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Definition of Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing aims to convince readers of the author's viewpoint using facts, anecdotes, and a structured argument that includes a statement of position, supporting arguments, and a reinforcement of the position. Effective persuasive essays require thorough research, understanding the audience, and a clear outline, typically consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, an opposing view paragraph, and a conclusion. The writing process involves prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing to ensure clarity and persuasiveness.

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21 views

Definition of Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing aims to convince readers of the author's viewpoint using facts, anecdotes, and a structured argument that includes a statement of position, supporting arguments, and a reinforcement of the position. Effective persuasive essays require thorough research, understanding the audience, and a clear outline, typically consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, an opposing view paragraph, and a conclusion. The writing process involves prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing to ensure clarity and persuasiveness.

Uploaded by

albertcastillo02
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Persuasive writing is a type of non-fiction writing used to convince the reader to

agree with the author about an issue. The author will rely heavily on facts to
express their opinion, and use them in an argumentative type of writing style. In
addition to facts, authors may include anecdotes and hypothetical situations to
build a stronger person.

When using persuasive writing, the author should never express their personal
opinions, but instead should use facts to convince the reader to agree with them. In
some cases, the author will present information to the reader about two sides of an
argument. This is done to show the reader that they have thought about both sides,
and helps the writer shutdown any counterargument that the reader may have
about the issue. This type of writing style is commonly found in argumentative
essays, articles, and scripts for commercials and political campaigns, just to name a
few.

How is a persuasive text structured?

A persuasive text is organised to include a ‘statement of position’, ‘arguments’ and


a ‘reinforcement of position statement’

The statement of position gives an overview of the argument and reveals the
position to be argued.

Next is the arguments section which is a series of points with supporting evidence.
Here is where you try to convince the reader into believing your point of view on a
particular issue. As a basis, you should have at least three main argument points
and can include more if necessary.

After you have put forth your arguments you then need to sum up. In this section
you will strongly repeat what you believe in with a summary of your argument
points.

Grammar and language conventions used

 Words with high modality, that is, words that show a high degree of
certainty. For example – must, ought to, shall, has to. In comparison to words
such as may, might, could and would that have low modality and show less
certainty.
 Emotive, descriptive words that appeal to the emotions. For example –
wonderful, horrible, cruel, amazing, frightening, perfect.
 A formal voice that is more authoritative and has more power of persuasion.
 Repetition of words or phrases and concepts to push your point of view.
 Connectives that help sequence your argument. For example – Firstly,
Secondly..
 Present tense
Persuasive essays require good research, awareness of the reader’s biases, and a
solid understanding of both sides of the issue. A good persuasive essay
demonstrates not only why the writer’s opinion is correct, but also why the
opposing view is incorrect.

The Five-Step Writing Process for Persuasive Essays


1. Prewriting for the Persuasive Essay
The prewriting phase of writing a persuasive essay is extremely important. During
this phase, students should plan every aspect of the essay:

 Choose a position. Students should think about the issue and pick the side
they wish to advocate.
 Understand the audience. In order to write an effective persuasive essay, the
writer must understand the reader’s perspective. Is the reader undecided or
inclined to favor one side or the other?
 Do the research. A persuasive essay depends upon solid, convincing
evidence. Don’t rely on a single source. Go to the library and enlist the help of
the librarian. Speak with community experts and teachers. Read and take
notes. There is no substitute for knowledge of both sides of the issue.
 Identify the most convincing evidence, as well as the key points for the
opposing view.
Organizing the Persuasive Essay: Outline and Structure
Next, create an outline. Organize the evidence to build the strongest possible
argument. If the teacher has specified an essay structure, incorporate it into the
outline. Typically, the persuasive essay comprises five or six paragraphs:

Persuasive Essay Outline

Introductory Paragraph

 Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.”


 Give an overview of the argument.
 Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.

Body Paragraphs

 Each body paragraph should focus on one piece of evidence.


 Within each paragraph, provide sufficient supporting detail.

Opposing View Paragraph

 Describe and then refute the key points of the opposing view.
Concluding Paragraph

 Restate and reinforce the thesis and supporting evidence.

2. Drafting the Persuasive Essay


When writing the initial draft of a persuasive essay, consider the following
suggestions:
 The introductory paragraph should have a strong “hook” that grabs the reader’s
attention. Open with an unusual fact or statistic, a question or quotation, or an
emphatic statement. For example: “Driving while talking on a cell phone, even
hands-free, is the equivalent of driving drunk.”
  Each body paragraph should cover a separate point, and the sentences of each
paragraph should offer strong evidence in the form of facts, statistics, quotes from
experts, and real-life examples.
 Consider various ways to make the argument, including using an analogy,
drawing comparisons, or illustrating with hypothetical situation (e.g., what if,
suppose that…).
 Don’t assume the audience has in-depth knowledge of the issue. Define terms
and give background information.
 The concluding paragraph should summarize the most important evidence and
encourage the reader to adopt the position or take action. The closing sentence can
be a dramatic plea, a prediction that implies urgent action is needed, a question
that provokes readers to think seriously about the issue, or a recommendation that
gives readers specific ideas on what they can do.
3. Revising the Persuasive Essay
In the revision phase, students review, modify, and reorganize their work with the
goal of making it the best it can be.

 Does the essay present a firm position on the issue, supported by relevant
facts, statistics, quotes, and examples?
 Does the essay open with an effective “hook” that intrigues readers and keeps
them reading?
 Does each paragraph offer compelling evidence focused on a single supporting
point?
 Is the sentence structure varied? Is the word choice precise? Do the transitions
between sentences and paragraphs help the reader’s understanding?
 Does the concluding paragraph convey the value of the writer’s position and
urge the reader to think and act?
4. Editing the Persuasive Essay
Next, proofread and correct errors in grammar and mechanics, and edit to improve
style and clarity. Having a friend read the essay helps writers edit with a fresh
perspective.
5. Publishing the Persuasive Essay
Sharing a persuasive essay with the rest of the class can be both exciting and
intimidating. Learn from the experience and use the feedback to make the next
essay even better.

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