Donna C.
Donna C.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Essential Do's and Don'ts You Need to Know

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Published on: Jul 20, 2023

Last updated on: Aug 3, 2023

Do's and Don'ts of Persuasive Essay Writing

Are you struggling to write a persuasive essay that effectively persuades your audience? You're not alone!

Many students find it challenging to create a persuasive essay that not only presents a clear argument but also convinces the reader to accept their point of view.

But fear not! 

In this blog, we’ll tell you all the common "Do's and Don'ts of persuasive essay writing. We will help you create persuasive essays that effectively communicate you message and persuade the audience.

With our help, you'll be on your way to writing persuasive essays which can achieve your desired outcomes.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

The Do's of Persuasive Essay Writing

When it comes to writing a persuasive essay, there are several key things that writers should keep in mind to ensure that their arguments are clear, convincing, and effective. 

Here are some essential "Do's" of persuasive essay writing:

Develop a Clear And Compelling Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should be concise, specific, and arguable. It should clearly state the main point you are trying to make in your essay and provide a roadmap for the rest of your argumentative essay.

Example: "The government should not only serve but ban single-use plastics to reduce waste and protect the environment."


Use Evidence and Examples To Support Arguments

Your arguments should be supported by strong evidence and relevant examples. This will help to strengthen your argument and make it more persuasive.

Example: "According to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away over 30 million tons of plastic each year. This waste can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to environmental harm."


Address Potential Counterarguments

Anticipating and addressing potential counterarguments can help to strengthen your argument and make it more convincing. This shows that you have considered different perspectives and have a well-rounded understanding of the issue.

Example: "While some argue that a ban on single-use plastics would be too costly for businesses, the long-term benefits to the environment and public health far outweigh the short-term costs."


Use Persuasive Language and Tone

Using persuasive language and a confident tone can help to make your argument more compelling. This includes using strong verbs, active voice, rhetorical devices, and persuasive adjectives.

Example: "It is imperative that we take action now to protect our planet and future generations. We cannot afford to wait any longer."


Use Credible Sources

When making arguments, it is important to use credible sources to support your claims. This includes using sources that are peer-reviewed, reputable, and unbiased.

Example: "According to a report by the United Nations, plastics pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today."


By following these "Do's" of persuasive essay writing and applying them in practice, you can craft a compelling and effective argument that is sure to persuade your audience.

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Don'ts Of Persuasive Essay Writing Section

When writing a persuasive essay, it is just as important to understand what not to do as it is to understand what you should do. 

Here are some common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid:

Failing To Understand The Audience

One of the biggest mistakes writers make when crafting a persuasive essay is failing to consider their audience. It's important to consider the audience's perspective, values, and beliefs in order to effectively persuade them.

Example: If you're writing a persuasive essay on climate change for a conservative audience, 
it's important to understand that they may be skeptical of scientific evidence and may value individual freedoms over collective action.


Ignoring Counterarguments

Addressing counter arguments can actually strengthen your argument by demonstrating that you have considered other perspectives and have a well-rounded understanding of the issue. Ignoring counterarguments can make your argument seem weak or incomplete.

Example: If you're arguing in favor of a specific policy, it's important to acknowledge and address potential criticisms of the policy, rather than simply ignoring them.


Relying Too Heavily On Emotional Appeals

While emotional appeals can be effective in persuasive writing, relying too heavily on them can make your argument seem weak or manipulative. It's important to use emotional appeals in moderation and to also provide factual evidence to support your claims.

Example: Using fear-mongering or scare tactics to persuade your audience without any supporting evidence can be seen as manipulative and may not effectively persuade your audience.


Overgeneralizing Or Oversimplifying Complex Issues

Many issues are complex and multifaceted, and oversimplifying them can make your argument seem weak or incomplete. It's important to acknowledge and address the complexity of the issue in order to provide a comprehensive and convincing argument.

Example: Overgeneralizing a group of people or their beliefs can lead to stereotypes and biases that are not supported by evidence.


Using Fallacious Reasoning

Using fallacious reasoning, or reasoning that is flawed or incorrect, can weaken your argument and make it less persuasive. It's important to use logical and rational arguments that are supported by evidence.

Example: Making an argument that relies on circular reasoning, such as "I believe X is true because X is true," is fallacious reasoning and does not provide a persuasive argument.


By avoiding these common mistakes and pitfalls, you can strengthen your persuasive writing and make a more compelling and effective argument.

For additional information on writing persuasive essays, check out the video provided below.

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In conclusion, writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task, but by following the do's and don'ts outlined in this blog, you can create an effective and persuasive essay.

Remember to develop a clear thesis statement, and use evidence and examples to support your arguments. By avoiding common mistakes and pitfalls, you can strengthen your persuasive writing and make a more compelling and effective argument.

At TheEssayWritingService.com, we offer a variety of writing services that can assist you in creating persuasive essays.

Our dedicated persuasive essay writing service aims to help you effectively accomplish your desired objectives.

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Donna C.

WRITTEN BY

Donna C. (Education)

For her job, Donna has received the highest reviews and ratings. She likes writing about a wide range of themes, but her main interests are social issues, current events, and human interest stories. In the field, she is recognized for her dynamic, professional writing style that engages readers.

For her job, Donna has received the highest reviews and ratings. She likes writing about a wide range of themes, but her main interests are social issues, current events, and human interest stories. In the field, she is recognized for her dynamic, professional writing style that engages readers.

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