How to write a persuasive essay

How to write a persuasive essay

There is no question that being able to write a persuasive and unique essay is going to be the ticket to a good grade, but this is not going to be an easy task if you don’t follow some important guidelines.

A proper structure will allow you to achieve the best results. In this article, we are going to be talking about the most important things you need to consider in order to write the most persuasive essay possible.

Being able to write a truly persuasive article that is going to allow you to get the best possible results, is going to be similar to the job that a lawyer would have when they have to speak in front of a jury. Your job is to convince that jury (your readers) that your point of view won a certain subject is the right one.

Decide which side to take

When you decide to start writing a persuasive essay, you need to decide which side you plan to take and this means that you have to persuade people to consider this to be the right choice too. Let’s say for example that you are assigned the following persuasive essay.

“Overweight people should never have to be ridiculed, but people who work hard to stay fit say that this is the only way to help them overcome their problem”.

Now you are going to have to decide if people who work hard to stay fit are right, or if overweight people should never have to face any social ridicule because this hurts their feelings.

Think about your audience when writing your essay

You never know how many people in your audience might have weight issues and how many of them might know someone who does. If your stand is to defend the point of view of those who work hard to stay fit, you need to be as politically correct as you can when you create your arguments.

The best way to convince people to consider your opinion valid is to avoid saying anything that might be hurtful to them.

Do proper research

If you want to have good arguments, you need to understand human psychology. The best thing to do in this case is to learn as much as you can about the reason why people gain weight and what they need to do in order to regain control of that weight.

You should also learn why some people decide to get fit while others allow themselves to get carried away with unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary life. The point is that you need to make sure that your audience never feels offended in any possible way.

Focus on the evidence that is most convincing

This is extremely important because it will help you persuade your audience efficiently and that is the most important thing to do. Once you identify the most convincing evidence available, you have to dedicate as much time to it as possible.

Your persuasive outline should be as follows:

Introduction

  • Start by grabbing the reader’s attention.
  • Create a good overview of the argument.
  • Reveal the position that you will be arguing.

The body

  • You need to create at least one paragraph for each piece of evidence you can provide.
  • Provide as much detail that can support this evidence and give more power to your argument.

Talk about the opposing view

  • You need to have at least one or two paragraphs that describe the opposing view.

Conclusion

  • You should reinforce everything you have said and create a compelling conclusion that is going to guarantee that your readers will be properly persuaded.

Proofread your essay

Once you have finished writing the essay, you need to proofread it and then have someone else read it. You will be surprised to see how many flaws and issues are found when someone else reads the material.

Conclusion

A persuasive essay needs to be able to contribute important information from all angles and it needs to have solid evidence that backs every single word you write. Just remember to do as much research as you can and always write thinking about those people who might question your point of view.