Persuasive essays

Persuasive essays, also known as argument essays, utilize logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. They attempt to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action.

When planning persuasive essays, follow these steps:

For your persuasive essays, spend some time thinking about the topic. A persuasive essay works best when there is a disagreement of some sort, or a wrong that needs "righting". If there is no disagreement, then there is no point to writing the argument! Once you have selected the argument, decide which side of the issue or argument you are going to write about and what solution will you offer? In other words, know the purpose of your persuasive essay.

Persuasive essays must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic.

In order to write effective persuasive essays, you must anticipate and overcome objections that the opposition might raise. Making a Pro/Con chart will help you identify areas that you can address in your essay. Finally, figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience and your topic.

Writing persuasive essays help us to look at evidence, state ideas more clearly, consider the claims of the opposition fairly and justify our own position.