Persuasive Writing

Convincing the Reader With Logical Arguments in an Essay's Narrative

Jan 21, 2010
Lorraine Syratt

Beginning the Persuasive Essay - Lorraine Syratt

Persuasive writing essays are written in a effort to make the reader believe the writer's point of view. Well-written persuasive essays can do just that.

When a persuasive essay is well written, the writer can make her readers believe the defending statements in her piece. Her points of view are strong and well articulated, sound and well-researched. This is the purpose of persuasive writing – convince the readers that what she's written is fact, and written with reason and logic.

Outline the Persuasive Essay

Before writing, the writer should gather her research materials to outline the persuasive essay. Look at both sides of the argument and note their strengths and weaknesses. And be well informed before writing the persuasive essay.

Structure the essay, but outline each point in logical manner. The writer should first, formulate the the views she wants to convey in order to state the point of her main argument. This, however, should be stated in the closing summary. Using research materials, the writer should list a few points of view that will argue against her own and beneath those, she should list statements that support her points of view.

Persuasive Writing Essay Introduction

Persuasive writing usually begins with a bang. The writer will grab the reader's attention by stating an interesting fact, offering a historical anecdote, using metaphor, or asking a question that requires an answer. This is the hook, a form used to keep the reader reading.

The introduction should do just that – introduce the topic of the persuasive writing essay, and give the reader a strong sense of what direction the writer is taking the rest of the essay.

Writing Persuasive Arguments

Writing persuasive arguments that actually do persuade the reader, can be done if the writer anticipates opposing arguments and is able to argue against them to back up her statements. Each paragraph should be written to convince, strongly arguing one side over another.

Back up each point with a reason that is convincing. Write assuredly for credibility. If the writer doesn't believe her statements, nor will her readers.
The writer should stay focused on writing persuasive arguments without veering off the path into other subjects.Stay in control of the flow of the piece.
Ensure there is action to subject. Use active voice for clear, concise statements. Be direct.
The writer should also offer evidence that will support her point of view. It could be written as an "According to ..." source reference.
Repeat your point, but in several different ways, such as using an example or referencing an expert.

Persuasive Writing Essay Conclusion

The conclusion of a persuasive writing essay, summarizes the main points of the piece. The writer may paraphrase some points to remind the reader. This repetitive form serves to drive home the message..

The conclusion could also offer a cause and effect statement such as "This is what will happen if this happens." She could finish with a recommendation or a way to fix a problem. Or she could conclude with a question to leave the reader thinking.

Well-written persuasive essays do more than persuade. They are interesting and provocative, convincing the reader that the writer is an authority in the field. The work is written to be believed.

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