How to Write a Persuasive Essay
Apersuasive essayis an essay used to convince a reader about a particular idea or focus, usually one that you believe in.
- Choose a strong, defendable stance for your thesis statement.The thesis statement is your argument boiled down to one sentence. For a persuasive essay, this statement needs to take a strong, active stance on the issue. Don't try and play both sides and be wishy-washy -- it won't persuade anyone.
- Use clear, directed topics sentences to begin each paragraph.Consider the beginning of each paragraph as a mini-thesis statement. This allows your argument to flow cohesively. You build the argument brick by brick for the reader so there is no confusion.
- Interweave facts and references to back up your claims.The best rule of thumb is, whenever you make a claim or point that isn't common sense, you need to back it up. One of the best ways to do this, however, is in reverse. Let the evidence lead to your arguments -- bringing the reader with you.
- Keep your sentences short and to the point.Only make one point or argument in each sentence. You want the reader to be able to build the argument logically, but this is impossible if they get lost in the weeds.
- Use a variety of persuasion techniques to hook your readers.The art of persuasion has been studied since ancient Greece. While it takes a lifetime to master, learning the tricks and tools will make you a better writer almost immediately.
******Repetition:Keep hammering on your thesis. Tell them what you're telling them, tell them it, then tell them what you told them. They'll get the point by the end.
*******Social Validation:Quotations reinforce that you aren't the only one making this point. It tells people that, socially, if they want to fit in, they need to consider your viewpoint.
*******Agitation of the Problem:Before offering solutions, show them how bad things are. Give them a reason to care about your argument.
- Be authoritative and firm.You need to sound like an expert, and like you should be trustworthy. Cut out small words or wishy-washy phrase to adopt a tone of authority.
- Challenge your readers.Persuasion is about upending commonly held thoughts and forcing the reader to reevaluate. While you never want to be crass or confrontational, you need to poke into the reader's potential concerns.
- Acknowledge and refute arguments against you.While the majority of your essay should be kept to your own argument, you'll bullet-proof your case if you can see and disprove the arguments against you. Save this for the second to last paragraph, in general.