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How to write persuasive essay step by step

This blog will guide you on how to write a good persuasive essay. We will discuss topics and create an outline. Persuasive writing is a commonly taught writing technique in early education. It is an engaging and enjoyable form of writing that aims to initiate a debate on a given topic. This technique pushes students to adopt a definitive position on a particular topic or issue and employ convincing arguments to persuade readers of the author’s viewpoint.

 

So, what exactly is a persuasive essay? In simple terms, a persuasive essay is an academic writing task that is commonly assigned to students in schools, colleges, and universities. Its primary purpose is to convince the readers that a specific viewpoint or position is correct. When composing a persuasive essay, students are required to conduct thorough research on the given topic, carefully analyze it, and take a clear and strong argumentative stance. They are then expected to use logical arguments and persuasive language to address any biases and assure readers that the author’s viewpoint is the only correct one.

Why is persuasive writing important?

Persuasive papers are frequently given as assignments in educational institutions to maintain student engagement and active participation in their academic work. Moreover, composing this type of task fosters the development of crucial skills such as research, critical thinking, and the capacity to draw conclusions based on evidence.

 

Argumentative vs. persuasive essay

A persuasive essay is usually referred to as an argumentative essay and may seem synonymous with its counterpart. However, there is a distinction between the two approaches that can lead to confusion. While both writing styles share the goal of convincing readers with logical arguments, a persuasive essay goes a step further by appealing to the emotions of the audience. By incorporating compelling reasons, a persuasive essay aims to persuade readers while addressing their emotional response to the topic at hand.

How to write a persuasive essay: step-by-step

When students receive the task of writing a persuasive paper, it is common for them to immediately start writing the essay without completing important preparatory steps. However, it is essential not to skip these steps. To assist you in this process, here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide that will help you successfully navigate through the entire process.

Take a stance 

To begin, it is crucial to establish a distinct stance. Evaluate both aspects of the subject matter and identify the side that aligns with your personal values and beliefs. Additionally, conducting thorough research is vital to gather sufficient evidence to support your perspectives.

 

Research 

Once you have determined your stance, you can proceed to explore your topic in greater depth. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the subject in order to build compelling arguments. When conducting your research, exercise caution in selecting reliable and credible sources. Additionally, make sure to take thorough notes on intriguing facts, statistics, examples, and quotes, as they will serve as valuable supporting evidence for your arguments.

 

Evaluate and prioritize evidence. 

During your research, it is likely that you will encounter a plethora of evidence. However, it is important to note that not all of this evidence can be included in a single paper. Therefore, the next crucial step is to evaluate the collected evidence and determine the most compelling and impactful facts that will enhance the quality of your work.

 

Make a clear outline. 

Having an outline for your persuasive essay is crucial as it ensures that you include all the essential information and prevents you from getting overwhelmed during the writing process.

 

Write your first draft. 

It is imperative to have a structured plan for your persuasive essay because it guarantees the inclusion of vital details and helps prevent feeling overwhelmed while writing.

Proofread and edit your paper. 

Ultimately, the final stages of achieving success in your essay involve the critical steps of proofreading and editing. It is advisable to take a few days off after completing your writing to recharge and approach the proofreading process with a refreshed and clear mindset.

 

It is important to note that proofreading and editing go beyond simply identifying and correcting grammatical errors. This phase is an opportunity to identify any areas in your essay that can be improved and refine them to enhance the overall quality of your work.

Persuasive essay format

To ensure that your essay is visually appealing and easy to read, it is recommended to use fonts such as Times New Roman, Georgia, or Arial. For the headlines, a font size of 16pt is preferable, while the rest of the text should be set at 12pt. Maintaining a justified alignment and using double spacing (or 1.5 spacing in certain cases) can also enhance readability. Additionally, it is important to adhere to the specified word count, which typically ranges from 500 to 2000 words. However, it is crucial to consult your teacher’s guidelines to determine the specific word count requirements for your essay.

Remember this when picking a topic.

The primary emphasis of persuasive essays lies in the perspective presented. It is crucial to select topics that you have expertise in or can argue for or against. The most impactful persuasive essays incorporate personal experiences to shed light on critical social issues that readers have typically disregarded.

 

Topics for high school 

Maybe you find space exploration to be a lengthy and nauseating experience. But don’t fret! There are numerous straightforward persuasive essay topics suitable for high school students. You might have even discussed some of these topics with your friends:

  • Schools should impose restrictions on the use of tablets in classrooms due to the distractions it causes and the negative impact on student learning.
  • The Velvet Underground is the most significant and influential American rock band to ever exist.
  • Make a case for why advertisements should be prohibited from social media platforms.
  • Considering the escalating environmental issues, it is crucial to ban meat consumption within the next five years.
  • Throughout history, having businessmen in positions of power has proven to be a detrimental idea.

 

Topics for college 

Persuasive essay topics for college can be more complex and multifaceted. In this level of education, it is important to address moral, ethical, technical, and sustainability concerns while also considering current events. College students have the ability to make a significant impact on society through their work and can bring fresh perspectives to historical issues. It is generally recommended to select controversial, persuasive essay topics in order to delve into relevant intellectual debates. Here are a few examples to consider:

  • Media targeted towards teenagers often promotes morally and ethically questionable messages.
  • Federal courtrooms should be equipped with live cameras to televise all trials.
  • Beauty contests should not be encouraged due to their potentially harmful effects.
  • With the abundance of information available online, college education should be made significantly more affordable.
  • Developing a prisoner rehabilitation system using music and art as therapeutic tools.
  • Making a case in favor of Net Neutrality and its importance in maintaining equal access to the internet.

 

Persuasive essay outline

Creating an outline is an essential part of crafting persuasive essays. It plays a crucial role in organizing your thoughts and simplifies the writing process. By starting with an outline, you can structure your ideas effectively, resulting in a more coherent and compelling essay. When writing a persuasive essay, it is important to adhere to a typical essay format, which includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each component serves a specific purpose in the essay. Moreover, it is necessary to follow a citation style, such as APA or MLA, when referencing sources in your essay.

 

How to write an introduction for a persuasive essay?

Begin your persuasive essay with a compelling hook that captures the reader’s attention and introduces the topic. Provide some background information on the subject you will be discussing. Finally, end the introduction with a clear thesis statement that expresses your position on the topic and outlines the key arguments you will present in the body paragraphs.

 

How to write the main body of a persuasive essay?

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that supports your argument. Present evidence, such as statistics or expert opinions, to validate your claim. Explain how the evidence supports your argument. Address any potential counterarguments and provide a rebuttal. Lastly, end each paragraph with a transition sentence that leads to the next point.

 

How to write a conclusion for a persuasive essay?

Summarize the main arguments you have presented in your essay and restate your thesis using different words. Encourage the reader to take action or continue contemplating the topic. Finally, leave the reader with a final thought or comment that leaves a lasting impact.

 

How to use arguments in persuasive essays

To begin a persuasive essay, it is essential to have a firm grasp of the fundamental principles of persuasive writing. The ultimate objective is to persuade readers and elicit their agreement with your viewpoint. The key to achieving this is by providing well-supported arguments that are credible, logical, and persuasive. In order to be effective, your persuasive essay should effectively balance both rational and emotional elements.

 

Now, let’s delve into the fundamental components of persuasive writing. According to Aristotle, there are three core elements of rhetoric that should serve as the foundation of your writing:

Ethos

Ethos is a persuasive strategy that relies on establishing your credibility as an author. It suggests that readers will be more inclined to trust your opinion if they view you as a credible source. If you are not yet an established expert in a particular field, you can enhance your ethos by referencing the opinions of reputable organizations and individuals. By leveraging their credibility, you can strengthen the solidity of your arguments.

 

Pathos 

Pathos is an essential element of persuasive writing that appeals to the emotions of the audience. By aligning your arguments with the values, morals, and beliefs of your readers, you can provoke the necessary emotions to promote agreement with your ideas. This entails understanding your audience’s emotional triggers and crafting your arguments in a way that resonates with their feelings and experiences. By tapping into their emotions, you can generate empathy, compassion, or even a sense of outrage, thereby increasing the likelihood of convincing them to agree with your viewpoint.

 

Logos 

Logos is a persuasive technique that relies on utilizing evidence and logical reasoning to convince readers to agree with your opinion. By presenting compelling facts, data, and logical arguments, you can establish the credibility and validity of your viewpoint, making it more difficult for readers to dispute or dismiss your argument.

 

How to shape a powerful persuasive argument

  • Conduct thorough research: It is crucial to be well-informed about the chosen topic in order to develop strong and persuasive points. Take the time to gather information from reliable sources, consult experts’ opinions, and gather relevant facts.
  • Ensure the topic has two sides: Your thesis statement should present both the side you agree with and the side you will argue against. Choosing a debatable topic is essential for creating a compelling, persuasive argument.
  • Understand opposing viewpoints: To strengthen your arguments, it is important to understand the opposing position and find solid counterarguments to refute it. This will help you address potential objections and effectively convince your audience.
  • Use evidence: Remember that a persuasive argument requires strong evidence to support your claims. Without sufficient and convincing evidence, your argument may appear weak and incomplete. Collect relevant data, statistics, and examples to bolster your points.

Tips for persuasive writing 

  1. Avoid using complex vocabulary. While it’s acceptable to incorporate some variety in your word choice, don’t rely on fancy synonyms to improve your grade. Instead, focus on writing in a clear and coherent manner that is easy to understand.
  2. Ensure smooth transitions between different sections of your paper. It is essential to make your writing flow seamlessly, allowing readers to follow your argument without confusion.
  3. Explore various persuasive writing techniques. While we have discussed some fundamental elements of persuasive writing in this article, there are countless other techniques you can experiment with across different mediums.
  4. Thoroughly review your work. Practice and proofreading are critical for achieving perfection. Check your essay for readability, logical coherence, style, tone, and overall alignment with your thesis. Consider seeking a second opinion by asking a friend to read your essay.

 

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with your homework, don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime, day or night. Simply send us a message saying, ‘write my paper,’ and we will be happy to assist you. Our writers at Studygroom are experienced and dedicated to helping you.

 

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