essential for productivity. With this in mind, individuals should spend less time idle talking and strive to prioritize tasks and set clear goals.

“As a result of…”

Ex 1: As a result of the implementation of energy-saving measures, electricity consumption was significantly reduced.

Ex 2: The research findings were groundbreaking, and as a result of this discovery, new treatment options can be explored.

“Because of this…”

Ex 1: The project team demonstrated exceptional collaboration, and because of this, they achieved remarkable outcomes.

Ex 2: The funding cuts affected educational programs, and because of this, students’ access to resources was limited.

“For this reason…”

Ex 1: The safety measures were upgraded in the workplace in a limited time, for this reason, ensuring a secure working environment for employees.

Ex 2: The data analysis revealed concerning trends in line, and for this reason, further investigation is warranted.

The Final Secret Of Good Persuasive Essays

To sum up, convincing essays require an appealing story, skillful persuasion techniques, and editing for clarity. Now, to write truly well, remember to use both active and passive voice in equal measure. “I did it” is an example of a persuasive essay written in a clear and direct active voice. Saying “It was done by me” in the passive voice gives your sentence additional meaning and depth.

Understanding when to apply each voice helps you write clearly and wisely. Therefore, experiment with both voices to create essays that persuade and remain in the reader’s memory forever. Or, at least, until you get the best grade!

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8.7: Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays

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The previous chapters in this section offer an overview of what it means to formulate an argument in an academic situation. The purpose of this chapter is to offer more concrete, actionable tips for drafting an academic persuasive essay. Keep in mind that preparing to draft a persuasive essay relies on the strategies for any other thesis-driven essay, covered by the section in this textbook, The Writing Process. The following chapters can be read in concert with this one:

Critical Reading and other research strategies helps writers identify the exigence (issue) that demands a response, as well as what kinds of research to use.
Generate Ideas covers prewriting models (such as brainstorming techniques) that allow students to make interesting connections and develop comprehensive thesis statements. These connections and main points will allow a writer to outline their core argument.
Organizing is important for understanding why an argument essay needs a detailed plan, before the drafting stage. For an argument essay, start with a basic outline that identifies the claim, reasoning, and evidence, but be prepared to develop more detailed outlines that include counterarguments and rebuttals, warrants, additional backing, etc., as needed.
Drafting introduces students to basic compositional strategies that they must be familiar with before beginning an argument essay. This current chapter offers more details about what kinds of paragraphs to practice in an argument essay, but it assumes the writer is familiar with basic strategies such as coherence and cohesion.

Classical structure of an argument essay

Academic persuasive essays tend to follow what’s known as the “classical” structure, based on techniques that derive from ancient Roman and Medieval rhetoricians. John D. Ramage, et. al outline this structure in Writing Arguments :

This very detailed table can be simplified. Most academic persuasive essays include the following basic elements:

Introduction that explains why the situation is important and presents your argument (aka the claim or thesis).
Reasons the thesis is correct or at least reasonable.
Evidence that supports each reason, often occurring right after the reason the evidence supports.
Acknowledgement of objections.
Response to objections.

Keep in mind that the structure above is just a conventional starting point. The previous chapters of this section suggest how different kinds of arguments (Classical/Aristotelian, Toulmin, Rogerian) involve slightly different approaches, and your course, instructor, and specific assignment prompt may include its own specific instructions on how to complete the assignment. There are many different variations. At the same time, however, most academic argumentative/persuasive essays expect you to practice the techniques mentioned below. These tips overlap with the elements of argumentation, covered in that chapter, but they offer more explicit examples for how they might look in paragraph form, beginning with the introduction to your essay.

Persuasive introductions should move from context to thesis

Since one of the main goals of a persuasive essay introduction is to forecast the broader argument, it’s important to keep in mind that the legibility of the argument depends on the ability of the writer to provide sufficient information to the reader. If a basic high school essay moves from general topic to specific argument (the funnel technique), a more sophisticated academic persuasive essay is more likely to move from context to thesis.

The great stylist of clear writing, Joseph W. Williams, suggests that one of the key rhetorical moves a writer can make in a persuasive introduction is to not only provide enough background information (the context), but to frame that information in terms of a problem or issue, what the section on Reading and Writing Rhetorically terms the exigence . The ability to present a clearly defined problem and then the thesis as a solution creates a motivating introduction. The reader is more likely to be gripped by it, because we naturally want to see problems solved.

Consider these two persuasive introductions, both of which end with an argumentative thesis statement:

A. In America we often hold to the belief that our country is steadily progressing. topic This is a place where dreams come true. With enough hard work, we tell ourselves (and our children), we can do anything. I argue that, when progress is more carefully defined, our current period is actually one of decline. claim

B . Two years ago my dad developed Type 2 diabetes, and the doctors explained to him that it was due in large part to his heavy consumption of sugar. For him, the primary form of sugar consumption was soda. hook His experience is echoed by millions of Americans today. According to the most recent research, “Sugary drink portion sizes have risen dramatically over the past forty years, and children and adults are drinking more soft drinks than ever,” while two out of three adults in the United States are now considered either overweight or obese. This statistic correlates with reduced life expectancy by many years. Studies have shown that those who are overweight in this generation will live a lot fewer years than those who are already elderly. And those consumers who don’t become overweight remain at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes (like my dad), known as one of the most serious global health concerns (“Sugary Drinks and Obesity Fact Sheet”). problem In response to this problem, some political journalists, such as Alexandra Le Tellier, argue that sodas should be banned. On the opposite end of the political spectrum, politically conservative journalists such as Ernest Istook argue that absolutely nothing should be done because that would interfere with consumer freedom. debate I suggest something in between: a “soda tax,” which would balance concerns over the public welfare with concerns over consumer freedom. claim

Example B feels richer, more dramatic, and much more targeted not only because it’s longer, but because it’s structured in a “motivating” way. Here’s an outline of that structure:

Hook: It opens with a brief hook that illustrates an emerging issue. This concrete, personal anecdote grips the reader’s attention.
Problem: The anecdote is connected with the emerging issue, phrased as a problem that needs to be addressed.
Debate: The writer briefly alludes to a debate over how to respond to the problem.
Claim: The introduction ends by hinting at how the writer intends to address the problem, and it’s phrased conversationally, as part of an ongoing dialogue.

Not every persuasive introduction needs all of these elements. Not all introductions will have an obvious problem. Sometimes a “problem,” or the exigence, will be as subtle as an ambiguity in a text that needs to be cleared up (as in literary analysis essays). Other times it will indeed be an obvious problem, such as in a problem-solution argument essay.

In most cases, however, a clear introduction will proceed from context to thesis . The most attention-grabbing and motivating introductions will also include things like hooks and problem-oriented issues.

Here’s a very simple and streamlined template that can serve as rudimentary scaffolding for a persuasive introduction, inspired by the excellent book, They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing : Definition: Term

In discussions of __________, an emerging issue is _____________________. issue When addressing this issue, some experts suggest ________________. debate In my view, however, _______________________________. claim

Each aspect of the template will need to be developed, but it can serve as training wheels for how to craft a nicely structured context-to-thesis introduction, including things like an issue, debate, and claim. You can try filling in the blanks below, and then export your attempt as a document.

Define key terms, as needed

Much of an academic persuasive essay is dedicated to supporting the claim. A traditional thesis-driven essay has an introduction, body, and conclusion, and the support constitutes much of the body. In a persuasive essay, most of the support is dedicated to reasoning and evidence (more on that below). However, depending on what your claim does, a careful writer may dedicate the beginning (or other parts of the essay body) to defining key terms.

Suppose I wish to construct an argument that enters the debate over euthanasia. When researching the issue, I notice that much of the debate circles around the notion of rights, specifically what a “legal right” actually means. Clearly defining that term will help reduce some of the confusion and clarify my own argument. In Vancouver Island University’s resource “ Defining key terms ,” Ian Johnston offers this example for how to define “legal right” for an academic reader:

Before discussing the notion of a right to die, we need to clarify precisely what the term legal right means. In common language, the term “right” tends often to mean something good, something people ought to have (e.g., a right to a good home, a right to a meaningful job, and so on). In law, however, the term has a much more specific meaning. It refers to something to which people are legally entitled. Thus, a “legal” right also confers a legal obligation on someone or some institution to make sure the right is conferred. For instance, in Canada, children of a certain age have a right to a free public education. This right confers on society the obligation to provide that education, and society cannot refuse without breaking the law. Hence, when we use the term right to die in a legal sense, we are describing something to which a citizen is legally entitled, and we are insisting that someone in society has an obligation to provide the services which will confer that right on anyone who wants it.

As the example above shows, academics often dedicate space to providing nuanced and technical definitions that correct common misconceptions. Johnston’s definition relies on research, but it’s not always necessary to use research to define your terms. Here are some tips for crafting definitions in persuasive essays, from “Defining key terms”:

Fit the descriptive detail in the definition to the knowledge of the intended audience. The definition of, say, AIDS for a general readership will be different from the definition for a group of doctors (the latter will be much more technical). It often helps to distinguish between common sense or popular definitions and more technical ones.
Make sure definitions are full and complete; do not rush them unduly. And do not assume that just because the term is quite common that everyone knows just what it means (e.g., alcoholism ). If you are using the term in a very specific sense, then let the reader know what that is. The amount of detail you include in a definition should cover what is essential for the reader to know, in order to follow the argument. By the same token, do not overload the definition, providing too much detail or using far too technical a language for those who will be reading the essay.
It’s unhelpful to simply quote the google or dictionary.com definition of a word. Dictionaries contain a few or several definitions for important terms, and the correct definition is informed by the context in which it’s being employed. It’s up to the writer to explain that context and how the word is usually understood within it.
You do not always need to research a definition. Depending on the writing situation and audience, you may be able to develop your own understanding of certain terms.

Use P-E-A-S or M-E-A-L to support your claim

The heart of a persuasive essay is a claim supported by reasoning and evidence. Thus, much of the essay body is often devoted to the supporting reasons, which in turn are proved by evidence. One of the formulas commonly taught in K-12 and even college writing programs is known as PEAS, which overlaps strongly with the MEAL formula introduced by the chapter, “ Basic Integration “:

Point : State the reasoning as a single point: “One reason why a soda tax would be effective is that…” or “One way an individual can control their happiness is by…”

Evidence : After stating the supporting reason, prove that reason with related evidence. There can be more than one piece of evidence. “According to …” or “In the article, ‘…,’ the author shows that …”

Analysis : There a different levels of analysis. At the most basic level, a writer should clearly explain how the evidence proves the point, in their own words: “In other words…,” “What this data shows is that…” Sometimes the “A” part of PEAS becomes simple paraphrasing. Higher-level analysis will use more sophisticated techniques such as Toulmin’s warrants to explore deeper terrain. For more tips on how to discuss and analyze, refer to the previous chapter’s section, “ Analyze and discuss the evidence .”

Summary/So what? : Tie together all of the components (PEA) succinctly, before transitioning to the next idea. If necessary, remind the reader how the evidence and reasoning relates to the broader claim (the thesis argument).

PEAS and MEAL are very similar; in fact they are identical except for how they refer to the first and last part. In theory, it shouldn’t matter which acronym you choose. Both versions are effective because they translate the basic structure of a supporting reason (reasoning and evidence) into paragraph form.

Here’s an example of a PEAS paragraph in an academic persuasive essay that argues for a soda tax:

A soda tax would also provide more revenue for the federal government, thereby reducing its debt. point Despite Ernest Istook’s concerns about eroding American freedom, the United States has long supported the ability of government to leverage taxes in order to both curb unhealthy lifestyles and add revenue. According to Peter Ubel’s “Would the Founding Fathers Approve of a Sugar Tax?”, in 1791 the US government was heavily in debt and needed stable revenue. In response, the federal government taxed what most people viewed as a “sin” at that time: alcohol. This single tax increased government revenue by at least 20% on average, and in some years more than 40% . The effect was that only the people who really wanted alcohol purchased it, and those who could no longer afford it were getting rid of what they already viewed as a bad habit (Ubel). evidence Just as alcohol (and later, cigarettes) was viewed as a superfluous “sin” in the Early Republic, so today do many health experts and an increasing amount of Americans view sugar as extremely unhealthy, even addictive. If our society accepts taxes on other consumer sins as a way to improve government revenue, a tax on sugar is entirely consistent. analysis We could apply this to the soda tax and try to do something like this to help knock out two problems at once: help people lose their addiction towards soda and help reduce our government’s debt. summary/so what?

The paragraph above was written by a student who was taught the PEAS formula. However, we can see versions of this formula in professional writing. Here’s a more sophisticated example of PEAS, this time from a non-academic article. In Nicholas Carr’s extremely popular article, “ Is Google Making Us Stupid? “, he argues that Google is altering how we think. To prove that broader claim, Carr offers a variety of reasons and evidence. Here’s part of his reasoning:

Thanks to the ubiquity of text on the Internet, not to mention the popularity of text-messaging on cell phones, we may well be reading more today than we did in the 1970s or 1980s, when television was our medium of choice. But it’s a different kind of reading, and behind it lies a different kind of thinking—perhaps even a new sense of the self. point “We are not only what we read,” says Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist at Tufts University and the author of Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain . “We are how we read.” Wolf worries that the style of reading promoted by the Net, a style that puts “efficiency” and “immediacy” above all else, may be weakening our capacity for the kind of deep reading that emerged when an earlier technology, the printing press, made long and complex works of prose commonplace. When we read online, she says, we tend to become “mere decoders of information.” evidence Our ability to interpret text, to make the rich mental connections that form when we read deeply and without distraction, remains largely disengaged. analysis

This excerpt only contains the first three elements, PEA, and the analysis part is very brief (it’s more like paraphrase), but it shows how professional writers often employ some version of the formula. It tends to appear in persuasive texts written by experienced writers because it reinforces writing techniques mentioned elsewhere in this textbook. A block of text structured according to PEA will practice coherence, because opening with a point (P) forecasts the main idea of that section. Embedding the evidence (E) within a topic sentence and follow-up commentary or analysis (A) is part of the “quote sandwich” strategy we cover in the section on “Writing With Sources.”

Use “they say / i say” strategies for Counterarguments and rebuttals

Another element that’s unique to persuasive essays is embedding a counterargument. Sometimes called naysayers or opposing positions, counterarguments are points of view that challenge our own.

Why embed a naysayer?

Recall above how a helpful strategy for beginning a persuasive essay (the introduction) is to briefly mention a debate—what some writing textbooks call “joining the conversation.” Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein’s They Say / I Say explains why engaging other points of view is so crucial:

Not long ago we attended a talk at an academic conference where the speaker’s central claim seemed to be that a certain sociologist—call him Dr. X—had done very good work in a number of areas of the discipline. The speaker proceeded to illustrate his thesis by referring extensively and in great detail to various books and articles by Dr. X and by quoting long pas-sages from them. The speaker was obviously both learned and impassioned, but as we listened to his talk we found ourselves somewhat puzzled: the argument—that Dr. X’s work was very important—was clear enough, but why did the speaker need to make it in the first place? Did anyone dispute it? Were there commentators in the field who had argued against X’s work or challenged its value? Was the speaker’s interpretation of what X had done somehow novel or revolutionary? Since the speaker gave no hint of an answer to any of these questions, we could only wonder why he was going on and on about X. It was only after the speaker finished and took questions from the audience that we got a clue: in response to one questioner, he referred to several critics who had vigorously questioned Dr. X’s ideas and convinced many sociologists that Dr. X’s work was unsound.

When writing for an academic audience, one of the most important moves a writer can make is to demonstrate how their ideas compare to others. It serves as part of the context. Your essay might be offering a highly original solution to a certain problem you’ve researched the entire semester, but the reader will only understand that if existing arguments are presented in your draft. Or, on the other hand, you might be synthesizing or connecting a variety of opinions in order to arrive at a more comprehensive solution. That’s also fine, but the creativity of your synthesis and its unique contribution to existing research will only be known if those other voices are included.

Aristotelian argumentation embeds counterarguments in order to refute them. Rogerian arguments present oppositional stances in order to synthesize and integrate them. No matter what your strategy is, the essay should be conversational.

Notice how Ana Mari Cauce opens her essay on free speech in higher education, “ Messy but Essential “:

Over the past year or two, issues surrounding the exercise of free speech and expression have come to the forefront at colleges around the country. The common narrative about free speech issues that we so often read goes something like this: today’s college students — overprotected and coddled by parents, poorly educated in high school and exposed to primarily left-leaning faculty — have become soft “snowflakes” who are easily offended by mere words and the slightest of insults, unable or unwilling to tolerate opinions that veer away from some politically correct orthodoxy and unable to engage in hard-hitting debate. counterargument

This is false in so many ways, and even insulting when you consider the reality of students’ experiences today. claim

The introduction to her article is essentially a counteragument (which serves as her introductory context) followed by a response. Embedding naysayers like this can appear anywhere in an essay, not just the introduction. Notice, furthermore, how Cauce’s naysayer isn’t gleaned from any research she did. It’s just a general, trendy naysayer, something one might hear nowadays, in the ether. It shows she’s attuned to an ongoing conversation, but it doesn’t require her to cite anything specific. As the previous chapter on using rhetorical appeals in arguments explained, this kind of attunement with an emerging problem (or exigence) is known as the appeal to kairos . A compelling, engaging introduction will demonstrate that the argument “kairotically” addresses a pressing concern.

Below is a brief overview of what counterarguments are and how you might respond to them in your arguments. This section was developed by Robin Jeffrey, in “ Counterargument and Response “:

Common Types of counterarguments

Could someone disagree with your claim? If so, why? Explain this opposing perspective in your own argument, and then respond to it.
Could someone draw a different conclusion from any of the facts or examples you present? If so, what is that different conclusion? Explain this different conclusion and then respond to it.
Could a reader question any of your assumptions or claims? If so, which ones would they question? Explain and then respond.
Could a reader offer a different explanation of an issue? If so, what might their explanation be? Describe this different explanation, and then respond to it.
Is there any evidence out there that could weaken your position? If so, what is it? Cite and discuss this evidence and then respond to it.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, that does not necessarily mean that you have a weak argument. It means, ideally and as long as your argument is logical and valid, that you have a counterargument. Good arguments can and do have counterarguments; it is important to discuss them. But you must also discuss and then respond to those counterarguments.

Responding to counterarguments

You do not need to attempt to do all of these things as a way to respond; instead, choose the response strategy that makes the most sense to you, for the counterargument that you have.

If you agree with some of the counterargument perspectives, you can concede some of their points. (“I do agree that ….”, “Some of the points made by ____ are valid…..”) You could then challenge the importance/usefulness of those points. “However, this information does not apply to our topic because…”
If the counterargument perspective is one that contains different evidence than you have in your own argument, you can explain why a reader should not accept the evidence that the counterarguer presents.
If the counterargument perspective is one that contains a different interpretation of evidence than you have in your own argument, you can explain why a reader should not accept the interpretation of the evidence that that your opponent (counterarguer) presents.
If the counterargument is an acknowledgement of evidence that threatens to weaken your argument, you must explain why and how that evidence does not, in fact invalidate your claim.

It is important to use transitional phrases in your paper to alert readers when you’re about to present an counterargument. It’s usually best to put this phrase at the beginning of a paragraph such as:

Researchers have challenged these claims with…
Critics argue that this view…
Some readers may point to…
A perspective that challenges the idea that . . .

Transitional phrases will again be useful to highlight your shift from counterargument to response:

Indeed, some of those points are valid. However, . . .
While I agree that . . . , it is more important to consider . . .
These are all compelling points. Still, other information suggests that . .
While I understand . . . , I cannot accept the evidence because . . .

When concluding, address the “so what?” challenge

As Joseph W. Williams mentions in his chapter on concluding persuasive essays in Style ,

a good introduction motivates your readers to keep reading, introduces your key themes, and states your main point … [but] a good conclusion serves a different end: as the last thing your reader reads, it should bring together your point, its significance, and its implications for thinking further about the ideas your explored.

At the very least, a good persuasive conclusion will

Summarize the main points
Address the So what? or Now what? challenge.

When summarizing the main points of longer essays, Williams suggests it’s fine to use “metadiscourse,” such as, “I have argued that.” If the essay is short enough, however, such metadiscourses may not be necessary, since the reader will already have those ideas fresh in their mind.

After summarizing your essay’s main points, imagine a friendly reader thinking,

“OK, I’m persuaded and entertained by everything you’ve laid out in your essay. But remind me what’s so important about these ideas? What are the implications? What kind of impact do you expect your ideas to have? Do you expect something to change?”

It’s sometimes appropriate to offer brief action points, based on the implications of your essay. When addressing the “So what?” challenge, however, it’s important to first consider whether your essay is primarily targeted towards changing the way people think or act . Do you expect the audience to do something, based on what you’ve argued in your essay? Or, do you expect the audience to think differently? Traditional academic essays tend to propose changes in how the reader thinks more than acts, but your essay may do both.

Finally, Williams suggests that it’s sometimes appropriate to end a persuasive essay with an anecdote, illustrative fact, or key quote that emphasizes the significance of the argument. We can see a good example of this in Carr’s article, “ Is Google Making Us Stupid? ” Here are the introduction and conclusion, side-by-side: Definition: Term

[Introduction] “Dave, stop. Stop, will you? Stop, Dave. Will you stop, Dave?” So the supercomputer HAL pleads with the implacable astronaut Dave Bowman in a famous and weirdly poignant scene toward the end of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey . Bowman, having nearly been sent to a deep-space death by the malfunctioning machine, is calmly, coldly disconnecting the memory circuits that control its artificial “ brain. “Dave, my mind is going,” HAL says, forlornly. “I can feel it. I can feel it.”

I can feel it, too. Over the past few years I’ve had an uncomfortable sense that someone, or something, has been tinkering with my brain, remapping the neural circuitry, reprogramming the memory. …

[Conclusion] I’m haunted by that scene in 2001 . What makes it so poignant, and so weird, is the computer’s emotional response to the disassembly of its mind: its despair as one circuit after another goes dark, its childlike pleading with the astronaut—“I can feel it. I can feel it. I’m afraid”—and its final reversion to what can only be called a state of innocence. HAL’s outpouring of feeling contrasts with the emotionlessness that characterizes the human figures in the film, who go about their business with an almost robotic efficiency. Their thoughts and actions feel scripted, as if they’re following the steps of an algorithm. In the world of 2001 , people have become so machinelike that the most human character turns out to be a machine. That’s the essence of Kubrick’s dark prophecy: as we come to rely on computers to mediate our understanding of the world, it is our own intelligence that flattens into artificial intelligence.

Instead of merely rehashing all of the article’s main points, Carr returns to the same movie scene from 2001 that he opened with. The final lines interpret the scene according to the argument he just dedicated the entire essay to presenting.

The entire essay should use rhetorical appeals strategically

The chapter “ Persuasive Appeals ” introduces students to logos, pathos, ethos, and kairos. Becoming familiar with each of those persuasive appeals can add much to an essay. It also reinforces the idea that writing argumentative essays is not a straightforward process of jotting down proofs. It’s not a computer algorithm.

Logos (appeals to evidence and reasoning) is the foundational appeal of an argument essay. Clearly identifying the claim, then supporting that claim with reasoning and evidence will appeal to the reader’s logos demands. As the previous chapter on argumentation mentions, however, what constitutes solid evidence will vary depending on the audience. Make sure your evidence is indeed convincing to your intended reader.
Pathos (appeals to emotion) are a crucial component and should permeate should every section of the essay. Personal anecdotes are an effective way to illustrate important ideas, and they connect with the reader at an emotional level. Personal examples also cultivate voice .
Ethos (appeals to character, image, and values) is essential to gaining the reader’s trust and assent. The tone of your essay (snarky, sincere, ironic, sarcastic, empathetic) is immensely important for its overall effect, and it helps build the reader’s image of you. A careful attention to high-quality research reinforces a sincere and empathetic tone. When supporting certain claims and sub-claims, it’s also important to identify implied beliefs (warrants) that your reader is most likely to agree with, and to undermine beliefs that might seem repugnant.
Kairos (appeals to timeliness) impresses the reader with your attunement to the situation. This should be practiced especially in the introduction, but it can appear throughout the essay as you engage with research and other voices that have recently weighed in on the topic.

All of these appeals are already happening, whether or not they’re recognized. If they are missed, the audience will often use them against you, judging your essay as not being personable enough (pathos), or not in touch with commonly accepted values (ethos), or out of touch with what’s going on (kairos). These non-logical appeals aren’t irrational. They are crucial components to writing that matters.

Argument Outline Exercise

To get started on your argument essay, practice adopting from of the outlines from this Persuasive Essay Outline worksheet .

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Persuasive Essay Format (+Template to Use)

How to format a persuasive essay:.

Choose a topic and your position about it.
Think of arguments you’ll use to prove your position.
Create an outline: write down your thesis, arguments, and evidence.
Write an introduction.
Craft body paragraphs of your persuasive essay.
Write a conclusion.
Proofread and edit: consider word count, font, alignment.

Persuasive, aka argumentative writing is all about logic and reasoning. When you write a persuasive essay , you need to choose arguments and evidence carefully so the audience would get impressed and ready to agree with your point of view. For that, do your best to format the information the right way.

A persuasive essay format is not that difficult to follow. You choose a topic (an issue, a problem) and incorporate facts, examples, and logical reasons to explain your position on it. With a standard essay structure in mind, you can create a detailed argumentative essay outline and format your papers like a boss.

Let’s see how to do that.

Table of Contents:

1.How to format a persuasive essay: 2.Persuasive Essay Structure 3.Persuasive Essay Format 4.List of topics for a persuasive essay

Persuasive Essay Structure

Persuasive writing is about research, analyzing, and critical thinking. You need to understand your topic and know your audience inside out so you could choose the best arguments to convince them of your position. With that in mind, you structure an essay in such a manner that it would cover the topic logically and consistently.

How it looks:

You start a persuasive essay with a topic and a thesis you are going to prove.
Then you write a few paragraphs, each with a new argument and evidence to support your point of view.
Also, you can write a paragraph with counterarguments from your opponents (if you have any), explaining why you still disagree with them.
And finally, you finish formatting your essay with a conclusion. Here you restate the thesis again, summarize all the arguments, and leave your readers with food for thought.

It’s the only essay format to use if you want to make your paper persuasive enough and worth a high grade from a teacher.

Persuasive Essay Format

More specifications for the format of your persuasive essay depend on a teacher’s requirements. Read the assignment carefully and pay attention to the details such as a word count, a font, and spacing as well as alignment.

It would be a pity to get a low grade for an essay just because of the wrong formatting, wouldn’t it?

General requirements for essay formats are as follows:

Word count: 500, 1500, or 2000.
Font: Times New Roman, 12-point; a 16-point one goes for a title of your essay unless stated otherwise. Arial and Georgia fonts are okay to use for essay formatting, too.
Spacing: double-spaced; 1.5 works too.
Alignment: justified.

Format your persuasive essay after its draft is ready. Concentrate on the topic and the arguments rather than fonts and spacing to use. You’ll have time to proofread it later, check all the mistakes , and edit it accordingly.

To make it easier, use a free essay outline template from Bid4Papers. Feel free to download it and fill in every time you need to structure your assigned paper.

persuasive essay outline template by Bid4Papers

[Download this template]

This template will allow you to structure all the elements of a persuasive essay , with arguments and relevant evidence. Here you can include facts, examples, quotes, and statistics from the research. Thus you’ll have them all in one place to avoid distractions while writing.

List of topics for a persuasive essay

Ensure that your topic is interesting, appropriate for your audience, and relevant. Our experts have collected several good topics to help you write a persuasive essay.

How to use arguments in persuasive essays

The classic persuasive writing format involves arguments that will reveal your position. To begin with, you should learn what an argument is from our article. Creating them is a real creative process, in which a little instruction from the specialists of Bid4Papers service will help you:

The first thing to do is to research your topic. It is best to do this effectively so that you do not linger.
Take a certain position that you will adhere to. You need to be clear about what opinions you will be defending.
Analyze your audience to see how much they know about the topic. This will help you compose the right structure of persuasive essay and place your arguments convincingly.
After constructing the structure, begin researching counterarguments. You need to know about the opposing point of view to build your argument correctly.

This allows you to use arguments effectively and correctly throughout your essay. We also recommend you approach the matter responsibly to complete the task for a high score. You can also learn interesting facts from our article on why students can cheat to avoid their mistakes. Try to write a persuasive essay, and you will succeed.

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Persuasive Essay Outline: Guide on Structure & Examples

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A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing that implies convincing a reader to accept the arguments. Students may use an emotional style that will make readers follow your ideas. But an organized persuasive essay outline is required as well. It will help to develop a clear position and divide your paper into theses that will look persuasive. You should draw some basic paper’s structure up before you start writing. This way, you will have an organized outline in front and won’t miss any important details. In this guide, we will tell you why it is important to make an outline for any persuasive essay, and what parts it consists of. Besides, you will find several templates and examples prepared by our essay writers .

What Is a Persuasive Essay Outline and Why Is It Important?

A persuasive essay outline is a basic map of your writing that shows the number of paragraphs and how your arguments will be organized. It maps out the order your paragraphs will appear and gives a hint on what information should be included in each section. There are many ways to organize your key ideas in your outline:

Bulletin points
Numbered list

A persuasive essay is where students should prove their point of view. For this very reason, drafting an outline for a persuasive essay allows for an emotional component and helps not to get confused in your supporting proofs. Besides, an outline allows you to save your precious time. In fact, after drawing up a plan, an essay writing process is limited to just expanding your ready-made arguments. Therefore, this paper’s plan is an excellent way to systematize knowledge and focus on key points. Find various persuasive essay examples for a better understanding.

How to Write Persuasive Essay Outline

Before you write a persuasive essay outline, shape the topic and the main statement of your paper. Next, determine key arguments which you will convince readers in. Make sure that you have sufficient research materials to use. Usually, the essay plan consists of these 3 components:

Introduction presenting your topic.
Text body offering and supporting your arguments.
Conclusion giving some food for thought.

Follow these easy steps to make the right plan and get a high-quality persuasive essay. Further, we will discuss each step in more detail based on our experience and skills. At this point, you can simply buy persuasive essay from our writers to avoid any writing hassle.

Introduction for Your Persuasive Essay Outline

A persuasive essay introduction outline is usually drawn up following a standard structure. Here’s what you should include:

Background information
Thesis statement

Start with a good hook so that you can grasp reader’s attention from the very beginning. It may be any brief statistical information, some quote on the topic, or even a joke – everything that will help to start your essay in an interesting manner. Then, familiarize your readers with some context. You should also have an effective thesis statement. To create such try to use Thesis Statement Maker . Later on, you will provide arguments that will prove it. For now, you should write a persuasive statement that will briefly present 3 main arguments. Don’t disclose all your ideas too early. Here, you should just jot down your main opinion and how you will prove it. Following such structure ensures that you write an intriguing introduction.

Body Paragraphs in Your Outline of Persuasive Essay

Always keep in mind that a persuasive essay body paragraph outline is the gist of your writing. Therefore, choose three arguments , back them up with facts, and compile a synergy. That is, achieve a smooth topic presentation. Thanks to our template, you will be able to provide facts and explain each point in detail. Follow this structure to validate your opinion. Outline for each body paragraph:

Topic sentence of a paragraph presenting your argument and reasoning.
Supporting facts that prove your point.
Counterargument and rebuttal of an opposite opinion.
Further discussion.
Transition sentence.

Don’t hesitate to include an opposite point of view in reasoning and use transitional sentences as well. This will make your presentation more coherent, and if you add a little bit of statistics, the paper will look more illustrative and informative. Be sure to double-check each paragraph to detect and correct any grammar or stylistic mistakes.

Conclusion: Outline of Persuasive Essay

After you have revealed key arguments, it’s just about time to summarize what you have said in a persuasive essay conclusion. Here, you will mention what you have discussed and explained before and shape your final thoughts. Rephrase a thesis presented in your introduction and repeat the arguments to achieve the information coherence. Here’s how an outline will look:

Summary of key points
Rephrased thesis
Implications or call to action.

As you see, you can also add a call to action or some question to reflect on. You may refer to any scholarly work so that readers see your contribution. Likewise, you can share predictions on your topic – make your conclusion memorable or use Conclusion Generator by StudyCrumb to find more ideas. Try the college essay writing service if you already feel tired from reading.

Persuasive Essay Outline Format

Still, a persuasive essay is a formal paper, so it is important to stick to the persuasive essay format outline. Even though there are no clear criteria, academic experts suggest to keep your plan well-organized. Here’re several useful suggestions:

Font We recommend choosing the one that will be convenient for you to read. One of the most popular is Times New Roman. Georgia and Arial are also often used.
Spacing For most academic tasks, double line spacing will be sufficient – this is a common requirement.
Alignment Instead of aligning the text on the left side, format it edgewise. This will make your outline look more harmonious. However, this rule doesn’t apply to essays.
Word count You need to discuss this matter with your teacher or research advisor. But usually, 500-2000 words are enough for your essay. Consider this when outlining your ideas.

Formatting will make any text look attractive and organized. After all, you will use this structure during the writing process, and you surely don’t want to get lost in some messy draft.

Persuasive Essay Outline Template

With the outline template for a persuasive essay before your eyes, you can start compiling your paper faster. Usually, a catchy structure is used, which doesn’t change depending on the topic. It successfully defines the purpose of an essay, and a seemingly bulky plan will be easy to master.

Introduction Hook, context of the topic, definitions, and thesis.
Main body Main arguments related to your thesis, proof of your view point, results of your personal analysis.
Conclusion Summarize key arguments presented in the main body, restate your position, and add questions or statements that will make your reader think.

This structure will help you write a persuasive essay for any college or university. It may come in handy for professional publications or even as a public speech draft.

4-Paragraph Persuasive Essay Outline Template

Usually, little depends on a number of paragraphs. This brief form is often preferred to cover smaller theses. For a 4-paragraph persuasive essay outline template, standard structure will be suitable. All you need is to include enough relevant information. Here’s an example you can consider:

Cast a hook
Provide background on the subject
Present a thesis statement and arguments
Share your point of view on this argument
Complement your viewpoint with supporting examples
Transition sentence
Integrate all elements specified above
Sum up your main arguments
Restate your thesis and mention that it was proved
Include call to action

5-Paragraph Persuasive Essay Outline Template

Most often, students use a five-paragraph persuasive essay outline. In this case, the reader will be able to learn more details. There are more paragraphs here than in the previous version. Therefore, you can expand your idea and provide more details on the thesis and your arguments.

Captivating hook
Context on the subject
Thesis statement with arguments listed
Topic sentence introducing your reasoning
Proofs that back up your point
Opposing opinion and its rebuttal
In-depth analysis
Include all elements mentioned above
Summarize your key points
Restate your thesis
Provide food for thought

Persuasive Essay Outline Example

Above, we have suggested schematic examples of a persuasive essay outline, which are suitable for compiling any essay. We recommend choosing a better idea, which will be revealed in the text using arguments. This will be impossible without an in-depth study of the topic. Here’s an outline example for an essay on Reasons for Displaying Compassion.

Persuasive Essay Outline Worksheet

When compiling a persuasive essay outline worksheet, it is important to start the plan with a schematic representation. Select keywords and use them as a basis to write logical paragraphs. To make it clear, we have prepared an essay outline on the topic Need to Renew the Bus Fleet .

Argumentative Persuasive Essay Outline

Argumentative persuasive essay outline doesn’t differ much from a classic persuasive essay, but you should provide a strong argument. The reader will get not only an emotional component, but also facts that will further convince him. Usually, this scheme is used for scientific and deep essays, for which emotions alone won’t be enough. Hover over the elements of this example to get an overall idea.

Introduce the problem
Give an interesting fact
Provide arguments supporting your main thesis
Write a topic sentence presenting your argument
Back it up with your personal opinion and reliable information
Unite body paragraphs with transitions
Give a reworded thesis, change the arguments as well
Work out a clincher section.

Abortion Persuasive Essay Outline

The problem of abortion has several debetable aspects, so abortion persuasive essay online should be compiled based on your personal beliefs. Most often, you should mention the value of people's lives and then develop arguments leaning towards emotional aspects.

Look through this example and find out how structure your paper on abortion.

Global Warming Persuasive Essay Outline

When compiling a global warming persuasive essay outline, you should pay special attention to the facts and researchers’ forecasts. Be sure to write about the live situation and what it will result in. All of these are included in our schematic plan below.

Outline for a Persuasive Essay: Final Thoughts

Outline for persuasive essay is an important part during preparation of any convincing text. Keep the reader involved and write using the emotional component, which in this case is allowed. The introductory thesis must be analyzed based on the arguments with references to statistics and scientific research. This is the only way to write a high-quality persuasive essay full of topic-related information. If you are not sure how to enhance your persuasive essay with supporting facts, get in touch with our professional writers. They are experienced in writing all sorts of academic papers with quality in mind. Don’t worry if you have an urgents order – as our customer you can enjoy a timely essay turnaround.

FAQ About Persuasive Essay Outlines

1. how long is a persuasive essay outline.

In most cases, a persuasive essay outline size depends on the thoroughness of the described problem and the number of arguments. An average plan has 5 paragraphs, including an introduction, the main text consisting of 3 paragraphs with arguments, and a conclusion. We recommend writing short but succinct sentences. Don’t dilute the essence and promote a particular argument in a comprehensible way.

2. What comes first in a persuasive essay?

The first step in any persuasive essay is the introduction that doesn’t vary in types. It describes the problem discussed in your paper and the reason why the reader should pay attention to your text. Besides, an introductory paragraph presents a student’s point of view on the situation. Additionally, the arguments supporting the position should be briefly described here. Usually, 5 sentences or 100 words are enough for this task.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

The Basics of Crafting an Outstanding Persuasive Essay Outline

Published on: Jan 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

Writing a Persuasive Essay Outline

Are you writing a persuasive essay but donât know where to start? Drafting an outline before you begin your persuasive essay can be incredibly helpful.

An outline acts as a roadmap for your paper and helps ensure that your ideas are organized logically. It also helps you determine how much research is needed and what evidence should be included in the essay.

What is a Persuasive Essay Outline?

A persuasive essay outline is an organized list of arguments and evidence to persuade someone on a specific topic or issue.

It follows the same basic structure as most essays: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

The key difference is that each point should provide evidence or reasons to support the thesis statement. This type of essay requires critical thinking skills and the ability to form clear arguments that support your point of view.

Creating an outline before starting your paper will save time in the long run because it gives you a structure to follow. It also allows you to see if any points need further research or clarification before beginning the writing process.

Additionally, an outline helps ensure that all relevant points are covered in the paper, and none are overlooked or forgotten. By setting an outline for your essay, your writing process will be quite easy.

Tough Essay Due? Hire a Writer!

Persuasive Essay Outline Format

There are different ways of writing the outline, but preparing and conveying your idea to the audience is necessary. A persuasive essay outline is easier to write if you follow the proper steps. The persuasive essay outline contains three main components:

Introduction
Body Paragraphs

Persuasive Essay Introduction

The persuasive essay outline starts with the introduction paragraph. This part is important in the essay to grab the readerâs attention. It should engage the reader throughout the essay. The essay introduction should be attention-grabbing and encourage the reader to read further.

The following elements must be included in an introductory paragraph:

Know Your Topic

The first step in writing the introduction is to think about the persuasive essay topic . It will help to understand your essayâs purpose and give you a clear idea about your topic.

Start with an Interesting Hook Statement

It is the part where you start your writing with a hook. Writing the essay introduction with an interesting hook is the main skill of the writer. A hook is a captivating phrase that captures the readerâs attention. The writer can add quotes, memorable stories, or anything that attracts the audience.

Know Your Audience

It is the writerâs job to explain the issue and its importance in the introduction part. The writer's objective is to convince the reader to read the essay and support your side.

After understanding the topic of the essay, the writer knows its audience. Understanding your audience before writing is better because a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader.

State the Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the last component of the introduction part. It is written at the end of the introduction and summarizes the essay's main idea.

The thesis statement conveys the right message to the reader that you are trying to support. It is the whole essayâs base and includes all the points discussed in the body paragraphs.

Persuasive Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs explain the reasoning of the thesis statement by facts or examples. The number of body paragraphs in the essay depends on the scope of the topic.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while writing a body paragraph.

Explain Your Main Idea

Each body paragraph in the essay explains a single idea with proof and evidence. This part decides whether the audience supports your idea or not.

Support Your Perspective

The content in the body paragraphs proves your main argument. All the ideas provided in the essay should be supported using relevant facts. In the body paragraphs, include opposite viewpoints and counter-arguments.

Through body paragraphs, you will establish your position.

You will easily persuade your reader through body paragraphs by presenting facts about the particular topic.

Use statistics in your essay and strongly prove your argument. But make sure that all the facts and statistics you use are authentic.

Transition Words

Use transition words and connect all your ideas in an essay. To maintain the flow between paragraphs, use these words like, however, thus, etc. Also, keep the word count in your mind.

Concluding Sentences

End body paragraphs with concluding sentences. Describe how the point supports your argument. Use transitioning sentences and concluding phrases to summarize your essay.

Persuasive Essay Conclusion

The conclusion is the essay's final part. Summarize all the main points without adding new information. The conclusion is the closure of the main arguments mentioned in the body paragraphs.

Try to make your conclusion more effective by adding personal comments about the essay.

The main purpose of the conclusion is to reestablish what you already mentioned in the essay. Close the conclusion part with a question, action call, or prediction.

In conclusion, convince the reader to do further research on the topic.

Persuasive Essay Outline Template

Here is a detailed outline for a persuasive essay. Follow this to make a perfect outline for your essay.

Persuasive Essay Outline Examples

Outlining your persuasive essay is a great way to make sure you have all the necessary points and facts in order.

Below are some examples of persuasive essay outlines that can be used to help create an effective paper:

Persuasive Essay Outline Worksheet

Persuasive Essay Outline PDF

Persuasive Essay Outline 5th Grade

Persuasive Essay Outline Middle School

Persuasive Essay Outline High School

Argumentative Persuasive Essay Outline

Vaccine Persuasive Essay Outline

Abortion Persuasive Essay Outline

Summing up, the persuasive essay outline format examples we have shared are a great start for you.

Check out some more interesting persuasive essay examples ! They might inspire you for your next essay.

However, they only scratch the surface of what our team can do for you.

Contact us today if you want help writing an amazing essay that will persuade your readers. Our expert essay writer online has years of experience crafting essays that get results.

With the help of our college essay writing service , youâll be able to achieve the grades you deserve. Our persuasive essay writing service has the best persuasive essay writer.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us today and try our AI essay writing tools to experience excellence!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write an effective persuasive essay outline.

An essay outline should include a thesis statement, evidence, and a conclusion reiterating the essay's main points. Additionally, persuasive writers can use different strategies to strengthen their persuasive arguments.

What should I consider when creating my persuasive essay outline?

When creating a persuasive essay outline, you should consider the essay's purpose, audience, and context. You should also ensure the persuasive essay is written clearly and concisely.

How can a persuasive essay writer help me create a persuasive essay?

At CollegeEssay.org, our persuasive essay writers can help you create an effective outline. It includes arguments, evidence, examples, a conclusion, and persuasive techniques tailored to your needs.

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay

Last Updated: December 17, 2023 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 4,279,483 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.

Step 3 Examine the rhetorical situation.

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.

Step 5 Pick a topic that appeals to you.

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.

Step 5 Use the last sentence of each body paragraph to transition to the next paragraph.

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."

Step 6 Add a rebuttal or counterargument.

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.

Step 7 Write your conclusion at the very end of your essay.

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

Step 1 Understand the conventions of a persuasive essay.

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.

Step 2 Use a variety of persuasion techniques to hook your readers.

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.

Step 5 Acknowledge, and refute, arguments against you.

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

Step 1 Give yourself a day or two without looking at the 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

↑ 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/
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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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40 Strong Persuasive Writing Examples (Essays, Speeches, Ads, and More)

Learn from the experts.

The American Crisis historical article, as an instance of persuasive essay examples

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

First paragraph of Thomas Paine's The American Crisis

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.”

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 to tell their stories instead of models. 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

Diamond engagement ring on black velvet. Text reads "How do you make two months' salary last forever? The Diamond Engagement Ring."

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

Bag of Skittles candy against a blue background. Text reads

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

Always ad showing a young girl holding a softball. Text reads

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.

Editorial Persuasive 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

Image of first published New York Times Book Review

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.”

What are your favorite persuasive writing examples to use with students? Come share your ideas in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

Find strong persuasive writing examples to use for inspiration, including essays, speeches, advertisements, reviews, and more.

Persuasive Essay Topics: Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

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Persuasive Essay Outlines | Essay Templates

What is Persuasive Writing?

Persuasive writing, or opinion writing, is a form of nonfiction writing where the writer tries to convince others to believe a certain point or opinion. A strong persuasive essay requires critical thinking, and motivates and convinces the reader that what they are reading is correct. Using a persuasive essay outline template or an opinion writing outline helps writers plan thoughtfully.

What is a Persuasive Writing Template?

A persuasive writing template is a starting point for students as they plan out their persuasive writing essay. Having a layout for their notes and ideas takes away the anxiety of looking at a blank page when trying to organize your thoughts. Also known as a persuasive writing outline template, or a persuasive writing graphic organizer, this type of template generally has a place for a student to define their opinion or thesis on a topic, and then support and elaborate on it with 3-5 key points.

What are Some Examples of Persuasive Writing?

The persuasive essay format that we all know is not the only type of persuasion writing! Check out some other examples below:

Television commercials
Print advertisements
Songs and poems (yes, really!)
Newspaper editorials

A famous example of a persuasive essay in the form of a speech is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

Why are Persuasive Writing Templates Important and How are They Best Used?

A persuasive writing template, also known as a persuasive essay outline, can help students plan their essay by clearly defining their opinion and supporting it with relevant, specific evidence. Persuasive writing and persuasive speaking go hand-in-hand, so these templates can also be used to prepare short persuasive speeches. Whether you are looking for a persuasive letter outline, a persuasive paragraph outline, or something for a longer piece of writing, we have what you are looking for!

How to Start a Persuasive Essay

Getting started is often the most difficult part of the writing process, even when they are given specific writing prompts. Students often have so many thoughts and ideas that they want to jump directly into the writing without planning. We strongly discourage this, and find it extremely important that students understand the need to take the time to plan using graphic organizers. Here is how to start a persuasive essay:

Choose a topic that you are passionate and knowledgeable about.
Research both sides of this topic, so students learn about the opposing view.
Using a persuasive writing graphic organizer, outline your ideas for the introduction, 3-5 paragraphs, and conclusion.
Write a first draft. Be sure to consider who your audience and how you are going to appeal to them.
Now that you have written your draft, it’s time to move through the writing process .
Have fun and write with confidence!

It is extremely important that students complete a graphic organizer prior to writing. Find the perfect persuasive essay worksheet for your class right here! Creating a template for a persuasive essay with Storyboard That is easy! Simply follow the steps below:

How to Make a Persuasive Writing Template

Choose One of the Premade Persuasive Writing Templates

We have color, black and white, portrait, or landscape templates. Take a look at our persuasive writing example for inspiration!

Click on "Copy Template"

Once you do this, you will be directed to the storyboard creator.

Give Your Worksheet a Name!

Be sure to call it something related to the topic so that you can easily find it in the future.

Edit Your Worksheet

This is where you will include directions, specific questions and images, and make any aesthetic changes that you would like. The options are endless!

Click "Save and Exit"

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From here you can print, download as a PDF, attach it to an assignment and use it digitally, and more!

More Premade Templates That Your Students Will Love

Did you know that Storyboard That has a whole library of worksheet and poster templates to be used with any subject and for all ages? Check out some of our favorites below:

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Frequently Asked Questions about Persuasive Writing Worksheet Templates

What is a persuasive writing graphic organizer.

A persuasive writing graphic organizer is a worksheet that helps students plan out their opinion essay. Also known as a persuasive letter template, or a persuasive paper outline, completing this organizer is a crucial step in the writing process.

What is a persuasive writing outline?

A persuasive writing outline template is another term for persuasive writing graphic organizer.

What are some examples of writing templates for students?

There are a lot of writing templates for students out there! Here are just a few of what else we have at Storyboard That:

Critical Analysis
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Dinosaurs Persuasive Paper

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Persuasive Essay Outline
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 ...
Persuasive Essay Outline
A persuasive essay outline serves as a blueprint for your entire essay. It ensures that your essay is well-structured, logically sound, and, most importantly, persuasive. At its core, a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument. Your outline is the tool that helps you achieve this goal effectively.
Persuasive Essay Outline
Persuasive Essay Outline explanation . Structure of a five paragraph persuasive essay ; Introduction (3-5 sentences) Hook: Grab the reader's attention with a quote, scenario, question, vivid description, etc. Must be related to your topic. (1-2 sentences) Thesis statement: Simply and clearly state your position on the issue(1 sentence )
How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Tips and Tricks
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.
Writing a Persuasive Essay
The example outline below illustrates a logical organizational plan for writing a persuasive essay. The example outline begins with an introduction that presents the topic, explains the issue, and asserts the position (the thesis). The body then provides the reasoning for the position and addresses the opposing viewpoints that some readers may ...
What is a persuasive essay?
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.
Persuasive Essay Guide: How to Write a Persuasive Essay
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.
How to Write a Persuasive Essay
Consider using an Persuasive Essay Template to understand the key elements of the essay. Use Words that Evoke Emotion. It's easier to get people to see things your way when they feel an emotional connection. As you describe your topic, make sure to incorporate words that cause people to feel an emotion. For example, instead of saying ...
How to Write a Persuasive Essay (This Convinced My Professor!)
The 5 Must-Have Steps of a Persuasive Essay. If you're intimidated by the idea of writing an argument, use this list to break your process into manageable chunks. Tackle researching and writing one element at a time, and then revise your essay so that it flows smoothly and coherently with every component in the optimal place. 1.
How to Write an Essay Outline
Revised on July 23, 2023. An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph, giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold. You'll sometimes be asked to submit an essay outline as a separate ...
How to Write Persuasive Essay that Win Hearts
Developing a well-crafted outline for a persuasive essay before writing helps arrange ideas and guarantees a logical flow. As a result, your persuasive essay structure will guide the audience through your thoughts, increase the essay's receptive quality, and aid in gaining interest among readers. Write a Captivating Introduction
8.7: Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays
For an argument essay, start with a basic outline that identifies the claim, reasoning, and evidence, but be prepared to develop more detailed outlines that include counterarguments and rebuttals, warrants, additional backing, etc., as needed. ... In a persuasive essay, most of the support is dedicated to reasoning and evidence (more on that ...
Persuasive Essay Format (+Template to Use)
A persuasive essay format is not that difficult to follow. You choose a topic (an issue, a problem) and incorporate facts, examples, and logical reasons to explain your position on it. With a standard essay structure in mind, you can create a detailed argumentative essay outline and format your papers like a boss. Let's see how to do that.
PDF Essay Outline Template
Offer some more specific background information (as needed). 3. Provide the title of the piece and the author's name if the essay is about a specific book/poem/article/passage. C. Thesis Statement 1. State your topic and position. Remember that a thesis = claim + reasons. 2. Outline your main points and ideas.
Persuasive Essay Outline: Tips & Examples
In most cases, a persuasive essay outline size depends on the thoroughness of the described problem and the number of arguments. An average plan has 5 paragraphs, including an introduction, the main text consisting of 3 paragraphs with arguments, and a conclusion. We recommend writing short but succinct sentences.
Learn How to Write a Persuasive Essay Outline with Examples
Here is a detailed outline for a persuasive essay. Follow this to make a perfect outline for your essay. I. Introduction. A. Hook: Start with an interesting fact or statement to capture the readerâ s attention. B. Background Information: Provide context for your argument and introduce the topic of the essay.
50 Free Persuasive Essay Examples (+BEST Topics)
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.
How to Write a Persuasive Essay (with Pictures)
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.
40 Persuasive Writing Examples (Essays, Speeches, and More)
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.
Persuasive Essay Templates
Creating a template for a persuasive essay with Storyboard That is easy! Simply follow the steps below: How to Make a Persuasive Writing Template. 1. Choose One of the Premade Persuasive Writing Templates. We have color, black and white, portrait, or landscape templates. Take a look at our persuasive writing example for inspiration!
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.
Dinosaurs Persuasive Paper: [Essay Example], 611 words
Dinosaurs Persuasive Paper. Dinosaurs, the majestic creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago, have long fascinated scientists, historians, and the general public alike. The study of these ancient beings provides invaluable insights into the Earth's prehistoric past and the evolutionary processes that have shaped life as we know it ...

Persuasive Essay Outline – Examples, Templates & Structure

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

Why Write a Persuasive Essay?

Argumentative vs. Persuasive Essay

How Many Paragraphs in a Persuasive Essay?

Introduction of a Persuasive Essay Example

A Persuasive Essay Structure

Tips for Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Essay Topic Ideas

Example of a Persuasive Essay

Body Paragraph 1: Convenience

Body Paragraph 2: Customization

Body Paragraph 3: Affordability

Body Paragraph 4: Environmentally Friendly

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Writing a Persuasive Essay

THE ART OF PERSUASION

STEPS FOR WRITING PERSUASIVELY

Step Two: Pose a Research Question

Step Three: Draft a Thesis

Step Four: Research

Step Five: Plan Your Argument; Make an Outline

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What is a Persuasive Essay? Full Persuasive Essay Guide

Persuasive Essay Definition

Elements of a Persuasive Essay

How to Write a Persuasive Essay in 7 Steps

Step 1: Topic Selection and Research

Step 2: Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Step 3: Create an Outline

Step 4: Write the Introduction

Step 5: Delve into Body Paragraphs

Step 6: Address Counterarguments

Step 7: Conclude with a Call to Action or a Memorable Closing Statement

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