How to Write a Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is very similar to an argumentative essay in that information is presented to attempt to persuade the reader that a certain point of view is more legitimate than another. Another element of a persuasive essay will try to convince the reader to take a certain action or to modify a behavior they are already performing.

Usually, the success of a persuasive essay is based on many things. First is the information presented that is in support of the author’s point. If a reader can sense that the writer is less than very well informed on the topic, credibility will be lost. Another aspect of convincing the reader to buy into the writer’s point of view is quality of writing. Although this may seem obvious, it is critical to building effective momentum toward a powerful argument.

Choose side, organize arguments, and address possible problems

The first step in writing a persuasive essay is to choose which side of the issue the writer is going to persuade the reader to buy into. This will form the thesis and guide the rest of the paper. Make sure that the thesis is one side of an argument. After that, the writer must ensure that the supporting points are well researched. If research is not done, arguments will seem les credible and easily dismissed. See it as adding weapons to your arsenal as a writer.

Once the research is done, organizing it into coherent points that prove the thesis is the next step. It is not enough to list points and arguments that will prove the thesis. They must be organized, well written and well supported. There are a variety of elements that will help support the point of a persuasive essay. The most obvious is the have credible facts that are researchable and verifiable. This also includes numbers and statistics. Two other methods that are effective are interviews and obtaining quotes from experts in the field of the topic. Using these tools will help to bolster the strength of your persuasive thesis.

Another strategy that the writer might want to use is to address possible problems with viewpoints and evidence of the opposing thesis. This will go a long way in showing the reader that the author is credible and has an in-depth knowledge of the subject.

Outline to follow

Introduction
• Present background information
• Thesis: The viewpoint that you are trying to persuade your reader to adopt

Body

• Present researched arguments to prove the thesis
• Address possible arguments and contrary opinions
• Ensure all writing points back to the thesis

Conclusion

• Restate the thesis
• Highlight key points
• Do not present new information