Barbara P.
Barbara P.

How to Write Persuasive Essay that Captivates Your Readers - Elements, Steps, and Examples

9 min read

Published on: Jul 20, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 24, 2023

persuasive essay

Are you tired of weak arguments that fail to convince anyone? Do you want to learn how to craft persuasive essays that can sway even the most skeptical readers? 

Persuasive essays are a common assignment for students, but they can also be a valuable tool for professionals in many industries. 

The ability to persuade others through writing is a skill that can open doors and create opportunities. 

Well, if you’re having difficulty in writing your persuasive essay, TheEssayWritingService.com is here to help! 

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of crafting a persuasive essay, covering everything from selecting a topic to refining your final draft.

In addition, you will get to understand the essential components of persuasive writing. Along with relevant examples and tips to effectively convey your thoughts with power and coherence.

So, get ready to unleash your persuasive power and transform your writing into a masterpiece.

Understanding the Basics: Persuasive Essay Definition

A persuasive essay seeks to persuade the reader to adopt a specific position or take a particular action. 

The writer supports their argument with evidence and logical reasoning to convince the reader to accept their viewpoint.

Persuasive essays are commonly assigned in academic settings, particularly in language arts and social studies courses. A well-crafted persuasive essay can have a powerful impact on its audience, influencing opinions, attitudes, and behaviors. 

However, writing a persuasive essay requires careful planning, and attention to detail. This ensures that the argument is persuasive and compelling.

Elements of a Persuasive Essay

To be effective, a persuasive essay should contain certain key elements that will help to persuade the reader. 

These elements include:

Ethos

Ethos refers to the credibility or trustworthiness of the writer or speaker. It involves establishing the writer's authority on the topic and demonstrating their expertise, experience, or ethical standing. 

Example of Ethos:

"As a doctor with over 20 years of experience in the field, I can assure you that this medication is safe and effective."

Pathos

Pathos refers to the emotional appeal of the argument. It involves using language, images, or stories that evoke strong feelings or empathy in the reader. 

Example of Pathos:

Pathos: "Imagine your loved one suffering in pain day after day. With this medication, they could finally find relief and enjoy a better quality of life."

Logos 

Logos refers to the logical or rational appeal of the argument. It involves presenting evidence, statistics, and reasoning that support the writer's position. 

Example of Logos:

Studies show that this medication has been proven to be effective in 90% of patients who use it.

How to Start a Persuasive Essay?

Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can also be a rewarding one. 

Here are some key steps to follow when starting a persuasive essay:

Choose a Topic

The first step in writing a persuasive essay is to choose a topic that is interesting and relevant to your audience. The topic should be debatable and offer multiple perspectives to explore. 

When selecting a topic, consider your own interests, as well as the interests and perspectives of your readers.

Research the Topic

Once you have chosen a topic, it is essential to conduct thorough research to gather evidence and support for your argument. 

This involves gathering information from credible sources such as books, academic journals, newspapers, and websites. 

It's important to evaluate sources for their credibility and to take notes on key points and evidence to use in your essay.

Develop a Thesis Statement

After conducting research, it's time to develop a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main argument of your essay. 

A thesis statement should be specific, focused, and debatable. It should also provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay, outlining the key points and evidence that will support your argument.

Create a Persuasive Essay Outline

To create a well-structured and compelling persuasive essay, it is essential to follow a clear and concise outline. 

The following is a generic outline that shows all parts of a persuasive essay:

I. Introduction
A. Hook
B. Background Information
C. Thesis Statement

II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Topic Sentence
B. Supporting Evidence
C. Analysis

III. Body Paragraph 2
A. Topic Sentence
B. Supporting Evidence
C. Analysis

IV. Body Paragraph 3
A. Topic Sentence
B. Supporting Evidence
C. Analysis

V. Conclusion
A. Restate the thesis statement
B. Summarize the main points made in the body paragraphs
C. Call to Action

Persuasive Essay Format

To craft an effective persuasive essay, it is essential to meet the following fundamental requirements.

  • Fonts: Arial, Times New Roman,
  • Calibri, or any other standard font
  • Font Size: 12-point font
  • Alignment: Justified
  • Spacing: Double spaced
  • Word count: The word count can vary depending on the assignment or guidelines provided. However, most persuasive essays are typically between 500-1500 words.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay?

By following the steps outlined below, you can convince your readers to see things from your perspective:

Introduction

The introduction is the first part of a persuasive essay that your reader will see. So it's essential to make it engaging and compelling. 

You should begin with a hook that grabs your reader's attention and provide some background information on the topic. 

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After that, end your persuasive essay introduction with a strong thesis statement that clearly states your position on the issue.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs make up the main section of a persuasive essay. They present the writer's arguments and evidence to support the thesis statement. 

Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea. It should also have supporting evidence that backs up the argument.

It's also important to use credible sources and provide examples and anecdotes to make the argument more persuasive.

Conclusion

The conclusion is the final section of a persuasive essay, and it serves the following purposes:

  • Restate the thesis statement
  • Summarize the main points
  • Provide a call to action

A successful conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader and motivate them to take action.

Persuasive Essay Examples

One of the best ways to understand how to write a persuasive essay is to see some examples. Looking at persuasive essay examples can give you a better idea of how to structure your essay. 

Here are a few examples of persuasive essays that you can use for inspiration.

Expert Tip

For more examples, explore our comprehensive guide on argumentative essay examples.

Persuasive Essay Topics

Choosing the right topic is crucial when writing a persuasive essay. Your topic should be something you feel passionate about, as this will help you to make a convincing argument. 

Here are some good persuasive essay topics to get you started:

  • Should college be free for all students?
  • Is social media damaging to mental health?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should schools switch to a four-day school week?
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • Is climate change real, and should we do more to address it?
  • Should athletes be allowed to kneel during the national anthem?
  • Should plastic bags be banned?
  • Should marijuana be legalized for medicinal and recreational purposes?

When selecting a persuasive essay topic, consider your audience and what will resonate with them. Also, ensure that your topic is debatable, as this will allow you to make a strong argument for your position.

Expert Tip

If you're struggling to come up with a good topic, check out this list of 200+ persuasive essay topics.

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Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

To write a persuasive essay that is effective and convincing, consider the following tips:

Persuasive Essay Writing Tips - TheEssayWritingService.com

  • Use Evidence To Support Your Argument 

Your persuasive essay should be based on factual evidence to support your position. Use statistics, expert opinions, and research to bolster your argument and convince your reader.

  • Address Counterarguments

Acknowledge and address the opposing viewpoints to your argument. This demonstrates that you have considered all angles of the issue and can effectively rebut opposing claims.

  • Use Strong And Clear Language

Use clear and concise language to communicate your argument effectively. Avoid jargon and complex sentences, as this can confuse your reader and weaken your argument.

  • Appeal To The Reader's Emotions

Persuasive essays often use emotional appeals to persuade the reader. Use vivid descriptions and language to create an emotional response that supports your point of view.

  • Use Persuasive Techniques

There are several persuasive techniques that you can use in your essay, such as repetition, rhetorical devices, and anecdotes. These techniques can engage your reader and make your argument more compelling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing a Persuasive Essay

When writing a persuasive essay, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility. 

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

  • Weak thesis statements: Your thesis statement should clearly and succinctly communicate your argument. Avoid vague or overly broad statements that fail to clearly state your position.
  • Lack of evidence: Your argument should be based on factual evidence to support your position. Failing to provide sufficient evidence weakens your argument and makes it less convincing.
  • Not addressing counter arguments: Acknowledging and addressing opposing viewpoints to your argument is crucial in persuading your reader. Failing to do so can make your argument appear one-sided and weak.

Still, having trouble? Here's a video for writing an effective persuasive essay.

To sum up, writing a persuasive essay can pose a difficulty. However, by following the tips in this guide, you can create a convincing argument.

Remember to choose relevant topics, conduct thorough research, use persuasive techniques, and address counterarguments. Make sure to use strong and clear language and appeal to your reader's emotions.

If you're still struggling with your persuasive essay writing, consider seeking help from a professional essay writing service like TheEssayWritingService.com. 

Our expert writers can provide you with custom essays tailored to your specific needs and requirements.

Don't wait any longer. Visit our persuasive essay writing service today and take the first step towards crafting a winning persuasive essay.

Barbara P.

WRITTEN BY

Barbara P. (Literature)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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