Parts of the Persuasive Essay
A persuasive essay is an argument in writing. Follow these steps to plan and write a persuasive essay.
- After you have selected your topic, form a thesis you can argue. Make sure it’s not a statement of taste (I like video games"), or a statement of fact, such as "Video games are popular." No one can argue with that! Try something like, "Video games negatively affect teens’ health."
- Gather more information using at least one credible source. If you have personal experience with the topic, that can be part, but not all, of your evidence.
- Try to predict how a reader might argue against your thesis. How would you defend it? How would you show their response as incorrect?
- Finish up with a conclusion that restates your thesis. Then add a little extra – a prediction for the future, perhaps?
Outline Format for a Persuasive Essay
I. Introduction
A. Capture: Hook the reader’s attention.
B. Introduce your topic; prepare your reader for your claim
C. Provide a transition to your claim
D. State your claim - Your topic, position, and arguments should be clearly stated in your claim.
II. Body
A. First argument:
1. supporting evidence/reasoning
2. supporting evidence/reasoning
3. supporting evidence/reasoning
B. Second argument
1. supporting evidence/reasoning
2. supporting evidence/reasoning
3. supporting evidence/reasoning
C Third argument
1. supporting evidence/reasoning
2. supporting evidence/reasoning
3. supporting evidence/reasoning
D. Opposing Arguments - Reasons the other side is wrong: Predict how will someone argue against you. Why are you right and
they’re not?
A. opposing argument / refutation
B. opposing argument / refutation
C. opposing argument / refutation
III. Conclusion
A. Restate your thesis
B. Summarize your main points
C. Closing
Choose a Topic
- Some people are actively involved in promoting and supporting a cause, such as the release of international political prisoners or protecting the environment. Is there a cause you actively support? Write an essay convincing readers to support that cause.
- We all have favorite activities that we enjoy. Write an essay convincing readers to try the activity that you enjoy most.
- Research shows that the average American watches as much as six hours of television a day. Do you think this is too much? Write an essay convincing readers to spend less time in front of the TV.
- Many junior high and high schools around the country now require students to spend a certain number of hours each term doing volunteer work or community service. Some people believe this is an excellent idea that promotes good citizenship and cultivates compassion. Others feel that forced volunteerism is not volunteerism at all. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
- Most states allow a person to get a driver’s license at the age of 16. Some people feel that 16 is much too young for the responsibility that comes with driving a car and teenagers should not be allowed to drive until the age of 18. In your opinion, at what age should a person be allowed to drive and why?
- Write an essay convincing readers to break a particular habit that is harmful to their physical, emotional, or financial health. Or select one of your good habits and write an essay persuading readers to make that habit a part of their lives.
- Many of us spend hours in front of our computers or on our phones communicating more by e-mail or texting than in person. Some people believe that this is good because it helps shy people communicate more openly with others. Others believe that electronic communication prevents us from developing interpersonal skills and limits our ability to have meaningful relationships with others. How do you feel about this issue?
- Today, there are more and more reality shows on television. Do these shows make good television? Why or why not?
- Is there a book that you feel should be required reading for everyone? Or a movie that everyone should see? Write an essay persuading your audience to read this book or see this movie.
- Some people go right on to college after high school; others take a year or more off to work or travel. Which do you think is the better choice? State your position and support it with specific reasons and examples.
- Many schools employ security guards and have installed security equipment such as video cameras and metal detectors in the building. In your opinion, how should security in public schools be handled? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
- Some people think that school cafeterias should be required to provide low-fat and/or vegetarian lunch options to accommodate the dietary needs of all students. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your position and use specific reasons and examples as support.
- If an alumnus donated a large sum of money to your school, how do you think that money should be spent? Write an essay convincing school officials to allocate the money in the way you think is best for the school.
- Many people feel that the use of surveillance cameras in public places, such as parking lots, is a good idea that can help ensure our safety. Others worry that too many cameras violate our right to privacy and give law enforcement officials too much power. In your opinion, should we install more surveillance cameras in public places? Why or why not? Support your position with specific reasons and examples.
- Every year, millions of people visit zoos around the world. But some people believe that zoos are inhumane and that animals should not be kept in captivity. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position