A persuasive essay is a type of essay in which you take a stance and follow it up with facts throughout the paper. Understandably, this is only possible if the subject is controversial.
- Imagine yourself as a lawyer prosecuting a case in front of a jury while writing a persuasive essay.
- The writer takes a position on an issue—either “pro” or “against”—and builds the best case possible to persuade the reader.
- Effective analysis, knowledge of the reader’s prejudices, and a strong view of both sides of the problem are all required in persuasive essays.
Now that we know some general information on persuasive essays, we can continue with the steps we should follow in order to write the perfect one.
Step 1: Choose a topic and position
If you can reason for or against a subject, it qualifies as a suitable topic for a persuasive essay. This is because being able to have strong opinions on a subject means that it is polemical, which is necessary for your persuasive essay.
Tips and tricks
- The potential to find reliable research and citing (APA or MLA) to back up a position can be the critical factor when choosing a topic.
- If you care about your chosen subject, it will make the process of reading, writing, and defending your point of view more interesting.
- It would be easier to defend a subject that appeals to you on an emotional or spiritual basis.
- Choosing a topic which you already have some knowledge of will make the research and essay writing easier and shorter.
Persuasive essay topic examples
- Being a decent athlete does not imply that you would make a good coach.
- Pop music nowadays is not as well-composed as pop music from the past.
- Keeping animals in zoos and circuses is immoral.
- They should prohibit junk food from being served at schools.
- They should prohibit junk food from being served at schools.
These topic examples can inspire you in choosing a topic for your essay. For this how-to guide, we are choosing the subject “Hunting is immoral.”
Step 2: Do your research and prepare an outline
It’s time to start researching your topic now that you’ve decided on it. But make sure you avoid plagiarism throughout your research. After your research, you need to prepare an outline.
Tips for the research phase
- First, do some reading to figure out the most common topics of conversation on this subject.
- Then start narrowing your research results to only include reliable sources to avoid plagiarism.
- Reliable sources include articles in respectable magazines or blogs written by individuals with experience in the field.
- The basis of a persuasive essay is strong, credible proof. So, don’t depend only on one source.
- Be sure to read about both sides of the argument.
Preparing an outline
Outlining your essay will help you see your point and how it progresses in a better way. It also will ease your writing process significantly, as it will be a guideline for you. Here, we detailed a proper outline with some tips.
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Introduction paragraph
- Use a “hook” to pique the reader’s curiosity.
- Give a synopsis of the argument in the essay.
- Present the thesis statement
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Body paragraphs
- Each paragraph in the body should concentrate on a single piece of evidence.
- You should provide supporting detail throughout each paragraph, after topic sentences.
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Opposing view paragraphs
- Describe and then address the opposing viewpoint’s main arguments.
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Conclusion paragraph
- Restate and reaffirm the thesis as well as the supporting arguments.
Step 3: Write an introduction
Your introduction paragraph is one of the most important parts of your persuasive essay. The contextual structure of your introduction should go from general to specific.
- To help readers understand the meaning, you can start by writing about a large problem you’ll be addressing. Thus, start with a general point about the core question.
- Then you narrow things down and introduce your perspective on the topic (your thesis statement). So, offer a rundown of the main points you’ll explore.
- Finally, you provide an outline of your case to show the course it may go, as well as a transition to your persuasive essay’s body paragraphs.
Persuasive essay introduction example
Hunting is named as a “sport” by its enthusiasts, and even if you agree with this statement, a sport the main aim of which is to kill animals surely plants a seed of doubt in our minds. Hook: Starting with a sentence that presents a strong opinion. Hunting deer, ducks, moose, and other game animals is seen by hunters as civilized, appropriate, and normal, and therefore moral. Opposing view: Mentioning the opposing viewpoint. We will be refuting this point in the later parts of the essay. However, hunting is a barbaric and pointless activity for which we should be embarrassed. Stance: Clear expression of the writer’s stance on the issue. Thus, it will be argued that hunting is immoral and should be stopped to obtain from inflicting unnecessary harm on living creatures. Thesis statement: Shows the writer’s position visibly and expresses what will be discussed in the paper.
Step 4: Write the body paragraphs
Your body paragraphs should support your stance on the subject (ideally two paragraphs, but this could change according to the length of your essay), and you need to add a paragraph where you acknowledge and refute the opposing side’s argument.
Persuasive essay body example
Many academics state that hunting is immoral because it necessitates the deliberate harming of innocent animals. Topic sentence: First sentence that reaffirms the writer’s stance and strengthens the argument by referring to reliable sources. Even those who are opposed to giving animals legal rights should recognize that certain animals are sentient, meaning they have the ability to suffer. Opposing view: Addressing the opposers of the argument and presenting them a solid reason as to why they should consider changing their minds. If inflicting unwelcome suffering and death on a sentient being is false, hunting is indeed wrong. Therefore, someone who agrees with the first part of this claim cannot support hunting. Persuasion: Guiding the reader into what to think, showing that the opposing point is hypocritical. Some people may claim that hunting has multiple reasons that are beneficial. However, the hunted animal suffers the same damage regardless of whether the hunter’s purpose is a balanced environment, a nutritious meal, or a personally satisfying experience. Refusal: Refuting another argument of the opposing side using a sound argument.
Step 5: Write a conclusion
A three-part conclusion framework can be used to successfully conclude persuasive essays. You should use this as your standard style if you’ve finished a piece of writing in this type and aren’t sure how to end it.
- Reaffirm the thesis statement. Don’t go into the key arguments again and again. Instead, restate it in a different manner to remind the reader of the essay’s main point.
- Create a list of the key points. You don’t have to go into a lot of depth here. Simply recite all of the big points you addressed in the essay to keep the details fresh in the reader’s memory.
- Write a final comment or a call to action.
Persuasive essay conclusion example
After all, although people may assert reasons such as the balance of the ecosystem or the so-called benefits of hunting, it is an undeniable fact that hunting is immoral and should be stopped immediately. Restatement: Reaffirming the thesis statement with stronger claims and an added sense of emergency. Refuting the opposing side’s arguments. We can see that hunting leads flight and hibernation cycles to be interrupted, as well as killing families. So, instead of preserving the ecosystem, it brings great damage to it. Refute: Refuting another argument and reminding a key point. Also, as sentient beings, the killing of animals for whatever reason is wrong if one cares about the wellbeing of other living creatures. Reminder: Reminding of another key point without going into much detail. Finally, it is important to enact legislation prohibiting hunting and to educate people about the dangers of hunting. Call to action: Final comment that includes a call to action.
Step 6: Revise your essay
The ideal way to revise an essay you have written is to let it sit for a couple of days. This way, you will have let your brain have enough time to grasp the subject and therefore will see your common mistakes more clearly. You can ask these questions to yourself while revising your essay:
- Does the essay take a strong stance on the subject, backed up with relevant data, stats, quotations (APA, MLA, etc.), and examples?
- Are there persuasive facts in each paragraph that focuses on a particular supporting point?
- Is the counter-argument raised and convincingly refuted?
- Is there grammar mistakes such as active and passive inconsistency, capitalization, wrong headings, wrong verb tenses, etc.?
- Is the importance of the supported argument conveyed in the conclusion, and does it encourage the reader to consider and act?
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for reading. If you need further information, feel free to have a look at our essay samples or contact us at live chat.
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