Guide for writing influential Persuasive Essays with 7 easy to understand steps and 10 compelling tips. This article covers all the steps that a writer can follow in order to produce a worthy Persuasive Essay piece.

5

What is a Persuasive Essay?

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Just as the name suggests, this piece of writing is focused on persuading a reader to the writer’s way of thinking. The goal is to have the reader embrace the argument and end up agreeing with the writer’s hypothesis. A writer may choose to write about why the government should regulate food prices or why all electric cars sold should be tax exempt. Whatever the argument, the writer should be sure to give very good reasons behind his line of argument, give fair representation to opposing opinion and still manage to draw a strong conclusion in his or her favour.

Instructions (7 easy steps)

1. Pick a Topic

If you are being provided with the topics by a teacher or professor then work with that. If you are writing freely then focus on an area you enjoy and are knowledgeable about. Take a few minutes to just think about the topic you wish to focus on. While it might be exciting to tackle something new and explore your boundaries, you are less likely to provide proper evidence to make your arguments as you do not know much about the subject at hand. Stick to what you know, especially if you have a limited time period within which to hand in your paper. It will be easier this way as you will have good background knowledge and can make good arguments in your favour.

2. The Brainstorm

Now that you have your topic in mind, it is time to forge your foundation. It is a good idea to jot down mini-points which you can elaborate on later. As you consider your topic, you must be having several solid arguments in your favour. Put them on paper in the manner you wish to have them arranged. Each point must be convincing enough to ensure the reader will support your argument. This step also helps you assess if you have the requisite knowledge to make your essay convincing. If you find yourself putting down shallow points that you would actually have an easier time refuting then you may need to change your approach to the subject or pick a new topic. For instance if your topic was ‘Why solar energy is the best source of power’ but you find you have better point to offer on hydroelectric power, then make a switch.

3. The Introduction

You need to make this part really interesting. This is where you must grab the attention and interest of the reader. Whatever hook you use, ensure it emphasizes the topic and your stand. You may also provide one or two points from the opposing side and give a short rebuttal. Do not go into any heavy discussion at this point. This is just meant to offer a taste of what is to come.

4. The Main Body

To make a persuasive argument you should be able to at least provide three very strong arguments in favour of your hypothesis. Each key argument should have its own paragraph. Within each paragraph, you should be able to make a few mini arguments that support the main point. For instance when arguing solar energy is better, a key point could be it does not cause pollution. To support this point, the writer can discuss how it is directly absorbed without need of expending another energy source, does not expel smoke or other hazardous waste and does not require interfering with the environment like when building dams for hydroelectric dams. Think of smaller points that will prop up your main argument and make the essay that much more persuasive. This is almost like brainstorming on each key point.

5. Include Statistics

If the paper being written allows for research to be done, then be sure to collect data statistics. This is actually the most effective way of proving your argument. The writer has a lot of liberty in choosing how to structure his arguments so he or she will have a lot of choice in inserting statistical data in the main body. Whether it is whole numbers or percentages there are many ways of including statistical information that will help illustrate and provide a more concrete argument.

6. Conclusion

This is where you pull all your arguments together to provide a cohesive and convincing final statement. You can briefly cover each of the key points so that the reader can follow your train of thought that leads up to the final conclusion.

7. Proofread

Use spellchecker to ensure that every word is in correct English. Then go through the entire document sentence by sentence to ensure that you did not substitute words when using spell-check. It will also give you a chance to amend any sections so as to allow a sensible flow to your argument. Have a third party read through the essay to ensure the language use is clear and understandable and give you their impressions of your argument.

Tips

1. Pick a Topic

Ensure you pick a topic you are familiar with. It will give you much more conviction when making your argument and you will find it easier to come up with persuasive points.

2. Clear Comebacks

Also ensure you have clear comebacks for what would be obvious opposing opinions. State each opposing view and have a solid response to it.

3. Focusing

If you insist on focusing on an unfamiliar topic then do your research well and have a friend read through your essay and provide you with a critique of your work.

4. Essay Length

If the essay is particularly long, you may find yourself repeating certain words. Use a thesaurus or your own language skills to use synonyms. This will help avoid the reader thinking that you are just repeating sentences.

5. Know your audience

Know your audience. Make sure that the general tone of the essay is in keeping with what is being expected. If it is an academic paper, then keep things professional. If it is for a satirical newspaper, add humorous habits to help keep things fun and engaging.

6. Descriptive languages

Feel free to use descriptive language. Similes, metaphors and even relatable real world situations also help to clearly bring out your argument and keep the reader amused and entranced with the text.

7. Suitable statistic

Draw on suitable statistics to help make your point. This brings in the real world angle and makes your position more plausible.

8. Arguments

Keep up your argument throughout the essay and even as you detract at some point to present opposing thoughts on your position, be sure to have effective and persuasive responses.

9. Make your arguments your own

Remember to make your arguments your own. Just because you have been given freedom to do some research does not mean you should plagiarize any other person’s work. You can draw information from their work abut make the argument your own.

10. Arrange your points

If you find yourself repeating yourself then stop and revise how you are arranging your points. Do not make the essay too long with repetitions. It is better to present a shorter concise essay than a long rigmarole piece of work that just goes around in circles.

I am feeling excited to read and reply your valuable comments.