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Persuasive Essay

Definition of persuasive essay, why persuasion, difference between a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay, examples of persuasive essay in literature, example #1: our unhealthy obsession and sickness (by frank furedi).

“Governments today do two things that I object to in particular. First they encourage introspection, telling us that unless men examine their testicles, unless we keep a check on our cholesterol level, then we are not being responsible citizens. You are letting down yourself, your wife, your kids, everybody. We are encouraged continually to worry about our health. As a consequence, public health initiatives have become, as far as I can tell, a threat to public health. Secondly, governments promote the value of health seeking. We are meant always to be seeking health for this or that condition. The primary effect of this, I believe, is to make us all feel more ill.”

Example #2: We Are Training Our Kids to Kill (by Dave Grossman)

“Our society needs to be informed about these crimes, but when the images of the young killers are broadcast on television, they become role models. The average preschooler in America watches 27 hours of television a week. The average child gets more one-on-one communication from TV than from all her parents and teachers combined. The ultimate achievement for our children is to get their picture on TV. The solution is simple, and it comes straight out of the sociology literature: The media have every right and responsibility to tell the story , but they must be persuaded not to glorify the killers by presenting their images on TV.”

Example #3: The Real Skinny (by Belinda Luscombe)

“And what do we the people say? Do we rise up and say, ‘I categorically refuse to buy any article of clothing unless the person promoting it weighs more than she did when she wore knee socks?’ Or at least, ‘Where do I send the check for the chicken nuggets?’ Actually, not so much. Mostly, our responses range from ‘I wonder if that would look good on me?’ to ‘I don’t know who that skinny-ass cow is, but I hate her already.’

Function of a Persuasive Essay

What is a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is a type of writing that attempts to convince the reader or opponent that your argument or position is valid. The main aim of a persuasive essay is to convince readers to consider your point of view. Remember that you are trying to persuade someone who may not necessarily agree with you.

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays in that they both use evidence and reasoning to argue a point; however, persuasive essays differ from argumentative essays in that they are more emotional and often make use of personal experiences and anecdotes to make their point.

Characteristics of Persuasive Essays

Let’s take a look at five main characteristics of persuasive essays in academic writing that you should know before getting started:

Bias control: We all have our own biases, so it is essential to try and keep these in check when writing a persuasive essay. This also means acknowledging the existence of different perspectives. You should reveal your own opinion (bias) to the reader, but ensure that it doesn’t hinder your clean and sound argumentation development.
Facts and opinions: In a good persuasive essay, it is important to use both facts and opinions to support your position. Facts provide the foundation for your argument, while opinions offer support. Just make sure that the opinions you use are based on credible sources.
Reasoning and logic: Using logical reasoning is the best way to persuade someone. This means that your arguments must be based on sound evidence and presented in a clear and concise manner.
Emotional appeal: Although it is important to use logic and reasoning, it is also effective to appeal to the reader’s emotions. This can be done by using language that evokes certain emotions or by telling a story that the reader can relate to.
Opposing views: For effective persuasive essay writing, it is important to consider and acknowledge the opposing argument. This shows that you are open-minded and willing to engage in a discussion. It also allows you to refute the opposing view, which strengthens your own argument.

If you want to read about essays in general, you can read our guide: Essay Definition and Characteristics

Persuasive Essay Structure

The structure of a persuasive essay is important because it determines how you will present your argument. A good structure will also ensure that the reader follows your argument easily.

Here is a basic essay structure that you can follow:

Introduction: This first paragraph of a persuasive essay should be used to grab the audience’s attention and give them an overview of the issue. It should also state your position on the issue, usually included in the thesis statement at the end.

Body paragraphs: These are where you present your arguments and evidence to support them. Each paragraph should focus on one main argument.

Conclusion: A strong conclusion should sum up your main arguments and restate your position on the issue. It is also a good idea to leave the reader with something to think about or call them to action.

4 Steps to Planning Your Persuasive Essay

Before sitting down and writing your persuasive essay, it’s important to plan out what you will say. You need to have a clear thesis statement and evidence to support your position.

Here are four steps that you can follow:

1. Decide on your stance

The first step is to choose the position you will argue for, which will develop into your thesis statement. You need to make sure that you can defend your position with evidence and logical reasons.

Let’s say the general topic of your persuasive essay is gun control , and the position is “Gun control should be stricter.”

2. Analyze your reader

The second step is to think about who your reader is. What are their beliefs and values? What will they agree with, and what will they disagree with? It’s important to consider these things when planning your persuasive essay.

We will assume that our readers are against gun control. So, we need to consider what logical arguments and evidence they will find convincing.

3. Gather evidence

Once you know what position you’re going to take, you need to gather solid evidence to support it. This can be done through a solid research process or by using your own experiences.

For our persuasive essay, the three supporting arguments could be:

Too many people die from gun violence
There are too many mass shootings
Stricter gun control would make it harder for criminals to get guns

Now, you can form your thesis statement, which = your position + arguments (see the example below).

4. Outline your entire essay

The fourth step is to outline your essay . This will help you organize your thoughts and make sure that you stay on track. A good outline will also ensure that the reader easily follows your argument.

If you have three main arguments, you will have three body paragraphs (one for each particular point). Make sure to make the most important argument (in your opinion) the last one to discuss.

Persuasive essay outline example

Taking into consideration the topic we chose, the position, and the arguments, our persuasive essay outline can look like this:

B. Background information
C. Thesis statement: Stricter gun control is necessary because too many people die from gun violence, there are too many mass shootings, and stricter gun control would make it harder for criminals to get guns.
A. Argument: Too many people die from gun violence in the United States
B. Evidence 1: In 2020, there have been over 43,000 gun violence deaths in the US
C. Evidence 2: Over 100,000 people were injured by guns in 2020
D. Counterargument: When compared to overall deaths, it’s not that many
E. Rebuttal: But it’s still too many when compared to other developed countries
F. Analysis: Gun violence is a major problem in the US, and stricter gun control is necessary to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries.
A. Argument: There are too many mass shootings
B. Evidence 1: There have been over 1,500 mass shootings since 2013
C. Evidence 2: Mass shootings are on the rise
D. Counterargument: This problem must be tackled from the mental health perspective, not gun control
E. Rebuttal: Mental health is important, but it’s not the only factor that contributes to mass shootings
F. Analysis: Mass shootings are a major problem in the US, and stricter gun control is necessary to help prevent them.
A. Argument: Stricter gun control would make it harder for criminals to get guns
B. Evidence1: In Australia, gun control was tightened after a mass shooting, and there hasn’t been a mass shooting since
C. Evidence 2: In the UK, gun control is much stricter than in the US, and there are fewer gun-related crimes
D. Counterargument: There will always be a way for criminals to get guns
E. Rebuttal: But it would make it harder, and that’s a step in the right direction
F. Analysis: Stricter gun control would make it harder for criminals to get guns, which would help reduce the number of gun-related crimes.
A. Rephrase thesis statement
B. Establish the significance by answering the “So what?” question
C. Call to action

5 Steps to Writing Your Persuasive Essay

Once you have your outline ready, you can start writing. Here are five steps you would need to take to write a persuasive essay:

1. Finish the introduction

During the planning stage, you should already form your thesis statement. Now, you only need to write the other two elements of the introductory paragraph : hook and context.

A hook will engage your reader and make them want to read more. It can be a rhetorical question, a surprising fact, or a personal experience.

The context is the background information your reader needs to know to understand your argument. This can be a brief history of the topic, an overview of the current situation, or something else.

Hook example:

Did you know that gun violence in the United States kills more people than terrorism, car accidents, and HIV/AIDS combined?

Context example:

In 2020, there will be over 38,000 gun-related deaths in the United States. That’s more than 100 deaths every day. Gun violence is a major problem in the United States, and something needs to be done to reduce the number of deaths and injuries.

2. Write the body paragraphs

Now it’s time to start writing your body paragraphs . Remember that each paragraph should have one main idea that supports your thesis.

Start with your second strongest argument and end with the strongest one. People tend to remember the first and the last thing they read better than the middle, which will help your persuasive essay have a more significant impact.

Each body paragraph will consist of a topic sentence , supporting evidence and analysis, and the last sentence that concludes the paragraph.

First body paragraph example:

Let’s face it, far too many people die from gun violence in the United States. You might ask, what’s too many? In 2020, there were over 43,000 gun violence deaths in the US, according to the Gun Violence Archive. That’s over 100 people dying from guns every day. And it’s not just deaths. Over 100,000 people were injured by guns in 2020. Some may say that compared to overall deaths, it’s not that many. But when you compare it to other causes of death, it’s quite a lot. For example, in 2019, there were only 19,393 deaths from car accidents, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That means that gun violence kills over twice as many people as car accidents. All this indicates that stricter gun control is necessary to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries.

3. Write the conclusion section

The conclusion is where you tie everything together. Start by restating your thesis in a different way than you did in the introduction. Then, summarize your main points and explain why your reader should care about your argument.

Conclusion example:

It is evident that stricter gun control is necessary to help reduce gun violence, mass shootings, and gun-related crimes. Too many people die from gun violence, and something must be done to reduce the number of deaths. Stricter gun control would make it harder for criminals to get guns, which would help reduce the number of gun-related crimes. It’s time for stricter gun control in the United States. You can make a difference by contacting your representatives and telling them that you support stricter gun control measures.

4. Edit and proofread your essay

Once you’re finished writing your persuasive essay, it’s important to edit and proofread it. This will help you catch any mistakes and ensure that your essay is clear and concise. Editing and proofreading can be a daunting task, but there are a few tips that can help:

Read your essay out loud. This will help you catch any errors or awkward phrases.
Ask someone else to read your essay. Another set of eyes can help you catch anything you missed.
Use spell check and grammar check. These can be helpful, but they don’t catch everything, so it’s still important to read over your essay carefully.
Take a break before you start editing. It’s easier to spot mistakes when you’re not as close to the material.

Key Takeaways

A persuasive essay is 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.
To write a strong persuasive essay, you need to have a clear thesis statement and at least three main points to back up your thesis.
Your body paragraphs should each have one main point that supports your thesis.
Start with your second strongest argument and end with the strongest one.
Your conclusion should tie everything together and explain why your reader should care about your argument.
Once you’re finished writing, edit and proofread your essay carefully.
Nova Southeastern University – Persuasive Essay
OpenOKState – Writing a Persuasive Essay
Butte College – Writing a Persuasive Essay

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Persuasion/Argument

Writing for Success

Learning Objectives

Determine the purpose and structure of persuasion in writing.
Identify bias in writing.
Assess various rhetorical devices.
Distinguish between fact and opinion.
Understand the importance of visuals to strengthen arguments.
Write a persuasive essay.

THE PURPOSE OF PERSUASIVE WRITING

The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince, motivate, or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion. The act of trying to persuade automatically implies more than one opinion on the subject can be argued.

The idea of an argument often conjures up images of two people yelling and screaming in anger. In writing, however, an argument is very different. An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue in writing is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way. Written arguments often fail when they employ ranting rather than reasoning.

Most of us feel inclined to try to win the arguments we engage in. On some level, we all want to be right, and we want others to see the error of their ways. More times than not, however, arguments in which both sides try to win end up producing losers all around. The more productive approach is to persuade your audience to consider your opinion as a valid one, not simply the right one.

THE STRUCTURE OF A PERSUASIVE ESSAY

The following five features make up the structure of a persuasive essay:

Introduction and thesis
Opposing and qualifying ideas
Strong evidence in support of claim
Style and tone of language
A compelling conclusion

CREATING AN INTRODUCTION AND THESIS

The persuasive essay begins with an engaging introduction that presents the general topic. The thesis typically appears somewhere in the introduction and states the writer’s point of view.

Avoid forming a thesis based on a negative claim. For example, “The hourly minimum wage is not high enough for the average worker to live on.” This is probably a true statement, but persuasive arguments should make a positive case. That is, the thesis statement should focus on how the hourly minimum wage is low or insufficient.

ACKNOWLEDGING OPPOSING IDEAS AND LIMITS TO YOUR ARGUMENT

Because an argument implies differing points of view on the subject, you must be sure to acknowledge those opposing ideas. Avoiding ideas that conflict with your own gives the reader the impression that you may be uncertain, fearful, or unaware of opposing ideas. Thus it is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.

Try to address opposing arguments earlier rather than later in your essay. Rhetorically speaking, ordering your positive arguments last allows you to better address ideas that conflict with your own, so you can spend the rest of the essay countering those arguments. This way, you leave your reader thinking about your argument rather than someone else’s. You have the last word.

Acknowledging points of view different from your own also has the effect of fostering more credibility between you and the audience. They know from the outset that you are aware of opposing ideas and that you are not afraid to give them space.

It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish. In effect, you are conceding early on that your argument is not the ultimate authority on a given topic. Such humility can go a long way toward earning credibility and trust with an audience. Audience members will know from the beginning that you are a reasonable writer, and audience members will trust your argument as a result. For example, in the following concessionary statement, the writer advocates for stricter gun control laws, but she admits it will not solve all of our problems with crime:

Although tougher gun control laws are a powerful first step in decreasing violence in our streets, such legislation alone cannot end these problems since guns are not the only problem we face.

Such a concession will be welcome by those who might disagree with this writer’s argument in the first place. To effectively persuade their readers, writers need to be modest in their goals and humble in their approach to get readers to listen to the ideas. See Table 10.5 “Phrases of Concession” for some useful phrases of concession.

Table 10.5 Phrases of Concession
although	granted that	of course
still	though	yet

Try to form a thesis for each of the following topics. Remember the more specific your thesis, the better.

Foreign policy
Television and advertising
Stereotypes and prejudice
Gender roles and the workplace
Driving and cell phones

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers. Choose the thesis statement that most interests you and discuss why.

BIAS IN WRITING

Everyone has various biases on any number of topics. For example, you might have a bias toward wearing black instead of brightly colored clothes or wearing jeans rather than formal wear. You might have a bias toward working at night rather than in the morning, or working by deadlines rather than getting tasks done in advance. These examples identify minor biases, of course, but they still indicate preferences and opinions.

Handling bias in writing and in daily life can be a useful skill. It will allow you to articulate your own points of view while also defending yourself against unreasonable points of view. The ideal in persuasive writing is to let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and a respectful and reasonable address of opposing sides.

The strength of a personal bias is that it can motivate you to construct a strong argument. If you are invested in the topic, you are more likely to care about the piece of writing. Similarly, the more you care, the more time and effort you are apt to put forth and the better the final product will be.

The weakness of bias is when the bias begins to take over the essay—when, for example, you neglect opposing ideas, exaggerate your points, or repeatedly insert yourself ahead of the subject by using I too often. Being aware of all three of these pitfalls will help you avoid them.

THE USE OF I IN WRITING

The use of I in writing is often a topic of debate, and the acceptance of its usage varies from instructor to instructor. It is difficult to predict the preferences for all your present and future instructors, but consider the effects it can potentially have on your writing.

Be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound overly biased. There are two primary reasons:

Excessive repetition of any word will eventually catch the reader’s attention—and usually not in a good way. The use of I is no different.
The insertion of I into a sentence alters not only the way a sentence might sound but also the composition of the sentence itself. I is often the subject of a sentence. If the subject of the essay is supposed to be, say, smoking, then by inserting yourself into the sentence, you are effectively displacing the subject of the essay into a secondary position. In the following example, the subject of the sentence is underlined:

Smoking is bad. I think smoking is bad.

In the first sentence, the rightful subject, smoking, is in the subject position in the sentence. In the second sentence, the insertion of I and think replaces smoking as the subject, which draws attention to I and away from the topic that is supposed to be discussed. Remember to keep the message (the subject) and the messenger (the writer) separate.

Developing Sound Arguments

Does my essay contain the following elements?

An engaging introduction
A reasonable, specific thesis that is able to be supported by evidence
A varied range of evidence from credible sources
Respectful acknowledgement and explanation of opposing ideas
A style and tone of language that is appropriate for the subject and audience
Acknowledgement of the argument’s limits
A conclusion that will adequately summarize the essay and reinforce the thesis

FACT AND OPINION

Facts are statements that can be definitely proven using objective data. The statement that is a fact is absolutely valid. In other words, the statement can be pronounced as true or false. For example, 2 + 2 = 4. This expression identifies a true statement, or a fact, because it can be proved with objective data.

Opinions are personal views, or judgments. An opinion is what an individual believes about a particular subject. However, an opinion in argumentation must have legitimate backing; adequate evidence and credibility should support the opinion. Consider the credibility of expert opinions. Experts in a given field have the knowledge and credentials to make their opinion meaningful to a larger audience.

For example, you seek the opinion of your dentist when it comes to the health of your gums, and you seek the opinion of your mechanic when it comes to the maintenance of your car. Both have knowledge and credentials in those respective fields, which is why their opinions matter to you. But the authority of your dentist may be greatly diminished should he or she offer an opinion about your car, and vice versa.

In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions. Relying on one or the other will likely lose more of your audience than it gains.

The word prove is frequently used in the discussion of persuasive writing. Writers may claim that one piece of evidence or another proves the argument, but proving an argument is often not possible. No evidence proves a debatable topic one way or the other; that is why the topic is debatable. Facts can be proved, but opinions can only be supported, explained, and persuaded.

On a separate sheet of paper, take three of the theses you formed in Exercise 1, and list the types of evidence you might use in support of that thesis.

Using the evidence you provided in support of the three theses in Exercise 2, come up with at least one counterargument to each. Then write a concession statement, expressing the limits to each of your three arguments.

USING VISUAL ELEMENTS TO STRENGTHEN ARGUMENTS

Adding visual elements to a persuasive argument can often strengthen its persuasive effect. There are two main types of visual elements: quantitative visuals and qualitative visuals.

Quantitative visuals present data graphically. They allow the audience to see statistics spatially. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience. For example, sometimes it is easier to understand the disparity in certain statistics if you can see how the disparity looks graphically. Bar graphs, pie charts, Venn diagrams, histograms, and line graphs are all ways of presenting quantitative data in spatial dimensions.

Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audience’s emotions. Photographs and pictorial images are examples of qualitative visuals. Such images often try to convey a story, and seeing an actual example can carry more power than hearing or reading about the example. For example, one image of a child suffering from malnutrition will likely have more of an emotional impact than pages dedicated to describing that same condition in writing.

WRITING AT WORK

When making a business presentation, you typically have limited time to get across your idea. Providing visual elements for your audience can be an effective timesaving tool. Quantitative visuals in business presentations serve the same purpose as they do in persuasive writing. They should make logical appeals by showing numerical data in a spatial design. Quantitative visuals should be pictures that might appeal to your audience’s emotions. You will find that many of the rhetorical devices used in writing are the same ones used in the workplace.

WRITING A PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Choose a topic that you feel passionate about. If your instructor requires you to write about a specific topic, approach the subject from an angle that interests you. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction. Your thesis should typically appear somewhere in your introduction.

Start by acknowledging and explaining points of view that may conflict with your own to build credibility and trust with your audience. Also state the limits of your argument. This too helps you sound more reasonable and honest to those who may naturally be inclined to disagree with your view. By respectfully acknowledging opposing arguments and conceding limitations to your own view, you set a measured and responsible tone for the essay.

Make your appeals in support of your thesis by using sound, credible evidence. Use a balance of facts and opinions from a wide range of sources, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and personal anecdotes. Each piece of evidence should be fully explained and clearly stated.

Make sure that your style and tone are appropriate for your subject and audience. Tailor your language and word choice to these two factors, while still being true to your own voice.

Finally, write a conclusion that effectively summarizes the main argument and reinforces your thesis.

Choose one of the topics you have been working on throughout this section. Use the thesis, evidence, opposing argument, and concessionary statement as the basis for writing a full persuasive essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, clear explanations of all the evidence you present, and a strong conclusion.

Key Takeaways

The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion.
An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue, in writing, is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way.
A thesis that expresses the opinion of the writer in more specific terms is better than one that is vague.
It is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.
It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish through a concession statement.
To persuade a skeptical audience, you will need to use a wide range of evidence. Scientific studies, opinions from experts, historical precedent, statistics, personal anecdotes, and current events are all types of evidence that you might use in explaining your point.
Make sure that your word choice and writing style is appropriate for both your subject and your audience.
You should let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and respectfully and reasonably addressing opposing ideas.
You should be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound more biased than it needs to.
Facts are statements that can be proven using objective data.
Opinions are personal views, or judgments, that cannot be proven.
In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions.
Quantitative visuals present data graphically. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience.
Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audience’s emotions.

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What Is a Persuasive Essay?

Posted by 11trees | Types of Writing

A persuasive essay explains a specific topic and attempts to persuade the audience that your point of view is the most informed, logical and valid perspective on the topic. This genre is also known as the argumentative essay.

While an expository essay written for an exam or a standardized test may have a persuasive element, most persuasive or argumentative essays are written out of class and require extensive research. The research may include several kinds of sources:

Articles from high-quality non-scholarly magazines or journals (for example, The Atlantic, Harpers, Scientific American, etc.)
Scholarly or non-scholarly books
Scholarly or technical journal articles
Government agency websites
Statistical analysis
Interviews with experts

Persuasive essays use such research both to educate the audience about the topic and to supply evidence supporting the writer’s opinions.

The main goal of an argumentative paper is to persuade your audience that your view is among the most compelling opinions on the topic. You should attempt to persuade even those who start out strongly disagreeing with you. To do that, you need to show that you’re very well-informed about your topic.

What Are the Elements of a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay does have certain baseline requirements that are standard in nearly every essay type:

A clear thesis or controlling idea that establishes and sustains your focus.
An opening paragraph that introduces the thesis.
Body paragraphs that use specific research evidence to illustrate your informative or argumentative points.
Smooth transitions that connect the ideas of adjoining paragraphs in specific, interesting ways.
Use of counterarguments to summarize and refute opposing positions.
A conclusion that emphasizes your central idea without being repetitive.

How Do You Write a Persuasive Essay?

One common formula for the persuasive paper is the 5-Paragraph Essay. If you don’t have much experience with essay writing, this is a good method to start with, since it’s basic and straightforward. The 5-Paragraph Essay incorporates the elements listed above in the following basic structure:

Introductory paragraph with a clear, concise thesis.
Three body paragraphs that offer evidence and analysis connecting that evidence to the thesis.
A concluding paragraph that sums up the paper by reevaluating the thesis in light of the evidence discussed in the essay’s body.

While the 5-paragraph structure gives you a helpful formula to work with, it’s only one among many valid options, and its suitability will depend on other factors like the length and complexity of your essay. If you’re writing a paper that’s more than 3 or 4 pages long, it should be more than 5 paragraphs. In most cases, the structure of a longer essay will be similar to that of the 5-paragraph essay, with an introduction, a conclusion and body paragraphs performing the same basic functions—only the number of body paragraphs will increase. The length of the paragraphs may also increase slightly in proportion to the length of the essay.

Composing a Persuasive Essay: A Process Guide

Preliminary Steps

Begin by reading the assignment carefully to make sure you understand it. Then find a topic that fits the assignment. It’s important that you narrow your topic so that it’s directly relevant to the assignment. But make sure your topic is not so narrow that it lacks significance. It’s best if you find a topic that you’re really interested in—this will make the work more enjoyable for you and will probably lead to higher quality research and writing.
Before starting your research, make a list of facts—everything you already know about your topic. This list may be long or short depending on your level of knowledge.
Make another list, this time of your ideas and opinions on the topic. Begin with the strongest opinions and list them in descending order according to your level of conviction.
Ask yourself why you hold these opinions. It’s important to clarify your own views on the topic so you don’t get too overwhelmed by expert opinions when you begin your research. But you should also be open to changing these opinions if facts and logic warrant such change.
Try to come up with an original, debatable perspective on your topic and write a tentative thesis statement that reflects your view concisely. Being original in this case doesn’t mean you have to come up with some earth-shattering revelation about human nature—it just means you should stay away from general, bland, or obvious ideas that most people would readily agree with.
Familiarize yourself with the resources of your school’s library—the physical books and periodicals and the online databases. Describe your project ideas to a librarian and ask for recommendations on where to look for the resources you need.
The main purpose of your research is to for you to become very well-informed about your topic. Immerse yourself in all the relevant factual data AND acquaint yourself with the most prominent, compelling opinions on the central issues.
Look for sources that include unusual aspects of your topic, or unconventional perspectives on it—these may provide interesting, surprising angles from which to approach your argument.
Read your sources critically and ask yourself what informs the various perspectives on your topic. Which sources seem best informed? Which use the most compelling logic? Which are guided more by ideology or assumptions than by credible evidence?
Take notes on your sources as you read them. Summarize the parts of each source that are relevant to your thesis. In addition to the summary, write down your thoughts on the facts and opinions laid out in these sources. Critique the sources you disagree with. This note-taking will help you to process the research material and develop your perspective on the topic.

Composing and Revising

Once you’ve compiled some research, revisit your tentative thesis statement and revise it according to what you’ve learned—see if you can make it more specific or original. Think of the thesis as your opening statement in a debate with people whose views oppose yours.
Sift your research notes and sources for examples you can use to discuss conflicting opinions on your topic and to illustrate your own views. Each example should have some clear connection to your central idea.
Your essay should devote one body paragraph to each of your major ideas and examples. So begin an outline by writing a topic sentence about each major example for each of your body paragraphs. Since the topic sentence will be part of each paragraph transition, it should make a clear, logical connection between your thesis and the evidence that paragraph will discuss.
Complete your outline by thinking of an interesting, meaningful way to end the essay. Remember that the conclusion should sum up your central points without merely repeating what you’ve said earlier. You might suggest the larger implications of what the essay has discussed and analyzed. One way to do this is to offer a concise review of what you’ve covered combined with a reasonable forecast or recommendations for the future.
You might want to experiment with writing the body paragraphs before you write your introduction. The details of analysis in the body of the paper often help you to determine more precisely how to word your thesis and the sentences that surround it.
Define your key terms or ideas.
Describe and analyze specific examples of your topic.
Summarize and evaluate contrasting opinions on your topic.
Compare and contrast your examples and their relation to your thesis.
Connect your examples explicitly to your central idea and to each other.
Use plenty of quotations and paraphrase of your sources to support your analysis and argument. Integrate the quotes into your own sentences so the discussion reads more smoothly.
Make sure you cite ALL information that comes from your sources, whether quotations or paraphrase. Use the citation format required by the class or the assignment—MLA, APA, etc. The Writers’ Toolkit citation tools will make the process easy for you by automating the format.
Polish your essay through revision to make it artful, original, and interesting. Avoid clichéd language or the most obvious examples. You want your reader to learn something new and compelling, whether it’s an unusual fact or a novel perspective on your topic.

Examples of Narrative Essays

July 27, 2017

Tips and Tricks to Narrative Essays

How to Write a College Admissions Essay

What Is an Expository Essay?

Verbs (ESL)
Auxiliary Verbs
Prepositions
Sentence Structure
Word Choice
Coherence and Cohesion
Information Literacy
Adjusting Expectations
Audience, Purpose, and Tone
Writing Advice
Slide Design
Non-verbal Communication
Writing Assignment Ideas

Persuasive vs Informative: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to crafting content, it’s important to understand the difference between being persuasive and informative. Both can be effective in their own ways, but it’s crucial to know which approach is best suited for your specific goals.

So, what exactly do these two terms mean? In short, persuasive content is designed to convince the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint. Informative content, on the other hand, is focused on providing the reader with valuable, factual information without necessarily pushing them towards a particular outcome.

While both persuasive and informative content have their place, it’s important to consider your objectives before deciding which approach to take. Are you trying to sell a product or service? Persuasive content may be the way to go. Are you providing educational resources or sharing news updates? Informative content may be more appropriate.

Define Persuasive

Persuasive writing is a form of communication that aims to convince or influence the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint. It is often used in advertising, marketing, and political campaigns to sway the audience’s opinion or behavior.

Persuasive writing uses emotional appeals, such as fear, excitement, or empathy, to connect with the reader and create a sense of urgency. It also employs persuasive techniques, such as rhetorical questions, repetition, and appeals to authority, to strengthen the argument and make it more convincing.

Examples of persuasive writing include opinion pieces, speeches, and advertisements.

Define Informative

Informative writing, on the other hand, is a type of communication that aims to provide knowledge or information to the reader without trying to persuade or influence them. It is often used in news articles, educational materials, and technical writing.

Informative writing focuses on presenting facts, data, and evidence in a clear and objective manner. It avoids emotional appeals and instead relies on logical arguments and evidence-based claims.

Examples of informative writing include news articles, scientific reports, and instructional manuals.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can have a significant impact on the message you are trying to convey. It is important to understand the difference between persuasive and informative language and how to use them effectively in your writing.

How To Use Persuasive In A Sentence

Persuasive language is used to convince or persuade someone to believe or do something. It often involves using emotional appeals and persuasive techniques to influence the reader’s opinion.

Here are some tips on how to use persuasive language in a sentence:

Use strong, emotive language to appeal to the reader’s emotions
Use rhetorical questions to engage the reader and make them think
Use persuasive techniques such as repetition, exaggeration, and appeals to authority or credibility
Use vivid imagery to paint a picture in the reader’s mind

For example:

“The devastating effects of climate change cannot be ignored. We must take action now to protect our planet and future generations.”

How To Use Informative In A Sentence

Informative language, on the other hand, is used to provide information and facts to the reader. It is objective and unbiased, and does not aim to persuade or influence the reader’s opinion.

Here are some tips on how to use informative language in a sentence:

Use clear and concise language to convey information
Provide relevant and accurate facts and statistics
Avoid using emotional language or persuasive techniques
Use credible sources to support your claims

“According to the latest scientific research, the average global temperature has increased by 1 degree Celsius since pre-industrial times. This increase is largely due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.”

More Examples Of Persuasive & Informative Used In Sentences

In order to understand the difference between persuasive and informative language, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of both types of language used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Persuasive In A Sentence

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Examples Of Using Informative In A Sentence

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of climate change on our environment.
Our company was founded in 1995 and has since grown to become a leader in the industry.
According to recent research, a healthy diet and exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease.
The new law will go into effect on January 1st, 2022.
Our product is made with all natural ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals.
Recent studies have shown that meditation can have a positive impact on mental health.
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the latest advancements in technology.
Our team of experts has years of experience and is dedicated to providing top-quality service.
Our product is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of customers.
This report provides a detailed analysis of the current market trends.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to writing, using persuasive and informative interchangeably is a common mistake that many people make. While both styles have their place in the world of writing, it is important to understand the differences between the two and use them appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using persuasive and informative writing styles:

Mistake #1: Using Persuasive Language In Informative Writing

One of the most common mistakes people make is using persuasive language in informative writing. While it may be tempting to use strong language to convince your readers of your point of view, this can actually be counterproductive in informative writing. Using persuasive language can make your writing seem biased and can turn off readers who are looking for objective information.

Instead, use neutral language and focus on presenting the facts in a clear and concise manner. Use credible sources to back up your information and avoid presenting your own opinions as facts.

Mistake #2: Focusing Too Much On Facts In Persuasive Writing

On the other hand, when it comes to persuasive writing, focusing too much on facts can be a mistake. While presenting facts and statistics can be effective in persuading your readers, it is important to also appeal to their emotions and values. Using stories, anecdotes, and personal experiences can help make your writing more relatable and engaging.

However, it is important to use credible sources and avoid using emotional appeals that are not backed up by facts. Your goal should be to persuade your readers based on sound reasoning and evidence.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Your Audience

Another common mistake is ignoring your audience when writing. Whether you are writing informally or formally, it is important to consider who your audience is and what their needs and interests are. This will help you tailor your writing to their specific needs and make it more engaging and effective.

When writing informally, you can use a more conversational tone and language that is appropriate for your audience. When writing formally, you should use a more professional tone and language that is appropriate for the context.

Tips On How To Avoid These Mistakes

Here are some tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future:

Before you start writing, determine whether you are writing to inform or persuade
Use neutral language in informative writing and emotional appeals in persuasive writing, but make sure they are backed up by facts
Consider your audience and tailor your writing to their needs and interests
Use credible sources to back up your information

Context Matters

When it comes to writing content, choosing between a persuasive or informative approach can depend heavily on the context in which the content will be used. The purpose of the content, the target audience, and the desired outcome all play a role in determining which approach is most appropriate.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between persuasive and informative might change:

Context: Marketing

In marketing, the goal is often to persuade the target audience to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service. In this context, a persuasive approach is typically more effective. Copywriters may use persuasive language, emotional appeals, and calls to action to encourage the audience to take the desired action.

Context: Education

In an educational setting, the goal is typically to inform and educate the audience on a particular topic. In this context, an informative approach is more appropriate. The content should be well-researched, objective, and presented in a clear and concise manner. The focus should be on providing valuable information rather than persuading the audience to take a specific action.

Context: Journalism

In journalism, the goal is to report the news and provide accurate information to the audience. While there may be some elements of persuasion involved, such as presenting a particular viewpoint or angle on a story, the focus is primarily on informing the audience. Journalists must adhere to strict ethical standards and maintain objectivity in their reporting.

Context: Politics

In politics, the goal is often to persuade voters to support a particular candidate or issue. Political campaigns may use persuasive language, emotional appeals, and other tactics to sway public opinion. However, it’s important to note that there is a fine line between persuasion and manipulation. Political campaigns must be careful not to mislead or deceive the public in their efforts to persuade.

Context: Legal

In a legal setting, the goal is to present a case and persuade a judge or jury to rule in favor of a particular argument. In this context, a persuasive approach is essential. Lawyers must use persuasive language, evidence, and arguments to make their case and convince the judge or jury of their position.

Overall, the choice between a persuasive or informative approach depends on the context in which the content will be used. By understanding the purpose of the content, the target audience, and the desired outcome, writers can choose the most effective approach for their specific situation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While persuasive and informative writing styles are generally used for specific purposes, there are some exceptions where the rules may not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Personal Blogs Or Social Media Posts

When writing personal blogs or social media posts, the rules for using persuasive and informative writing styles may not apply. In these cases, the writer may choose to write in a more conversational tone and use a mixture of both styles. For example, a blogger may use informative writing to share a recipe or travel tips, but then use persuasive writing to express their opinion on a controversial topic.

2. Creative Writing

In creative writing, the rules for using persuasive and informative writing styles may not apply as well. Writers may use a variety of styles and techniques to engage their readers and convey their message. For example, a fiction writer may use descriptive language to create vivid imagery, or use dialogue to develop characters and advance the plot. While some persuasive or informative elements may be present, the focus is on telling a story or creating a mood.

3. Advertising And Marketing

Advertising and marketing may also be an exception to the rules for using persuasive and informative writing styles. In these cases, the goal is to persuade the audience to take a specific action, such as buying a product or signing up for a service. While informative writing may be used to provide details about the product or service, persuasive writing is often used to create a sense of urgency or appeal to the audience’s emotions. For example, an advertisement for a car may use persuasive writing to create a sense of excitement and desire, while also providing informative details about the car’s features and performance.

Overall, while persuasive and informative writing styles are useful for specific purposes, there are exceptions where the rules may not apply. Understanding when to use each style, and when to blend them, can help writers effectively communicate their message and engage their audience.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between persuasive and informative writing, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two writing styles.

Persuasive Writing Exercises

Write a paragraph persuading your friend to try a new restaurant in town.
Create a list of reasons why someone should adopt a pet from a shelter instead of buying one from a breeder.
Write a persuasive speech on why your school should implement a recycling program.

After completing these exercises, review your work and consider the following questions:

Did you use emotional language to try to persuade your reader?
Did you present a clear argument with supporting evidence?
Did you address potential counterarguments?

Informative Writing Exercises

Write a paragraph explaining the process of photosynthesis.
Create a list of the top ten tourist attractions in your city and provide a brief description of each.
Write an informative essay on the history of the internet.
Did you present accurate and relevant information?
Did you organize your writing in a logical and easy-to-follow manner?
Did you use clear and concise language?

Remember, practice makes perfect! By completing these exercises, you’ll improve your ability to write persuasively and informatively.

After exploring the differences between persuasive and informative writing, it is clear that both have their own unique features and purposes. Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint, while informative writing focuses on imparting knowledge and providing objective information on a topic.

It is important to understand the distinctions between these two styles of writing in order to effectively communicate with your audience. When crafting a persuasive piece, it is crucial to use language that appeals to the emotions and values of your readers. On the other hand, informative writing should be objective and unbiased, presenting facts and evidence without trying to sway the reader in any particular direction.

By mastering both persuasive and informative writing, you can become a more effective communicator and writer. Remember to always consider your audience and purpose when choosing which style to use.

If you are interested in continuing to improve your grammar and language use, there are many resources available online and in print. Consider taking a writing course or workshop, reading books on writing and language, and practicing regularly to hone your skills.

Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Chapter 10. Persuasion

This chapter is short in comparison to the other chapters you have read. That is because you will be expected to complete your critique this week. In the next chapter, Developing a Convincing Argument , you will need to apply this information and structures in developing your persuasive paper, the last essay form you will learn in this course.

10.1 The Purpose of Persuasion

Learning objectives.

Determine the purpose of persuasion in writing

Most people have strong views on controversial topics (ones that inspire extreme points of view or opinions) and are often very willing to share those strong views. However, imagine you are having a discussion with someone who is only willing to share a particular point of view, ignoring yours, which may be in opposition. The ideas presented by that person would be very narrow, almost as if the person has tunnel vision and is merely expressing a personal opinion. If that person does provide you with facts, they may often be skewed or not from a credible source. After the discussion, there is only a slight chance you would be convinced of the other person’s point of view. You may have new ideas you had not considered before or a new perspective, but you would probably not be thoroughly convinced because that person has not made any attempt to present a well-rounded, fact-based point of view. This is why it is essential for you to not only provide your reader with strong, substantiated evidenced, but also to ensure you present an argument that looks at the topic from multiple angles.

Now, you may be asking yourself, “How can my argument be convincing if I present ideas contrary to my main point of view?” Well, while you need to concede there are other views different from your own, it is very important to show your reader you have thought about different angles and that the conclusions you have come to have been critically developed. This evidence of critical thinking will elevate your argument to a level so that your reader cannot really have any objections to. Also, when you look at the structures for persuasive writing, outlined in the next section, you will learn how you can rebut the possible objections you present, essentially smashing those contrary ideas and showing how your point of view is the convincing one.

10.2 The Structure of a Persuasive Essay

Determine the structure of persuasion in writing
Apply a formula for a classic persuasive argument

Writing a Persuasive Essay

You first need to choose a topic that you feel passionate about. If your instructor requires you to write about a specific topic, approach the subject from an angle that interests you. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction. Your thesis should typically appear somewhere in your introduction.

Next, need to acknowledge and explain points of view that may conflict with your own to build credibility and trust with your audience. You also should state the limits of your argument. This helps you sound more reasonable and honest to those who may naturally be inclined to disagree with your view. By respectfully acknowledging opposing arguments and conceding limitations to your own view, you set a measured and responsible tone for the essay.

Be sure to make your appeals in support of your thesis by using sound, credible evidence. Use a balance of facts and opinions from a wide range of sources, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and personal anecdotes. Each piece of evidence should be fully explained and clearly stated. Also, write in a style and tone that is appropriate for your subject and audience. Tailor your language and word choice to these two factors, while still being true to your own voice. Finally, write a conclusion that effectively summarizes the main argument and reinforces your thesis.

Structur ing a Persuasive Essay

The formula below for organizing a persuasive essay may be one with which you are familiar. It will present a convincing argument to your reader because your discussion is well rounded and thorough, and you leave your audience with your point of view at the end. Remember to consider each of these components in this formula as sections instead of paragraphs because you will probably want to discuss multiple ideas backing up your point of view to make it more convincing.

When writing a persuasive essay, it is best to begin with the most important point because it immediately captivates your readers and compels them to continue reading. For example, if you were supporting your thesis that homework is detrimental to the education of high school students, you would want to present your most convincing argument first, and then move on to the less important points for your case.

Some key transitional words you should use with this method of organization are: most importantly , almost as importantly , just as importantly , and finally .

The Formula You will need to come up with objection points, but you will also need to think of direct rebuttals to each of those ideas. Remember to consult your outline as you are writing because you may need to double-check that you have countered each of the possible opposing ideas you presented.

Section 1: Introduction

Attention getter

Thesis (showing main and controlling ideas)

Signposts (make sure you outline the structure your argument will follow: Pros Cons/Pros)

Section 2: (Multiple) Ideas in Support of Claim

Give a topic sentence introducing the point (showing main and controlling ideas)

Give explanations + evidence on first point

Make concluding statement summarizing point discussion (possibly transitioning to next supporting idea)

Repeat with multiple ideas in separate paragraphs

Section 3: Summary of ( S ome) Opposing Views

Give topic sentence explaining this paragraph will be opposing points of view to provide thorough, convincing argument

Present general summary of some opposing ideas

Present some generalized evidence

Provide brief concluding sentence for paragraph—transitioning into next rebuttal paragraph

Section 4: Response to Opposing Views

Give topic sentence explaining this paragraph/section connects to or expands on previous paragraph

[may recognize validity of some of points] then need to present how your ideas are stronger

Present evidence directly countering/refuting ideas mentioned in previous section

Give concluding statement summarizing the countering arguments

¶ Section 5 : Conclusion

Restate your thesis

Summarize your discussion points

Leave the reader with a strong impression; do not waiver here

May provide a “call for action”

In a persuasive essay, the writer’s point of view should be clearly expressed at the beginning of each paragraph in the topic sentence, which should contain the main idea of the paragraph and the writer’s controlling idea.

10.3 Being Critical

Explain the importance and benefits of acknowledging opposing ideas
Identify the importance of cautious use of tone in a persuasive essay
Identify bias in writing
Assess various rhetorical devices, including the use of I
Distinguish between fact and opinion
Understand the importance of visuals to strengthen arguments

In Chapter 7: Sources: Choosing the Right Ones , we discussed being critical when evaluating sources, the ideas presented in those sources, and how those ideas are presented. When writing a persuasive essay, you need to focus on the same elements, but you also need to ensure you are presenting an argument that considers other points of view on your topic; you need to acknowledge there are other angles, and you need to present ideas countering those objections in order to increase your chance at convincing your reader.

Style and Tone of Language

Just as with any essay, the way you write and the tone you use is very important to consider. Think back to the earlier mention of that one-sided argument. If you are talking with a person who uses aggressive and inflammatory words, are you more or less likely to listen to the whole argument and ultimately be convinced? If someone is waving his hands and swearing or yelling, the gestures and raised voice may actually distract you from what is being said. Also, when people are extremely animated in their discussions, their audience may become defensive if they do not agree with the ideas presented. In such a case, the audience may then respond in the same way, and no one ends up really hearing other points of view and will definitely not be convinced. Consider the same discussion, but imagine the original speaker being calm and controlled. Do you think you would be more likely to listen and consider the ideas? That is what often happens; the speaker also allows you to give your input and views, and together, you can arrive at a blend of ideas. While you may not be convinced to change your mind completely, the way the speaker presents the argument (calmly and substantively) creates an environment or situation where you are more open to discussion. This is the same when you write; if you choose inflammatory language not appropriate to your audience, the overall impact is almost “bloggish”—like someone ranting on a topic and just stating his or her opinion. This becomes a bigger issue if no substantive evidence or support is given for the discussion. The writer just seems like a radical expressing views, not someone you can use for credible support. In short, remember to choose your words carefully. While you will need to use assertive language to support your ideas, you need to choose objective words. How you make your argument more convincing is by:Using strong, peer-reviewed, and reliable evidence to back up your ideasPresenting and rebuttingat least one opposing idea

Acknowledging Opposing Ideas and Limits to Your Argument

Because an argument implies differing points of view on the subject, you must be sure to acknowledge those opposing ideas. Avoiding ideas that conflict with your own gives the reader the impression that you may be uncertain, fearful, or unaware of opposing ideas. Thus, it is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.

Acknowledging different points of view also fosters more credibility between you and the audience. They know from the outset that you are aware of opposing ideas and that you are not afraid to give them space.

It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish. In effect, you are conceding early on that your argument is not the ultimate authority on a given topic. Such humility can go a long way toward earning credibility and trust with an audience. Your readers will know from the beginning that you are a reasonable writer, and they will trust your argument as a result. For example, in the following concessionary statement, the writer advocates for stricter gun control laws, but admits it will not solve all of our problems with crime:

Although tougher gun control laws are a powerful first step in decreasing violence in our streets, such legislation alone cannot end these problems since guns are not the only problem we face.

Such a concession will be welcome by those who might disagree with this writer’s argument in the first place. To effectively persuade their readers, writers need to be modest in their goals and humble in their approach to get readers to listen to the ideas. See Table 10.1: Phrases of Concession for some useful phrases of concession.

Table 10.1: Phrases of Concession

although	granted that	of course	still	though	yet

Bias in Writing

Everyone has various biases on any number of topics. For example, you might have a bias toward wearing black instead of brightly coloured clothes, or wearing jeans rather than formal wear. You might have a bias toward working at night rather than in the morning, or working by deadlines rather than getting tasks done in advance. These examples identify minor biases, of course, but they still indicate preferences and opinions.

In your first assignment a number of weeks ago, you were asked to sit somewhere, make observations, and write both a positive and negative description of the same scene—or to show two angles of vision. The purpose of this exercise was to make it evident to you how easily bias and angles can appear even through the smallest words you choose to use in your writing. Choosing each word carefully is even more significant in a persuasive paper because, as already mentioned, you want your reader to view your presentation of ideas as logical and not just a tirade. Using objective and neutral language and evidence and acknowledging you have a possible bias will help you present a well-rounded and developed argument.

The strength of a personal bias is that it can motivate you to construct a strong argument. If you are invested in the topic, you are more likely to care about the piece of writing. Similarly, the more you care, the more time and effort you are apt to put forth and the better the final product will be.
The weakness of personal bias is that it can take over the essay—when, for example, you neglect opposing ideas, exaggerate your points, or repeatedly insert yourself ahead of the subject by using I too often. Being aware of all three of these pitfalls will help you avoid them.

Fact and Opinion

Opinions are personal views, or judgments. An opinion is what an individual believes about a particular subject. However, an opinion in argumentation must have legitimate backing; adequate evidence and credibility should support the opinion. Consider the credibility of expert opinions, as experts in a given field have the knowledge and credentials to make their opinion meaningful to a larger audience.

In your writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions. Relying on one or the other will likely lose more of your audience than it gains.

The Use of I in Writing

Be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound overly biased, for two primary reasons:

Excessive repetition of any word will eventually catch the reader’s attention—and usually not in a good way. The use of I is no different.

The insertion of I into a sentence alters not only the way a sentence might sound but also the composition of the sentence itself. I is often the subject of a sentence. If the subject of the essay is supposed to be, say, smoking, then by inserting yourself into the sentence, you are effectively displacing the subject of the essay into a secondary position. In the following example, the subject of the sentence is bolded and underlined:

Smoking is bad. vs. I think smoking is bad.

In the first sentence, the rightful subject, smoking , is in the subject position in the sentence. In the second sentence, the insertion of I and think replaces smoking as the subject, which draws attention to I and away from the topic that is supposed to be discussed. Remember to keep the message (the subject) and the messenger (the writer) separate.

You can use Checklist 10.1 Developing Sound Arguments, as you work on your persuasive essay.

Checklist 10.1 Developing Sound Arguments

Does my essay contain the following elements?

An engaging introduction

A reasonable, specific thesis that is able to be supported by evidence

A varied range of evidence from credible sources

Respectful acknowledgment and explanation of opposing ideas

A style and tone of language that is appropriate for the subject and audience

Acknowledgment of the argument’s limits

A conclusion that will adequately summarize the essay and reinforce the thesis

Using Visual Elements to Strengthen Arguments

Adding visual elements to a persuasive argument can often strengthen its persuasive effect. However, remember you want to use them to make a bigger impact for your reader, so you need to make sure they are:

Relevant and essential . They should help your reader visualize your point.
Easy to follow . The reader should not have to work too hard to understand.
A ppropriate to audience, tone, and purpose . Always keep the audience in mind.
A ppropriately cited and referenced . If you borrow from a source, be sure to include proper citations.
NOT disrespectful . You want your writing to been seen as fair and non-biased.
NOT used too often . They will become more of a distraction than a focal point if they are used too often

There are two main types of visual elements: quantitative visuals and qualitative visuals.

Quantitative visuals present data graphically. They allow the audience to see statistics spatially. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience. For example, sometimes it is easier to understand the disparity in certain statistics if it is displayed graphically. Bar graphs, pie charts, Venn diagrams, histograms, and line graphs are all ways of presenting quantitative data in spatial dimensions.
Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audience’s emotions. Photographs and pictorial images are examples of qualitative visuals. Such images often try to convey a story, and seeing an actual example can carry more power than hearing or reading about the example. For example, one image of a child suffering from malnutrition will likely have more of an emotional impact than pages dedicated to describing that same condition in writing.

Writing at Work

When making a business presentation, you typically have limited time to get your idea across. Providing visual elements for your audience can be an effective timesaving tool. Quantitative visuals in business presentations serve the same purpose as they do in persuasive writing. They should make logical appeals by showing numerical data in a spatial design. Quantitative visuals should be pictures that might appeal to your audience’s emotions. You will find that many of the rhetorical devices used in writing are the same ones used in the workplace.

Key Takeaways

The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion.
An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue, in writing, is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way.
A thesis that expresses the opinion of the writer in more specific terms is better than one that is vague.
It is essential that you address counterarguments and do so respectfully.
It is helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish through a concession statement.
To persuade a skeptical audience, you need to use a wide range of evidence. Scientific studies, opinions from experts, historical precedent, statistics, personal anecdotes, and current events are all types of evidence that you might use in explaining your point.
Word choice and writing style should be appropriate for both your subject and your audience.
You should let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and respectfully and reasonably addressing opposing ideas.
You should be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound more biased than it needs to.
Facts are statements that can be proven using objective data.
Opinions are personal views, or judgments, that cannot be proven.
In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions.
Quantitative visuals present data graphically. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience.
Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audience’s emotions.

10.4 Examples: Persuasive Essay

Read two examples of persuasive essays on the same topic

Justice: Retribution or Restoration?

Every day when I pick up my newspaper I read about crime. What strikes me as tragic in these discussions is that the solutions which are proposed are simply more of the same: bigger threats, more punishment. Few people ask more basic questions about whether punishment ought to be our main concern. Even fewer seem genuinely concerned about victims and what they need.

Consequently, victims’ needs and wishes continue to be ignored. Prisons are massively crowded, and the call for a return to the death penalty is back with a vengeance. The costs to us as taxpayers keep soaring.

Actually, there is good reason why we ignore victims and focus instead on more punishment for offenders. It has to do with our very definitions of what constitutes crime and what justice entails.

If you have been a victim, you know something about the fear, the anger, the shame, the sense of violation that this experience generates. You know something about the needs that result: needs for repayment, for a chance to talk, for support, for involvement, for an experience that feels like justice. Unfortunately, you may also know from personal experience how little help, information and involvement you can expect from the justice process.

If you have experienced crime, you know for a fact that you yourself are the victim, and you would like to be remembered in what happens thereafter. But the legal system does not define the offence that way and does not assume that you have a central role.

Legally, the essence of the crime lies in breaking a law rather than the actual damage done. More importantly, the official victim is the state, not you. It is no accident, then, that victims and their needs are so often forgotten: they are not even part of the equation, not part of the definition of the offence!

When a crime occurs, the state as victim decides what must be done, and the process of deciding focuses primarily on two questions: “Is the person guilty? If so, how much punishment does he or she deserve?” Our definitions of crime and justice, then, might be summarized like this:

Crime is a violation of the state and its laws.

Justice establishes blame and administers pain through a contest between offender and state.

This way of viewing crime might be called “retributive justice.” It has little place for victims, uses what some scholars have called a “battle model” for settling things, and, because it is centred so heavily on establishing blame, looks primarily to the past rather than the future. It assumes that punishment or pain, usually in the form of a prison term, is the normal outcome.

This process concentrates almost exclusively on offenders, but, ironically, does not hold them accountable. To be accountable, offenders ought to be helped to understand and acknowledge the human consequences of their actions. Then they ought to be encouraged to take responsibility for what happens thereafter, including taking steps to right the wrong. Yet this rarely happens; indeed, the justice process discourages responsibility. Thus neither victim nor offender is offered the kind of opportunities that might aid healing and resolution for both.

But what is the alternative? How should we understand crime and justice?

An alternate understanding of crime and justice might look something like this:

Crime is a violation of people and their relationships.

Justice identifies needs and obligations so that things can be made right through a process which encourages dialogue and involves both victims and offenders.

A restorative approach to justice would understand that the essence of crime is a violation of people and of harmonious relations between them. Instead of asking first of all, “Who ‘done’ it? What should they get?” (and rarely going beyond this), a restorative approach to justice would ask “Who has been hurt? What can be done to make things right, and whose responsibility is it?” True justice would have as its goals restoration, reconciliation, and responsibility rather than retribution.

Restorative justice would aim to be personal. Insofar as possible, it would seek to empower victims and offenders to be involved in their own cases and, in the process, to learn something about one another. As in the Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP), which operates in many communities in the U.S. and Canada, when circumstances permit, justice would offer victims and offenders an opportunity to meet in order to exchange information and decide what is to be done. Understanding of one another, acceptance of responsibility, healing of injuries, and empowerment of participants would be important goals.

Is restorative approach practical? Can it work? The experience of the VORP suggests that while there are limitations and pitfalls, restoration and reconciliation can happen, even in some tough cases. Moreover, our own history points in this direction. Through most of western history, most crimes were understood to be harms done to people by other people. Such wrongs created obligations to make right, and the normal process was to negotiate some sort of restitution agreement. Only in the past several centuries did our present retributive understanding displace this more reparative approach.

If our ancestors could view crime and justice this way, why can’t we?

Adapted from: Zehr, H. (n.d.). Justice: Retribution or Restoration? Retrieved from: http://www.peaceworkmagazine.org/pwork/0499/049910.htm

Retribution

Retribution is perhaps the most intuitive—and the most questionable—aim of punishment in the criminal law. Quite contrary to the idea of rehabilitation and distinct from the utilitarian purposes of restraint and deterrence, the purpose of retribution is actively to injure criminal offenders, ideally in proportion with their injuries to society, and so expiate them of guilt.

The impulse to do harm to someone who does harm to you is older than human society, older than the human race itself (go to the zoo and watch the monkey cage for a demonstration.) It’s also one of the most powerful human impulses—so powerful that at times it can overwhelm all else. One of the hallmarks of civilization is to relinquish the personal right to act on this impulse, and transfer responsibility for retribution to some governing body that acts, presumably, on behalf of society entire. When society executes retribution on criminals by means of fines, incarceration, or death, these punishments are a social expression of the personal vengeance the criminal’s victims feel, rationally confined (it is hoped) to what is best for society as a whole.

While “it’s natural” tends not to carry much weight in the criminal law, “it’s morally right” can. Moral feelings and convictions are considered, even by the criminal law, to be some of the most powerful and binding expressions of our humanity. In binding criminal trial juries to restrict guilty verdicts to situations of the highest certainty, “beyond a reasonable doubt” is also often described as “to a moral certainty.” It is to their moral feelings of what is truly right that jury members are asked look before delivering a verdict. It’s perhaps not too much of a stretch, then, to argue that it’s morally right to make criminals suffer as their victims have suffered, if that’s the way one’s moral certainty points.

No matter what one’s moral feelings are about inflicting deliberate harm on a human being, the majority of the citizenry still holds that it’s right to exact retribution on criminal offenders. This is almost certainly true of the majority of victims, and their loved ones, for whom equanimity becomes more and more difficult depending on the severity of the crime. What rape victim does not wish to see her attacker suffer? What parent does not hate the one who killed their child? The outrage that would result from leaving these passions for revenge unsatisfied might be seen as a dramatic failure of the entire criminal justice system. It’s a good argument for retributive justice, then, that in this world public vengeance is necessary in order to avoid the chaos ensuing from individuals taking revenge into their own hands. And, until the moral certainty of a majority of society points towards compassion rather than revenge, this is the form the criminal law must take.

Adapted from: The Lectric Law Library. (n.d.). Retribution. Retrieved from: http://www.lectlaw.com/mjl/cl062.htm

Journal entry #10

Write a paragraph or two responding to the following.

Briefly describe one or two topics on which you may want to base your persuasive essay.

Why is this a good topic? What types of challenges do you think you may face in developing ideas on this topic?

Remember as mentioned in the Assessment Descriptions in your syllabus:

You will be expected to respond to the questions by reflecting on and discussing your experiences with the week’s material.

When writing your journals, you should focus on freewriting—writing without (overly) considering formal writing structures—but remember that it will be read by the instructor, who needs to be able to understand your ideas.

Your instructor will be able to see if you have completed this entry by the end of the week but not read all of the journals until week 11.

Writing for Success - 1st Canadian Edition Copyright © 2015 by Tara Horkoff; an author removed at the request of the original publisher; and Horkoff, Tara is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Argumentative Essays

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What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.

Longer argumentative essays

Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.

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1. What is the persuasive essay all about? 2. What makes it a
Complete the graphic organizer to make your own persuasive essay. You
Argumentative essay and Persuasive essay
Persuasive Essay: Definition, Examples, Topics & Tips for Writing a
(PERSUASIVE ESSAY) gumawa ng sariling topic: 1.introduction 2.first
How to Write a Persuasive Essay (This Convinced My Professor!)

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TYPES OF PERSUASIVE WRITING
Persuasive Essay
Persuasive Essay Structure
How do you structure persuasive?
Persuasive Essay
Do you use a hook in a persuasive essay?

COMMENTS

Writing Persuasive Essays: Master the Art of Persuasion
Introduction. Persuasive essay writing is an essential skill that students need to develop in order to effectively communicate their ideas and opinions. A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. In this guide, we will explore the key elements of persuasive essay writing, including ...
What is the best definition of a persuasive essay?
The best definition of a persuasive essay is a piece of writing that presents a clear argument and aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint. This type of essay is designed to persuade the reader by presenting arguments and evidence in a logical and convincing way.Persuasive essays typically begin by introducing the topic and ...
Persuasive Essay
The term "persuasive" is an adjective derived from verb "persuade," which means "to convince somebody.". A persuasive essay is full of all the convincing techniques a writer can employ. It presents a situation, and takes a stand - either in its favor, or against it - to prove to readers whether it is beneficial or harmful for them.
What is a persuasive essay
Answer: A persuasive essay, also known as an argumentative essay, is a piece of academic writing where you use logic and reason to show that your point of view is more legitimate than any other. You must expose clear arguments and support them by convincing facts and logical reasons. Explanation: Advertisement.
8.7: Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays
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). Support/Body. Reasons the thesis is correct or at least reasonable.
6.4: Persuasive Essays
Writing a Persuasive Essay. Choose a topic that you feel passionate about. If your instructor requires you to write about a specific topic, approach the subject from an angle that interests you. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction. Your thesis should typically appear somewhere in your introduction.
Persuasive Essay ⇒ Definition and Writing Guide with an Outline
A persuasive essay is a type of writing that attempts to convince the reader or opponent that your argument or position is valid. The main aim of a persuasive essay is to convince readers to consider your point of view. Remember that you are trying to persuade someone who may not necessarily agree with you.
13.7: Writing a Persuasive Essay
The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion. An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue, in writing, is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way. A thesis that expresses the opinion of the writer in more specific terms is better than ...
Persuasion/Argument
The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion. An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue, in writing, is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way. A thesis that expresses the opinion of the writer in more specific terms is better than ...
What is Persuasive Essay?
A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing where the author presents arguments and evidence to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. The writer aims to persuade the audience through logical reasoning, emotional appeal, and credible evidence.
What Is a Persuasive Essay?
A persuasive essay explains a specific topic and attempts to persuade the audience that your point of view is the most informed, logical and valid perspective on the topic. This genre is also known as the argumentative essay. While an expository essay written for an exam or a standardized test may have a persuasive element, most persuasive or ...
Persuasive vs Informative: Meaning And Differences
Define Persuasive. Persuasive writing is a form of communication that aims to convince or influence the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint. It is often used in advertising, marketing, and political campaigns to sway the audience's opinion or behavior. ... Write an informative essay on the history of the internet ...
persuasive essay examples
A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader through a well-structured argument supported by evidence. Topics for high school essays often involve community service or media's impact on youth, requiring a balance of strong claims and rebuttal of counterpoints. The appropriate tone and evidence are crucial for a convincing essay. Explanation:
what is the meaning of persuasive essay
Answer: What is a persuasive/argument essay? Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, uses logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. Explanation: Advertisement.
Chapter 10. Persuasion
Chapter 10. Persuasion. This chapter is short in comparison to the other chapters you have read. That is because you will be expected to complete your critique this week. In the next chapter, Developing a Convincing Argument, you will need to apply this information and structures in developing your persuasive paper, the last essay form you will ...
Argumentative Essays
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Please note: Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative ...
1. What is a persuasive essay? A. Persuasive essay aims only ...
A. Persuasive essay aims only to explain an idea or define a concept without making an argument B. Persuasive essay combines personal storytelling with an academic argument. c. Persuasive essay is one in which you attempt to get the reader to agree with your point of view. D. Persuasive essay aims to describe a certain event or object with ...
What is the best way to write a persuasive essay?
heart. 26. What are good ways to start a persuasive essay. heart. 1. State your position. Everyone loves a good story, but that is not what you're trying to write here. ... Get organized. If you want to persuade an audience with ….
Correct definition of persuasive essay
Correct definition of persuasive essay - 47566192. ashwink4380 ashwink4380 29.09.2021 World Languages Secondary School answered Correct definition of persuasive essay See answer Advertisement
Define persuasive text
A persuasive text is any text where the main purpose is to present a point of view and seeks to persuade a reader. A persuasive text can be an argument, exposition, discussion, review or even an advertisement. hope it is helpful to you ️
The sentence that defines what a persuasive essay will ...
The sentence that defines what a persuasive essay will prove is called the A) key idea B) topic sentence C) pr Get the answers you need, ... Brainly App. Brainly Tutor. For students. For teachers. For parents. Honor code. Textbook Solutions. ... Define and write a sentence for each word. Expository essay Thesis statement Transition Persuasive ...

Persuasive Essay

Example #2: We Are Training Our Kids to Kill (by Dave Grossman)

Example #3: The Real Skinny (by Belinda Luscombe)

Function of a Persuasive Essay

What is a Persuasive Essay?

Characteristics of Persuasive Essays

Persuasive Essay Structure

4 Steps to Planning Your Persuasive Essay

1. Decide on your stance

2. Analyze your reader

3. Gather evidence

4. Outline your entire essay

Persuasive essay outline example

5 Steps to Writing Your Persuasive Essay

1. Finish the introduction

2. Write the body paragraphs

3. Write the conclusion section

4. Edit and proofread your essay

Key Takeaways

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Persuasion/Argument

Learning Objectives

THE PURPOSE OF PERSUASIVE WRITING

THE STRUCTURE OF A PERSUASIVE ESSAY

CREATING AN INTRODUCTION AND THESIS

ACKNOWLEDGING OPPOSING IDEAS AND LIMITS TO YOUR ARGUMENT

Collaboration

BIAS IN WRITING

THE USE OF I IN WRITING

Developing Sound Arguments

FACT AND OPINION

USING VISUAL ELEMENTS TO STRENGTHEN ARGUMENTS

WRITING AT WORK

WRITING A PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Key Takeaways

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What Is a Persuasive Essay?

What Are the Elements of a Persuasive Essay?

How Do You Write a Persuasive Essay?

Composing a Persuasive Essay: A Process Guide

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Examples of Narrative Essays

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What Is an Expository Essay?

Persuasive vs Informative: Meaning And Differences

Define Persuasive

Define Informative

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

How To Use Persuasive In A Sentence

How To Use Informative In A Sentence

More Examples Of Persuasive & Informative Used In Sentences

Examples Of Using Persuasive In A Sentence

Examples Of Using Informative In A Sentence

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Mistake #1: Using Persuasive Language In Informative Writing

Mistake #2: Focusing Too Much On Facts In Persuasive Writing

Mistake #3: Ignoring Your Audience

Tips On How To Avoid These Mistakes

Context Matters

Examples Of Different Contexts

Context: Marketing

Context: Education

Context: Journalism

Context: Politics

Context: Legal

Exceptions To The Rules

1. Personal Blogs Or Social Media Posts

2. Creative Writing

3. Advertising And Marketing

Practice Exercises

Persuasive Writing Exercises

Informative Writing Exercises

Chapter 10. Persuasion

10.1 The Purpose of Persuasion

10.2 The Structure of a Persuasive Essay

10.3 Being Critical

Key Takeaways

10.4 Examples: Persuasive Essay

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