Caleb S.
Caleb S.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Write a Persuasive Essay

7 min read

Published on: Jan 27, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2023

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Writing an effective persuasive essay can be an intimidating task for many students. It requires a thorough understanding of the topic in order to effectively argue your point.

You may feel overwhelmed by the prospect to craft an argument that will convince your readers.

It's easy to get stuck in the research phase or get frustrated when you don't know how to write. Don't worry!

If you're looking to craft a persuasive essay that will make an impact, look no further!

This guide provides the essential information for success. Our simple tips are sure to help you produce an exceptional persuasive essay.

So let's jump right into it!

What is a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is an essay used to convince readers of a point of view. It attempts to persuade the reader to adopt a certain opinion or course of action. 

The persuasive essay typically utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another. Additionally, this may also rely on emotional appeals to persuade its audience.

Purpose of a Persuasive Essay

The purpose of the persuasive essay is:

  • to present an argument and persuade the reader to accept it
  • to provide evidence and facts that support the argument
  • to explain why the reader should agree with the point of view
  • to convince the reader that there is a logical rationale for accepting the point of view presented in the essay

A good persuasive essay should use evidence and facts to support its argument in an organized manner. It should also appeal to the reader’s sense of reason and emotion through logical arguments.

Improve your persuasive essay writing skills by viewing this insightful video.

Basic Elements of Persuasive Essay 

Before you start writing, take a moment to understand the elements that make up a persuasive essay. 

Ethos

This is an appeal to the reader’s sense of ethics, or morality. Add facts and evidence from reliable sources in your essay. This will allow them to evaluate the piece objectively without bias.

Logos

This is an appeal to logic. Your essay should include facts and evidence to support your argument. This is the most important element of a persuasive essay that will convince readers that your opinion is valid.

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Pathos

The pathos of a persuasive essay is an appeal to emotion. Use these emotions to make your argument more effective.  You can do this by including stories that are related to your topic and make the reader feel something.

Expert Tip

Need more information? check this extensive reading on ethos, logos, and pathos.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay? 

Now that you understand the elements of persuasive essay writing, let’s look at how to write it.

How to Start a Persuasive Essay?

To ensure that your writing is efficient and effective, make sure to follow these steps before you begin.

Brainstorming: Before you start writing, take some time to have a brainstorming session. Think about the points you want to make and what evidence supports them.

Select Your Topic:  Once you’ve finished brainstorming, decide on a topic. Make sure it’s something that interests you and that has two sides to the argument.

Research and Gather Evidence: Once you have chosen a topic, it’s time to research the issue and gather supporting evidence. Look for facts, statistics, and expert opinions to use in your essay.

Outline:  Now, create an outline of your persuasive essay. Outlining helps you organize your thoughts and make sure none of your points are overlooked.

Steps to Write a Persuasive Essay?

Follow the steps outlined below and you'll be writing in no time:

  • Write thesis statement:  Once you have chosen your topic, craft a thesis statement that clearly states the position you are taking and provides an argument for why it is correct.
  • Introduction: In the introduction, provide an overview of the points you’ll make in your essay. You should also introduce any evidence that supports your argument.
  • Body Paragraphs: The body paragraphs will explain each point you make in the introduction. Each paragraph should include evidence to support your argument. It also includes a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the paragraph.

Use facts, statistics, quotes, or anecdotes to support your stance.

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How to End a Persuasive Essay?

The ending of the essay should be strong, as it leaves a long-term mark on the reader. 

  • Conclusion: The conclusion should wrap up the essay by restating your opinion. Summarizing the points you’ve made. You can also consider adding a call to action.
  • Proofreading & Editing: Make sure to read through your essay and check for any mistakes. Also, look out for any sentences that could be written more clearly.

Finally, it is important to remember that the goal of a persuasive essay is to convince your reader. You want them to understand why you believe and be persuaded to agree with you. To do this, be sure to include evidence and logical arguments that support your opinion.

Persuasive Essay Format

The structure of your essay is as integral to its success as the ideas you are sharing. If your text lacks organization and flow, readers may not be able to follow easily.
Here is the important formatting one should keep in mind:

  • Font:  Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial
  • Font Size: 12-point Margins: 1” on all sides
  • Line Spacing: Double-spaced Paragraphs
  • Length: Dependent upon the assignment

These are the general formatting guidelines; however, each teacher may have additional requirements.

By following a persuasive essay format, you can ensure you have an effective piece of writing.

Persuasive Essay Examples

To understand how persuasive essays work, it can be helpful to look at some essay examples.
Here are some examples of persuasive essays:

Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Choosing a topic for your persuasive essay can be tricky. The best way to find something interesting is to look for topics that interest you.
Here are some ideas for good persuasive essay topics:

  • Should college tuition be free?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Should schools switch to year-round schedules?
  • Is a four-day school week beneficial for students?
  • Should standardized tests be eliminated from schools?
  • Does social media have a positive or negative impact on society?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished in all states? 
  • Should recreational marijuana use be legalized in all states? 
  • Should gun control laws be stricter? 
  • Should school dress codes be relaxed? 

No matter what topic you choose, it’s important to make sure that your essay is well-structured and clear.

Expert Tip

Looking for more persuasive essay topics? Check this blog.

Tips to Write a Compelling Persuasive Essay

Writing a good essay can be intimidating. To make sure your essay is successful, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Do Your Research - Make sure you have done your research before writing the essay. Know both sides of the argument and use evidence that supports your opinion.
  • Structure Your Essay - Follow a clear structure when writing your essay. This will help you to stay focused and present your argument in an organized way.
  • Use Persuasive Language - Use language that is persuasive, not aggressive. Make sure the tone of your writing is respectful and factual.
  • Check Your Work - Proofread and edit your work for clarity, grammar, and spelling mistakes.

By following these tips, you can be sure your persuasive essay is successful and well-written.

Writing a persuasive essay can be challenging. You can easily create an impactful piece of writing with the right strategy and tools in hand. Brainstorming, outlining, and writing are all essentials of a persuasive essay.

Make sure to end your essay on a strong note by summarizing key points.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of writing a persuasive essay?

Writing a persuasive essay can help you to:

  • Hone your critical thinking skill
  • Practice evaluating evidence to support your point of view
  • Develop an argument in favor of a particular opinion

What are some tips for writing a persuasive essay?

Some tips for writing a persuasive essay include:

  • Doing research on both sides of the argument
  • Crafting an effective thesis statement
  • Organizing your essay in a logical manner
  • Using language that is respectful yet forceful

What are the 3 parts of persuasive essay?

The three parts of a persuasive essay are the introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction present your argument to the reader. The body of a persuasive essay contains evidence that supports your thesis statement. Finally, the conclusion wraps up the essay & restating your thesis statement.

Caleb S.

WRITTEN BY

Caleb S. (Marketing, Law)

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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