what is the purpose of writing a persuasive essay

Persuasive Essay

Definition of persuasive essay.

The term “persuasive” is an adjective derived from verb “persuade,” which means “to convince somebody.” A persuasive essay is full of all the convincing techniques a writer can employ. It presents a situation, and takes a stand – either in its favor, or against it – to prove to readers whether it is beneficial or harmful for them.

Why Persuasion?

The question arises why persuasion if the people are already aware of everything. Its answer is that each person’s ability of seeing and understanding things depend on his vision. He believes only what he sees or is told about. If another side of the coin is shown, the people do not believe so easily. That is why they are presented with arguments supported with evidences , statistics and facts. Persuasion is done for these reasons:

• A Better World : To ask the people that if they accept your argument , it will be good for them to take action and make the world a better place.
• A Worse World : It means that if readers do not do what they are asked to do, the world will become a worse place.
• Call to Action : It means to persuade or tempt readers to do what the writer wants them to do.

Difference Between a Persuasive Essay and an Argumentative Essay

A persuasive essay is intended to persuade readers to do certain things, or not to do certain things. It is the sole aim of the writer to coax or tempt readers, and force them to do certain things or take actions. However, an argumentative essay intends to make readers see both sides of the coin. It is up to them to select any of the two. In other words, an argumentative essay presents both arguments; both for and against a thing, and leaves the readers to decide. On the other hand, a persuasive essay intends to make readers do certain things. Therefore, it presents arguments only about one aspect of the issue.

Examples of Persuasive Essay in Literature

Example #1: our unhealthy obsession and sickness (by frank furedi).

“Governments today do two things that I object to in particular. First they encourage introspection, telling us that unless men examine their testicles, unless we keep a check on our cholesterol level, then we are not being responsible citizens. You are letting down yourself, your wife, your kids, everybody. We are encouraged continually to worry about our health. As a consequence, public health initiatives have become, as far as I can tell, a threat to public health. Secondly, governments promote the value of health seeking. We are meant always to be seeking health for this or that condition. The primary effect of this, I believe, is to make us all feel more ill.”

This is an excerpt from a persuasive essay of Frank Furedi. It encourages people to think about how the government is helping public health. Both the arguments of persuasion start with “First” in the first line and with “Secondly” in the second last line.

Example #2: We Are Training Our Kids to Kill (by Dave Grossman)

“Our society needs to be informed about these crimes, but when the images of the young killers are broadcast on television, they become role models. The average preschooler in America watches 27 hours of television a week. The average child gets more one-on-one communication from TV than from all her parents and teachers combined. The ultimate achievement for our children is to get their picture on TV. The solution is simple, and it comes straight out of the sociology literature: The media have every right and responsibility to tell the story , but they must be persuaded not to glorify the killers by presenting their images on TV.”

This is an excerpt from Grossman’s essay. He is clearly convincing the public about the violent television programs and their impacts on the kids. See how strong his arguments are in favor of his topic.

Example #3: The Real Skinny (by Belinda Luscombe)

“And what do we the people say? Do we rise up and say, ‘I categorically refuse to buy any article of clothing unless the person promoting it weighs more than she did when she wore knee socks?’ Or at least, ‘Where do I send the check for the chicken nuggets?’ Actually, not so much. Mostly, our responses range from ‘I wonder if that would look good on me?’ to ‘I don’t know who that skinny-ass cow is, but I hate her already.’

Just check the strength of the argument of Belinda Luscombe about purchasing things. The beauty of her writing is that she has made her readers think by asking rhetorical questions and answering them.

Function of a Persuasive Essay

The major function of a persuasive essay is to convince readers that, if they take a certain action, the world will be a better place for them. It could be otherwise or it could be a call to an action. The arguments given are either in the favor of the topic or against it. It cannot combine both at once. That is why readers feel it easy to be convinced.

Related posts:

• Elements of an Essay
• Narrative Essay
• Definition Essay
• Descriptive Essay
• Types of Essay
• Analytical Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• Cause and Effect Essay
• Critical Essay
• Expository Essay
• Process Essay
• Explicatory Essay
• An Essay on Man: Epistle I
• Comparison and Contrast Essay

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What is a Persuasive Essay? Full Persuasive Essay Guide

In a world where effective communication is crucial, mastering persuasive writing is essential. It transcends simply expressing opinions by enabling you to influence others and clearly articulate your message. Say goodbye to difficulties in making your point; join us as we explore how to craft persuasive essays that are both informative and genuinely compelling in our guide!

Persuasive Essay Definition

This type of essay persuades the reader to agree with your viewpoint by presenting convincing arguments, research, and ideas. You rely on logic and reason to demonstrate why your perspective is more valid than others. You must present clear arguments supported by compelling facts. Several key elements should be included in these essays:

• A clear thesis statement or main idea that guides your essay's focus.
• An opening paragraph that introduces your thesis statement and sets the stage for your argument.
• Body paragraphs that use specific research evidence to support your points.
• Smooth transitions between paragraphs that connect ideas clearly and engagingly.
• Addressing counterarguments to acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints.
• A conclusion that reinforces your central idea without repeating it word for word.

Elements of a Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays rely on three key elements called modes of persuasion . These were introduced by Aristotle, a famous philosopher, to help make arguments strong and convincing.

First, there's logos , which means using evidence and logical reasoning to support your points. It's crucial to clearly state your main argument and back it up with solid evidence. Remember, what counts as convincing evidence can vary depending on who you're trying to persuade.

Next up is pathos , which involves appealing to people's emotions. Sharing personal stories can be really effective here because they help readers connect emotionally with your argument. Plus, personal anecdotes can give your essay a unique voice.

Lastly, there's ethos , which is all about building trust and credibility with your audience. The way you write your essay—whether it's serious, funny, or sincere—can affect how readers see you. Using reliable sources and showing empathy can also help establish your credibility. And when you're making claims, it's important to consider what your readers already believe and try to address any doubts they might have.

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay in 7 Steps

Writing a persuasive essay usually follows a structured format: introduction, body, conclusion . Unlike argument essays, which involve discussing and attacking alternate views, persuasive essays aim to convince the reader of your argument's validity. They're a bit more gentle and understanding in tone. To craft a solid persuasive essay, follow the 7 steps in this section. And while you're at it, don't forget to explore our guide on how to write an argumentative essay , too. These two types of assignments are the most common in school and college.

Step 1: Topic Selection and Research

Choosing a good topic is where you start when writing a persuasive essay. Think about things that really interest you and make you feel strongly. But it's not just about what you like; you also need to think about what matters to your readers. Do some digging to learn more about your topic. Look into different parts of it by checking out reliable sources like books, websites, and academic articles.

While you're doing your research, keep an eye out for different opinions and new ideas about your topic. This helps you get ready for arguments against your point of view. It's also important to see if there's enough evidence out there to back up what you believe. Having lots of evidence makes it easier to make a strong case.

For more help on picking a topic, check out our persuasive essay topics .

Step 2: Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

A well-developed thesis statement should be specific, concise, and debatable. Avoid saying things that are too vague or broad, as they won't give your essay a clear direction. Instead, try to come up with a thesis that clearly says what you believe and encourages people to think about it critically.

Make sure your thesis statement is backed up by the evidence you found in your research. Use facts, numbers, or opinions from experts to support what you're saying and make your argument stronger.

Also, think about how your thesis statement fits into your whole persuasive essay. It should not only outline your main argument but also give a hint about why it's important.

Step 3: Create an Outline

An academic persuasive essay outline typically follows the 'classical' structure, which is based on techniques used by ancient Roman rhetoricians. Here are the basic elements your outline should include:

Step 4: Write the Introduction

When writing a persuasive essay introduction, it should not only give background information but also frame it as a problem or issue, known as the exigence. Presenting a clearly defined problem and proposing the thesis as a solution makes for a compelling introduction, as readers naturally want to see problems solved.

Here's a breakdown of an effective persuasive essay introduction:

• Hook : Begin with a brief anecdote that highlights an emerging issue, capturing the reader's attention.
• Context : Provide background information related to the topic.
• Problem : Connect the anecdote with the emerging issue, presenting it as a problem in need of addressing.
• Debate : Mention briefly the existing debate surrounding how to respond to the problem.
• Claim : Conclude the introduction by hinting at how you intend to address the problem, presented in a conversational tone as part of an ongoing dialogue.

Step 5: Delve into Body Paragraphs

The core of a persuasive essay lies in presenting a claim supported by reasoning and evidence. This means that much of the essay's body is dedicated to providing supporting reasons backed by evidence. A common approach taught in schools and colleges is the PEAS formula:

• Point : Start by explaining your reason clearly. For example, 'Another reason why we need to recycle is because...'
• Evidence : After explaining your reason, give proof that supports it. You can mention facts or share what experts say. You might say, ' I saw in a study that.. .' or ' Scientists have found that.. .'
• Analysis : Explain how your proof supports your reason. You can say, ' This means that.. .' or ' This shows us that... '
• Summary/So what? : Finish by quickly summarizing everything you said before. Then, explain why it's important or what it means for your argument.

Step 6: Address Counterarguments

When you're dealing with counterarguments, pick the response strategy that matches your argument.

• If you agree with some points from the counterargument, acknowledge them and explain why they're not important for your topic. 
• If the counterargument uses different evidence, say why it's not trustworthy. 
• If the counterargument looks at evidence in a different way, explain why their understanding is wrong. 
• If the counterargument weakens your point with evidence, explain why it doesn't actually disprove your argument.

Use phrases like these to introduce counterarguments:

• Some researchers say...
• Critics argue that...
• Others might think...
• There's a different view that...

And transition like this from counterargument to response:

• While some of that makes sense, I still believe...
• Even if that's true, it doesn't change the fact that...
• Those points are interesting, but they don't affect my argument because...
• I see where you're coming from, but I can't agree because...

Step 7: Conclude with a Call to Action or a Memorable Closing Statement

A good persuasive conclusion should do two things:

• Summarize the main points of your essay. If it's a longer essay, using phrases like 'I have argued that' can help, but for shorter essays, it might not be needed since the reader will remember the main ideas.
• Address the ' So what? ' or ' Now what? ' challenge. Imagine your reader asking, 'Okay, I'm convinced by your essay, but why are these ideas important? What should I do with them? Do you expect things to change?' Depending on whether your essay aims to change how people think or act, offer brief action points or insights into the implications of your ideas.

Consider ending with an anecdote, fact, or quote that highlights the significance of your argument.

Also, take a look at our guide on how to write a synthesis essay . It's a common type of assignment you'll encounter in school and college.

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Persuasive Essay Examples

Here are great examples of persuasive essays to inspire you. If you like the writing style of our authors, you can buy essay paper from them, who will ensure a high-quality document specifically tailored to your needs!

5 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Here are some additional tips to enhance your essay from our persuasive essay writing service :

• Start with a Captivating Hook : Grab your reader's attention from the beginning with an engaging hook. Instead of using common approaches like surprising facts or quotes, try incorporating a unique angle or a suspenseful story related to your topic.
• Build Your Credibility : It's crucial to establish your credibility to persuade your audience to trust your argument. In addition to presenting well-researched facts and statistics, share personal experiences or insights to demonstrate your expertise. Citing lesser-known experts or studies can also provide a fresh perspective and show a thorough exploration of the topic.
• Clearly State Your Thesis: Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that effectively addresses the nuances of your argument. Take time to consider the wording of your thesis and how it aligns with your essay's direction. Provide a brief overview of the main points you'll cover to give readers a clear roadmap.
• Use Persuasive Language : Choose words and phrases that evoke emotion and urgency, compelling the reader to take action. Experiment with rhetorical devices like parallelism or repetition to add depth to your argument. Maintain a tone that balances assertiveness with respect.
• Appeal to Emotions and Logic : While emotional appeals can be powerful, support them with solid logic and evidence. Supplement personal anecdotes with relevant data, expert opinions, or logical reasoning for a well-rounded perspective. Anticipate and address potential counterarguments to demonstrate thorough consideration of the issue.

To bring it all together, you now understand the power of persuasion - it teaches you how to express your ideas clearly and convincingly. This means you can speak up for what you believe in, making society more active and informed. These skills are super useful not just in school but also in jobs and everyday life. And, if you want to make things easier, you can always check out our essay service . We'll save you time and give you some extra help with your writing!

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What are the 7 Tips for Persuasive Essays?

How do i make a persuasive essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Rewrote the whole article except the samples which are good and new, and FAQs section
• Added new writing steps
• Researched new information overall

1. Gladd, J. (2020, August 18). Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays . Pressbooks. https://idaho.pressbooks.pub/write/chapter/structure-of-academic-persuasive-essays/

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

10.9 Persuasion

Learning objectives.

• Determine the purpose and structure of persuasion in writing.
• Identify bias in writing.
• Assess various rhetorical devices.
• Distinguish between fact and opinion.
• Understand the importance of visuals to strengthen arguments.
• Write a persuasive essay.

The Purpose of Persuasive Writing

The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince, motivate, or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion. The act of trying to persuade automatically implies more than one opinion on the subject can be argued.

The idea of an argument often conjures up images of two people yelling and screaming in anger. In writing, however, an argument is very different. An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue in writing is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way. Written arguments often fail when they employ ranting rather than reasoning.

Most of us feel inclined to try to win the arguments we engage in. On some level, we all want to be right, and we want others to see the error of their ways. More times than not, however, arguments in which both sides try to win end up producing losers all around. The more productive approach is to persuade your audience to consider your opinion as a valid one, not simply the right one.

The Structure of a Persuasive Essay

The following five features make up the structure of a persuasive essay:

• Introduction and thesis
• Opposing and qualifying ideas
• Strong evidence in support of claim
• Style and tone of language
• A compelling conclusion

Creating an Introduction and Thesis

The persuasive essay begins with an engaging introduction that presents the general topic. The thesis typically appears somewhere in the introduction and states the writer’s point of view.

Avoid forming a thesis based on a negative claim. For example, “The hourly minimum wage is not high enough for the average worker to live on.” This is probably a true statement, but persuasive arguments should make a positive case. That is, the thesis statement should focus on how the hourly minimum wage is low or insufficient.

Acknowledging Opposing Ideas and Limits to Your Argument

Because an argument implies differing points of view on the subject, you must be sure to acknowledge those opposing ideas. Avoiding ideas that conflict with your own gives the reader the impression that you may be uncertain, fearful, or unaware of opposing ideas. Thus it is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.

Try to address opposing arguments earlier rather than later in your essay. Rhetorically speaking, ordering your positive arguments last allows you to better address ideas that conflict with your own, so you can spend the rest of the essay countering those arguments. This way, you leave your reader thinking about your argument rather than someone else’s. You have the last word.

Acknowledging points of view different from your own also has the effect of fostering more credibility between you and the audience. They know from the outset that you are aware of opposing ideas and that you are not afraid to give them space.

It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish. In effect, you are conceding early on that your argument is not the ultimate authority on a given topic. Such humility can go a long way toward earning credibility and trust with an audience. Audience members will know from the beginning that you are a reasonable writer, and audience members will trust your argument as a result. For example, in the following concessionary statement, the writer advocates for stricter gun control laws, but she admits it will not solve all of our problems with crime:

Although tougher gun control laws are a powerful first step in decreasing violence in our streets, such legislation alone cannot end these problems since guns are not the only problem we face.

Such a concession will be welcome by those who might disagree with this writer’s argument in the first place. To effectively persuade their readers, writers need to be modest in their goals and humble in their approach to get readers to listen to the ideas. See Table 10.5 “Phrases of Concession” for some useful phrases of concession.

Table 10.5 Phrases of Concession

Try to form a thesis for each of the following topics. Remember the more specific your thesis, the better.

• Foreign policy
• Television and advertising
• Stereotypes and prejudice
• Gender roles and the workplace
• Driving and cell phones

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers. Choose the thesis statement that most interests you and discuss why.

Bias in Writing

Everyone has various biases on any number of topics. For example, you might have a bias toward wearing black instead of brightly colored clothes or wearing jeans rather than formal wear. You might have a bias toward working at night rather than in the morning, or working by deadlines rather than getting tasks done in advance. These examples identify minor biases, of course, but they still indicate preferences and opinions.

Handling bias in writing and in daily life can be a useful skill. It will allow you to articulate your own points of view while also defending yourself against unreasonable points of view. The ideal in persuasive writing is to let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and a respectful and reasonable address of opposing sides.

The strength of a personal bias is that it can motivate you to construct a strong argument. If you are invested in the topic, you are more likely to care about the piece of writing. Similarly, the more you care, the more time and effort you are apt to put forth and the better the final product will be.

The weakness of bias is when the bias begins to take over the essay—when, for example, you neglect opposing ideas, exaggerate your points, or repeatedly insert yourself ahead of the subject by using I too often. Being aware of all three of these pitfalls will help you avoid them.

The Use of I in Writing

The use of I in writing is often a topic of debate, and the acceptance of its usage varies from instructor to instructor. It is difficult to predict the preferences for all your present and future instructors, but consider the effects it can potentially have on your writing.

Be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound overly biased. There are two primary reasons:

• Excessive repetition of any word will eventually catch the reader’s attention—and usually not in a good way. The use of I is no different.
• The insertion of I into a sentence alters not only the way a sentence might sound but also the composition of the sentence itself. I is often the subject of a sentence. If the subject of the essay is supposed to be, say, smoking, then by inserting yourself into the sentence, you are effectively displacing the subject of the essay into a secondary position. In the following example, the subject of the sentence is underlined:

Smoking is bad.

I think smoking is bad.

In the first sentence, the rightful subject, smoking , is in the subject position in the sentence. In the second sentence, the insertion of I and think replaces smoking as the subject, which draws attention to I and away from the topic that is supposed to be discussed. Remember to keep the message (the subject) and the messenger (the writer) separate.

Developing Sound Arguments

Does my essay contain the following elements?

• An engaging introduction
• A reasonable, specific thesis that is able to be supported by evidence
• A varied range of evidence from credible sources
• Respectful acknowledgement and explanation of opposing ideas
• A style and tone of language that is appropriate for the subject and audience
• Acknowledgement of the argument’s limits
• A conclusion that will adequately summarize the essay and reinforce the thesis

Fact and Opinion

Facts are statements that can be definitely proven using objective data. The statement that is a fact is absolutely valid. In other words, the statement can be pronounced as true or false. For example, 2 + 2 = 4. This expression identifies a true statement, or a fact, because it can be proved with objective data.

Opinions are personal views, or judgments. An opinion is what an individual believes about a particular subject. However, an opinion in argumentation must have legitimate backing; adequate evidence and credibility should support the opinion. Consider the credibility of expert opinions. Experts in a given field have the knowledge and credentials to make their opinion meaningful to a larger audience.

For example, you seek the opinion of your dentist when it comes to the health of your gums, and you seek the opinion of your mechanic when it comes to the maintenance of your car. Both have knowledge and credentials in those respective fields, which is why their opinions matter to you. But the authority of your dentist may be greatly diminished should he or she offer an opinion about your car, and vice versa.

In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions. Relying on one or the other will likely lose more of your audience than it gains.

The word prove is frequently used in the discussion of persuasive writing. Writers may claim that one piece of evidence or another proves the argument, but proving an argument is often not possible. No evidence proves a debatable topic one way or the other; that is why the topic is debatable. Facts can be proved, but opinions can only be supported, explained, and persuaded.

On a separate sheet of paper, take three of the theses you formed in Note 10.94 “Exercise 1” , and list the types of evidence you might use in support of that thesis.

Using the evidence you provided in support of the three theses in Note 10.100 “Exercise 2” , come up with at least one counterargument to each. Then write a concession statement, expressing the limits to each of your three arguments.

Using Visual Elements to Strengthen Arguments

Adding visual elements to a persuasive argument can often strengthen its persuasive effect. There are two main types of visual elements: quantitative visuals and qualitative visuals.

Quantitative visuals present data graphically. They allow the audience to see statistics spatially. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience. For example, sometimes it is easier to understand the disparity in certain statistics if you can see how the disparity looks graphically. Bar graphs, pie charts, Venn diagrams, histograms, and line graphs are all ways of presenting quantitative data in spatial dimensions.

Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audience’s emotions. Photographs and pictorial images are examples of qualitative visuals. Such images often try to convey a story, and seeing an actual example can carry more power than hearing or reading about the example. For example, one image of a child suffering from malnutrition will likely have more of an emotional impact than pages dedicated to describing that same condition in writing.

Writing at Work

When making a business presentation, you typically have limited time to get across your idea. Providing visual elements for your audience can be an effective timesaving tool. Quantitative visuals in business presentations serve the same purpose as they do in persuasive writing. They should make logical appeals by showing numerical data in a spatial design. Quantitative visuals should be pictures that might appeal to your audience’s emotions. You will find that many of the rhetorical devices used in writing are the same ones used in the workplace. For more information about visuals in presentations, see Chapter 14 “Creating Presentations: Sharing Your Ideas” .

Writing a Persuasive Essay

Choose a topic that you feel passionate about. If your instructor requires you to write about a specific topic, approach the subject from an angle that interests you. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction. Your thesis should typically appear somewhere in your introduction.

Start by acknowledging and explaining points of view that may conflict with your own to build credibility and trust with your audience. Also state the limits of your argument. This too helps you sound more reasonable and honest to those who may naturally be inclined to disagree with your view. By respectfully acknowledging opposing arguments and conceding limitations to your own view, you set a measured and responsible tone for the essay.

Make your appeals in support of your thesis by using sound, credible evidence. Use a balance of facts and opinions from a wide range of sources, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and personal anecdotes. Each piece of evidence should be fully explained and clearly stated.

Make sure that your style and tone are appropriate for your subject and audience. Tailor your language and word choice to these two factors, while still being true to your own voice.

Finally, write a conclusion that effectively summarizes the main argument and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample persuasive essay.

Choose one of the topics you have been working on throughout this section. Use the thesis, evidence, opposing argument, and concessionary statement as the basis for writing a full persuasive essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, clear explanations of all the evidence you present, and a strong conclusion.

Key Takeaways

• The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion.
• An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue, in writing, is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way.
• A thesis that expresses the opinion of the writer in more specific terms is better than one that is vague.
• It is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.
• It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish through a concession statement.
• To persuade a skeptical audience, you will need to use a wide range of evidence. Scientific studies, opinions from experts, historical precedent, statistics, personal anecdotes, and current events are all types of evidence that you might use in explaining your point.
• Make sure that your word choice and writing style is appropriate for both your subject and your audience.
• You should let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and respectfully and reasonably addressing opposing ideas.
• You should be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound more biased than it needs to.
• Facts are statements that can be proven using objective data.
• Opinions are personal views, or judgments, that cannot be proven.
• In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions.
• Quantitative visuals present data graphically. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience.
• Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audience’s emotions.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Tips and Tricks

By Allison Bressmer

Most composition classes you’ll take will teach the art of persuasive writing. That’s a good thing.

Knowing where you stand on issues and knowing how to argue for or against something is a skill that will serve you well both inside and outside of the classroom.

Persuasion is the art of using logic to prompt audiences to change their mind or take action , and is generally seen as accomplishing that goal by appealing to emotions and feelings.

A persuasive essay is one that attempts to get a reader to agree with your perspective.

Ready for some tips on how to produce a well-written, well-rounded, well-structured persuasive essay? Just say yes. I don’t want to have to write another essay to convince you!

How Do I Write a Persuasive Essay?

What are some good topics for a persuasive essay, how do i identify an audience for my persuasive essay, how do you create an effective persuasive essay, how should i edit my persuasive essay.

Your persuasive essay needs to have the three components required of any essay: the introduction , body , and conclusion .

That is essay structure. However, there is flexibility in that structure.

There is no rule (unless the assignment has specific rules) for how many paragraphs any of those sections need.

Although the components should be proportional; the body paragraphs will comprise most of your persuasive essay.

How Do I Start a Persuasive Essay?

As with any essay introduction, this paragraph is where you grab your audience’s attention, provide context for the topic of discussion, and present your thesis statement.

TIP 1: Some writers find it easier to write their introductions last. As long as you have your working thesis, this is a perfectly acceptable approach. From that thesis, you can plan your body paragraphs and then go back and write your introduction.

TIP 2: Avoid “announcing” your thesis. Don’t include statements like this:

• “In my essay I will show why extinct animals should (not) be regenerated.”
• “The purpose of my essay is to argue that extinct animals should (not) be regenerated.”

Announcements take away from the originality, authority, and sophistication of your writing.

Instead, write a convincing thesis statement that answers the question "so what?" Why is the topic important, what do you think about it, and why do you think that? Be specific.

How Many Paragraphs Should a Persuasive Essay Have?

This body of your persuasive essay is the section in which you develop the arguments that support your thesis. Consider these questions as you plan this section of your essay:

• What arguments support your thesis?
• What is the best order for your arguments?
• What evidence do you have?
• Will you address the opposing argument to your own?
• How can you conclude convincingly?

TIP: Brainstorm and do your research before you decide which arguments you’ll focus on in your discussion. Make a list of possibilities and go with the ones that are strongest, that you can discuss with the most confidence, and that help you balance your rhetorical triangle .

What Should I Put in the Conclusion of a Persuasive Essay?

The conclusion is your “mic-drop” moment. Think about how you can leave your audience with a strong final comment.

And while a conclusion often re-emphasizes the main points of a discussion, it shouldn’t simply repeat them.

TIP 1: Be careful not to introduce a new argument in the conclusion—there’s no time to develop it now that you’ve reached the end of your discussion!

TIP 2 : As with your thesis, avoid announcing your conclusion. Don’t start your conclusion with “in conclusion” or “to conclude” or “to end my essay” type statements. Your audience should be able to see that you are bringing the discussion to a close without those overused, less sophisticated signals.

If your instructor has assigned you a topic, then you’ve already got your issue; you’ll just have to determine where you stand on the issue. Where you stand on your topic is your position on that topic.

Your position will ultimately become the thesis of your persuasive essay: the statement the rest of the essay argues for and supports, intending to convince your audience to consider your point of view.

If you have to choose your own topic, use these guidelines to help you make your selection:

• Choose an issue you truly care about
• Choose an issue that is actually debatable

Simple “tastes” (likes and dislikes) can’t really be argued. No matter how many ways someone tries to convince me that milk chocolate rules, I just won’t agree.

It’s dark chocolate or nothing as far as my tastes are concerned.

Similarly, you can’t convince a person to “like” one film more than another in an essay.

You could argue that one movie has superior qualities than another: cinematography, acting, directing, etc. but you can’t convince a person that the film really appeals to them.

Once you’ve selected your issue, determine your position just as you would for an assigned topic. That position will ultimately become your thesis.

Until you’ve finalized your work, consider your thesis a “working thesis.”

This means that your statement represents your position, but you might change its phrasing or structure for that final version.

When you’re writing an essay for a class, it can seem strange to identify an audience—isn’t the audience the instructor?

Your instructor will read and evaluate your essay, and may be part of your greater audience, but you shouldn’t just write for your teacher.

Think about who your intended audience is.

For an argument essay, think of your audience as the people who disagree with you—the people who need convincing.

That population could be quite broad, for example, if you’re arguing a political issue, or narrow, if you’re trying to convince your parents to extend your curfew.

Once you’ve got a sense of your audience, it’s time to consult with Aristotle. Aristotle’s teaching on persuasion has shaped communication since about 330 BC. Apparently, it works.

Aristotle taught that in order to convince an audience of something, the communicator needs to balance the three elements of the rhetorical triangle to achieve the best results.

Those three elements are ethos , logos , and pathos .

Ethos relates to credibility and trustworthiness. How can you, as the writer, demonstrate your credibility as a source of information to your audience?

How will you show them you are worthy of their trust?

• You show you’ve done your research: you understand the issue, both sides
• You show respect for the opposing side: if you disrespect your audience, they won’t respect you or your ideas

Logos relates to logic. How will you convince your audience that your arguments and ideas are reasonable?

You provide facts or other supporting evidence to support your claims.

That evidence may take the form of studies or expert input or reasonable examples or a combination of all of those things, depending on the specific requirements of your assignment.

Remember: if you use someone else’s ideas or words in your essay, you need to give them credit.

ProWritingAid's Plagiarism Checker checks your work against over a billion web-pages, published works, and academic papers so you can be sure of its originality.

Find out more about ProWritingAid’s Plagiarism checks.

Pathos relates to emotion. Audiences are people and people are emotional beings. We respond to emotional prompts. How will you engage your audience with your arguments on an emotional level?

• You make strategic word choices : words have denotations (dictionary meanings) and also connotations, or emotional values. Use words whose connotations will help prompt the feelings you want your audience to experience.
• You use emotionally engaging examples to support your claims or make a point, prompting your audience to be moved by your discussion.

Be mindful as you lean into elements of the triangle. Too much pathos and your audience might end up feeling manipulated, roll their eyes and move on.

An “all logos” approach will leave your essay dry and without a sense of voice; it will probably bore your audience rather than make them care.

Once you’ve got your essay planned, start writing! Don’t worry about perfection, just get your ideas out of your head and off your list and into a rough essay format.

After you’ve written your draft, evaluate your work. What works and what doesn’t? For help with evaluating and revising your work, check out this ProWritingAid post on manuscript revision .

After you’ve evaluated your draft, revise it. Repeat that process as many times as you need to make your work the best it can be.

When you’re satisfied with the content and structure of the essay, take it through the editing process .

Grammatical or sentence-level errors can distract your audience or even detract from the ethos—the authority—of your work.

You don’t have to edit alone! ProWritingAid’s Realtime Report will find errors and make suggestions for improvements.

You can even use it on emails to your professors:

Try ProWritingAid with a free account.

How Can I Improve My Persuasion Skills?

You can develop your powers of persuasion every day just by observing what’s around you.

• How is that advertisement working to convince you to buy a product?
• How is a political candidate arguing for you to vote for them?
• How do you “argue” with friends about what to do over the weekend, or convince your boss to give you a raise?
• How are your parents working to convince you to follow a certain academic or career path?

As you observe these arguments in action, evaluate them. Why are they effective or why do they fail?

How could an argument be strengthened with more (or less) emphasis on ethos, logos, and pathos?

Every argument is an opportunity to learn! Observe them, evaluate them, and use them to perfect your own powers of persuasion.

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Allison Bressmer

Allison Bressmer is a professor of freshman composition and critical reading at a community college and a freelance writer. If she isn’t writing or teaching, you’ll likely find her reading a book or listening to a podcast while happily sipping a semi-sweet iced tea or happy-houring with friends. She lives in New York with her family. Connect at linkedin.com/in/allisonbressmer.

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay

Last Updated: September 13, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,292,869 times.

A persuasive essay is an essay used to convince a reader about a particular idea or focus, usually one that you believe in. Your persuasive essay could be based on anything about which you have an opinion or that you can make a clear argument about. Whether you're arguing against junk food at school or petitioning for a raise from your boss, knowing how to write a persuasive essay is an important skill that everyone should have.

Sample Persuasive Essays

How to Lay the Groundwork

• Look for language that gives you a clue as to whether you are writing a purely persuasive or an argumentative essay. For example, if the prompt uses words like “personal experience” or “personal observations,” you know that these things can be used to support your argument.
• On the other hand, words like “defend” or “argue” suggest that you should be writing an argumentative essay, which may require more formal, less personal evidence.
• If you aren’t sure about what you’re supposed to write, ask your instructor.

• Whenever possible, start early. This way, even if you have emergencies like a computer meltdown, you’ve given yourself enough time to complete your essay.

• Try using stasis theory to help you examine the rhetorical situation. This is when you look at the facts, definition (meaning of the issue or the nature of it), quality (the level of seriousness of the issue), and policy (plan of action for the issue).
• To look at the facts, try asking: What happened? What are the known facts? How did this issue begin? What can people do to change the situation?
• To look at the definition, ask: What is the nature of this issue or problem? What type of problem is this? What category or class would this problem fit into best?
• To examine the quality, ask: Who is affected by this problem? How serious is it? What might happen if it is not resolved?
• To examine the policy, ask: Should someone take action? Who should do something and what should they do?

• For example, if you are arguing against unhealthy school lunches, you might take very different approaches depending on whom you want to convince. You might target the school administrators, in which case you could make a case about student productivity and healthy food. If you targeted students’ parents, you might make a case about their children’s health and the potential costs of healthcare to treat conditions caused by unhealthy food. And if you were to consider a “grassroots” movement among your fellow students, you’d probably make appeals based on personal preferences.

• It also should present the organization of your essay. Don’t list your points in one order and then discuss them in a different order.
• For example, a thesis statement could look like this: “Although pre-prepared and highly processed foods are cheap, they aren’t good for students. It is important for schools to provide fresh, healthy meals to students, even when they cost more. Healthy school lunches can make a huge difference in students’ lives, and not offering healthy lunches fails students.”
• Note that this thesis statement isn’t a three-prong thesis. You don’t have to state every sub-point you will make in your thesis (unless your prompt or assignment says to). You do need to convey exactly what you will argue.

• A mind map could be helpful. Start with your central topic and draw a box around it. Then, arrange other ideas you think of in smaller bubbles around it. Connect the bubbles to reveal patterns and identify how ideas relate. [5] X Research source
• Don’t worry about having fully fleshed-out ideas at this stage. Generating ideas is the most important step here.

• For example, if you’re arguing for healthier school lunches, you could make a point that fresh, natural food tastes better. This is a personal opinion and doesn’t need research to support it. However, if you wanted to argue that fresh food has more vitamins and nutrients than processed food, you’d need a reliable source to support that claim.
• If you have a librarian available, consult with him or her! Librarians are an excellent resource to help guide you to credible research.

How to Draft Your Essay

• An introduction. You should present a “hook” here that grabs your audience’s attention. You should also provide your thesis statement, which is a clear statement of what you will argue or attempt to convince the reader of.
• Body paragraphs. In 5-paragraph essays, you’ll have 3 body paragraphs. In other essays, you can have as many paragraphs as you need to make your argument. Regardless of their number, each body paragraph needs to focus on one main idea and provide evidence to support it. These paragraphs are also where you refute any counterpoints that you’ve discovered.
• Conclusion. Your conclusion is where you tie it all together. It can include an appeal to emotions, reiterate the most compelling evidence, or expand the relevance of your initial idea to a broader context. Because your purpose is to persuade your readers to do/think something, end with a call to action. Connect your focused topic to the broader world.

• For example, you could start an essay on the necessity of pursuing alternative energy sources like this: “Imagine a world without polar bears.” This is a vivid statement that draws on something that many readers are familiar with and enjoy (polar bears). It also encourages the reader to continue reading to learn why they should imagine this world.
• You may find that you don’t immediately have a hook. Don’t get stuck on this step! You can always press on and come back to it after you’ve drafted your essay.

• Put your hook first. Then, proceed to move from general ideas to specific ideas until you have built up to your thesis statement.
• Don't slack on your thesis statement . Your thesis statement is a short summary of what you're arguing for. It's usually one sentence, and it's near the end of your introductory paragraph. Make your thesis a combination of your most persuasive arguments, or a single powerful argument, for the best effect.

• Start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point of your paragraph.
• Make your evidence clear and precise. For example, don't just say: "Dolphins are very smart animals. They are widely recognized as being incredibly smart." Instead, say: "Dolphins are very smart animals. Multiple studies found that dolphins worked in tandem with humans to catch prey. Very few, if any, species have developed mutually symbiotic relationships with humans."
• "The South, which accounts for 80% of all executions in the United States, still has the country's highest murder rate. This makes a case against the death penalty working as a deterrent."
• "Additionally, states without the death penalty have fewer murders. If the death penalty were indeed a deterrent, why wouldn't we see an increase in murders in states without the death penalty?"
• Consider how your body paragraphs flow together. You want to make sure that your argument feels like it's building, one point upon another, rather than feeling scattered.

• End of the first paragraph: "If the death penalty consistently fails to deter crime, and crime is at an all-time high, what happens when someone is wrongfully convicted?"
• Beginning of the second paragraph: "Over 100 wrongfully convicted death row inmates have been acquitted of their crimes, some just minutes before their would-be death."

• Example: "Critics of a policy allowing students to bring snacks into the classroom say that it would create too much distraction, reducing students’ ability to learn. However, consider the fact that middle schoolers are growing at an incredible rate. Their bodies need energy, and their minds may become fatigued if they go for long periods without eating. Allowing snacks in the classroom will actually increase students’ ability to focus by taking away the distraction of hunger.”
• You may even find it effective to begin your paragraph with the counterargument, then follow by refuting it and offering your own argument.

• How could this argument be applied to a broader context?
• Why does this argument or opinion mean something to me?
• What further questions has my argument raised?
• What action could readers take after reading my essay?

How to Write Persuasively

• Persuasive essays, like argumentative essays, use rhetorical devices to persuade their readers. In persuasive essays, you generally have more freedom to make appeals to emotion (pathos), in addition to logic and data (logos) and credibility (ethos). [13] X Trustworthy Source Read Write Think Online collection of reading and writing resources for teachers and students. Go to source
• You should use multiple types of evidence carefully when writing a persuasive essay. Logical appeals such as presenting data, facts, and other types of “hard” evidence are often very convincing to readers.
• Persuasive essays generally have very clear thesis statements that make your opinion or chosen “side” known upfront. This helps your reader know exactly what you are arguing. [14] X Research source
• Bad: The United States was not an educated nation, since education was considered the right of the wealthy, and so in the early 1800s Horace Mann decided to try and rectify the situation.

• For example, you could tell an anecdote about a family torn apart by the current situation in Syria to incorporate pathos, make use of logic to argue for allowing Syrian refugees as your logos, and then provide reputable sources to back up your quotes for ethos.
• Example: Time and time again, the statistics don't lie -- we need to open our doors to help refugees.
• Example: "Let us not forget the words etched on our grandest national monument, the Statue of Liberty, which asks that we "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” There is no reason why Syrians are not included in this.
• Example: "Over 100 million refugees have been displaced. President Assad has not only stolen power, he's gassed and bombed his own citizens. He has defied the Geneva Conventions, long held as a standard of decency and basic human rights, and his people have no choice but to flee."

• Good: "Time and time again, science has shown that arctic drilling is dangerous. It is not worth the risks environmentally or economically."
• Good: "Without pushing ourselves to energy independence, in the arctic and elsewhere, we open ourselves up to the dangerous dependency that spiked gas prices in the 80's."
• Bad: "Arctic drilling may not be perfect, but it will probably help us stop using foreign oil at some point. This, I imagine, will be a good thing."

• Good: Does anyone think that ruining someone’s semester, or, at least, the chance to go abroad, should be the result of a victimless crime? Is it fair that we actively promote drinking as a legitimate alternative through Campus Socials and a lack of consequences? How long can we use the excuse that “just because it’s safer than alcohol doesn’t mean we should make it legal,” disregarding the fact that the worst effects of the drug are not physical or chemical, but institutional?
• Good: We all want less crime, stronger families, and fewer dangerous confrontations over drugs. We need to ask ourselves, however, if we're willing to challenge the status quo to get those results.
• Bad: This policy makes us look stupid. It is not based in fact, and the people that believe it are delusional at best, and villains at worst.

• Good: While people do have accidents with guns in their homes, it is not the government’s responsibility to police people from themselves. If they're going to hurt themselves, that is their right.
• Bad: The only obvious solution is to ban guns. There is no other argument that matters.

How to Polish Your Essay

• Does the essay state its position clearly?
• Is this position supported throughout with evidence and examples?
• Are paragraphs bogged down by extraneous information? Do paragraphs focus on one main idea?
• Are any counterarguments presented fairly, without misrepresentation? Are they convincingly dismissed?
• Are the paragraphs in an order that flows logically and builds an argument step-by-step?
• Does the conclusion convey the importance of the position and urge the reader to do/think something?

• You may find it helpful to ask a trusted friend or classmate to look at your essay. If s/he has trouble understanding your argument or finds things unclear, focus your revision on those spots.

• You may find it helpful to print out your draft and mark it up with a pen or pencil. When you write on the computer, your eyes may become so used to reading what you think you’ve written that they skip over errors. Working with a physical copy forces you to pay attention in a new way.
• Make sure to also format your essay correctly. For example, many instructors stipulate the margin width and font type you should use.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-persuasive-essay/
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/persuasive-essays
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/writing/writing-resources/persuasive-essays
• ↑ https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/sites/default/files/docs/learningguide-mindmapping.pdf
• ↑ https://examples.yourdictionary.com/20-compelling-hook-examples-for-essays.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/argument_papers/rebuttal_sections.html
• ↑ http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson56/strategy-definition.pdf
• ↑ https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/pathos-logos-and-ethos.aspx
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/revising-drafts/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/proofreading_suggestions.html

About This Article

To write a persuasive essay, start with an attention-grabbing introduction that introduces your thesis statement or main argument. Then, break the body of your essay up into multiple paragraphs and focus on one main idea in each paragraph. Make sure you present evidence in each paragraph that supports the main idea so your essay is more persuasive. Finally, conclude your essay by restating the most compelling, important evidence so you can make your case one last time. To learn how to make your writing more persuasive, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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What Is The Purpose Of A Persuasive Essay?

So, what is the purpose of a persuasive essay anyway? Why do we write it in school? Usually, essay writing tends to be one of many student’s worst nightmare. It can be tricky, time-consuming, energy-sapping, and demanding to write. Still, its relevance endears it to the hearts of teachers. And as a student, you must prepare yourself for it. That leaves us with the question;

What is the purpose of writing a persuasive essay? Here’s what you should know!

The reason or purpose is to learn to come out victorious in any argument, in whatever subject you are discussing. That’s what persuasive essays are there to prepare you on. You will learn the act of convincing or persuading people (readers) to believe that your assertion, opinions or claims are valid. As a consequence, you would need to provide enough details, citations, and information that anyone reading your essay can trust.

So that’s it about the purpose persuasive essays serve. However, you can continue reading to get more useful information regarding persuasive essays.

What Persuasive Essay Writing Implies

Persuasive essay involves writing . That’s the first thing to have in mind. It consists of putting different pieces of information together to arrive at a valid conclusion. This type of essay is also called an argumentative essay, and it’s a popular assignment for students.

By definition, a persuasive essay isn’t different from the reasons I gave above. It involves a form of academic writing whereby the writer is expected to use reason and logic to prove that his or her position in an argument is the right one. Facts, figures, and logic are crucial elements that play a significant role in persuading readers to take sides with you.

Now let’s move away from the definition. Two things play a significant role in making a persuasive essay to stand out from the crowd . And whether you are writing to earn higher marks (as a student) or doing it for the fun of it, you must consider them to make your write up worthwhile. The two elements are logical reasoning and facts. You need to be familiar with how to use both terms to win an argument.

Persuasive Essay Topic Ideas And Examples

Your persuasive essay would undoubtedly come with instructions on what the grader expects of you. It could be the word count or a few details to highlight or utilize in your write-up to make your essay a good read. So if you are a student, keep in mind that you must follow every instruction given for your paper. Otherwise, you may not get all the marks for that paper or have a good score.

By and large, instructions are relevant. You must read them carefully before and after you write your essay . Anyway, enough of that, let’s focus on topic ideas for a persuasive essay.

However, have in mind that a persuasive essay can be about any field or area. It could be about music, family, sports, science, environment, kids, education, politics, high school, middle school or college persuasive essay, and so forth.

Alright, let’s go over some persuasive essay topic ideas and examples. If you are planning to write a persuasive essay and you are given a chance to choose a topic, you can use the topic ideas on this post to motivate yourself.

Topic ideas

• Dangers of consuming Red Bull, including other similar energy drinks
• Female trainers should be the ones to mentor female athletes.
• Is chess a game or sport?
• Is the US military still the best in the world?
• Modern pop songs are better than pop songs in the 80s.
• It is immoral to hunt wild deer
• Using animals in circuses and zoos should be discouraged.
• It is a bad idea to keep pets indoors.
• Little kids should not have their pets.
• There is a need for schools to lower the volume of homework assigned to students .
• Traditional schooling vs. remote education.
• Mobile devices are not entirely safe to use.
• Can a hobby help in one’s career?

The list goes on and on. These are topic ideas for persuasive essays, which you can choose from for your assignment. Now let’s discuss how to write a captivating persuasive essay that can earn you better marks if you are a student.

How To Write A Killer Persuasive Essay

You have your paper and pen in front of you. The instruction says, write a persuasive essay on XYZ. You have the topic and guidelines to follow. Now, how can you write a killer essay that can make your grader or reader’s head spin?

Before we proceed, note that your first step is choosing a topic, if you have the chance to choose. It should also be a topic of interest to you. Otherwise, you might find yourself struggling for ideas or have difficulty flowing.

To pick a pleasant topic, prepare a long list of topics. After that, go through your list and choose the one you find more interesting.

Let’s look at other steps you need to take to draft a persuasive essay .

Step 1: Conduct in-depth research

What does research have to do with writing a persuasive essay? Well, everything if you ask me. Remember, you need logical reasoning and fact to convince anyone to accept your point. Therefore, without research, it will be challenging to draft a killer persuasive essay.

You will also figure out if there are enough materials for the topic you have chosen. In short, it’s even advisable to research after choosing a topic before you go ahead to write or seek your professor’s approval.

So, conduct your research and write down as many points as you can. You can also bookmark the pages you find useful online. One last thing on research; your sources should be reputable ones. Do not use ideas from random blogs or websites.

Step 2: Write your first draft

Now that you have conducted your primary research, it’s time to start writing! You need to create your first draft and build from there. What’s this first draft? It is your ideas, written in no particular format. It might not even make sense to you the writer at this first instance, but don’t stop writing. The errors should not deter you at this stage.

A typical  persuasive essay structure   or format  is;

• Introduction

That’s the format your essay will likely take. Now start writing your introduction and body. Keep in mind that there will be time to proofread and edit the paper, so focus on laying the first foundation for your essay.

For the  introduction,  it is best to start with a  “hook.”  A hook can be anything. It can be a quote, personal anecdote, question, outrageous statement, or interesting fact or statistics. But whatever hook you are using, ensure it is relevant to the topic. Using a different thing will sound confusing to your readers and divert their attention.

The hook should be in your first sentence to grab the attention of your readers, too.

Again, your introduction’s third and last part is the  thesis statement . It’s usually a precise, clear, and stronger sentence. The thesis statement aims to let the readers know what your essay is. It’s more like the foundation of the essay because whatever you will include in your essay would rest entirely on it.

If you don’t know how to draft this part of your paper, you can check samples or seek professional help. You may also approach colleagues or friends for guidance on how to write it.

Now about the  Body  of your essay! The body is where you have to add meat to your essay. It might be about three or more paragraphs, depending on the instruction, but ensure it contains enough facts to persuade your readers. Give statistics, quotes, and state facts that support your claim. Your readers should be convinced and take sides with you after reading the body of your essay. That is even before they reach the conclusion part.

The last part of your essay would be the conclusion, which is also an essential part of the paper. Your aim here is not only to persuade but to reaffirm your points. It’s also to keep the information in the body of the paper fresh in the minds of readers.

You need to write your conclusion by re-stating the thesis, then brush through the main point. Your readers should continue their day with a different and fresh frame of mind. But then, remember to add a CTA (Call-to-action) in your conclusion. That will do the trick for you.

Step 3: Proofread and Edit the paper

After writing the conclusion, the next step would be to proofread and edit the essay ruthlessly. You need to eliminate errors and fluffs before submitting your paper because mistakes can reduce the quality of your paper. Finding errors in your writing will also not go down well with your grader.

Wrapping It Up

So, what is the purpose of a persuasive essay, in your opinion? I am sure you now understand what the term means and can draft a killer persuasive essay with the information here. It is also advisable to check as many examples as you can to gain knowledge, as this will help you to understand how to write your paper. You can check samples online or anywhere. Thanks for stopping by to read this post.

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay (This Convinced My Professor!)

Table of contents

Meredith Sell

You can make your essay more persuasive by getting straight to the point.

In fact, that's exactly what we did here, and that's just the first tip of this guide. Throughout this guide, we share the steps needed to prove an argument and create a persuasive essay.

This AI tool helps you improve your essay > This AI tool helps you improve your essay >

Key takeaways: - Proven process to make any argument persuasive - 5-step process to structure arguments - How to use AI to formulate and optimize your essay

Why is being persuasive so difficult?

"Write an essay that persuades the reader of your opinion on a topic of your choice."

You might be staring at an assignment description just like this 👆from your professor. Your computer is open to a blank document, the cursor blinking impatiently. Do I even have opinions?

The persuasive essay can be one of the most intimidating academic papers to write: not only do you need to identify a narrow topic and research it, but you also have to come up with a position on that topic that you can back up with research while simultaneously addressing different viewpoints.

That’s a big ask. And let’s be real: most opinion pieces in major news publications don’t fulfill these requirements.

The upside? By researching and writing your own opinion, you can learn how to better formulate not only an argument but the actual positions you decide to hold. 

Here, we break down exactly how to write a persuasive essay. We’ll start by taking a step that’s key for every piece of writing—defining the terms.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is exactly what it sounds like: an essay that persuades . Over the course of several paragraphs or pages, you’ll use researched facts and logic to convince the reader of your opinion on a particular topic and discredit opposing opinions.

While you’ll spend some time explaining the topic or issue in question, most of your essay will flesh out your viewpoint and the evidence that supports it.

The 5 Must-Have Steps of a Persuasive Essay

If you’re intimidated by the idea of writing an argument, use this list to break your process into manageable chunks. Tackle researching and writing one element at a time, and then revise your essay so that it flows smoothly and coherently with every component in the optimal place.

1. A topic or issue to argue

This is probably the hardest step. You need to identify a topic or issue that is narrow enough to cover in the length of your piece—and is also arguable from more than one position. Your topic must call for an opinion , and not be a simple fact .

It might be helpful to walk through this process:

• Identify a random topic
• Ask a question about the topic that involves a value claim or analysis to answer
• Answer the question

That answer is your opinion.

Let’s consider some examples, from silly to serious:

Topic: Dolphins and mermaids

Question: In a mythical match, who would win: a dolphin or a mermaid?

Answer/Opinion: The mermaid would win in a match against a dolphin.

Topic: Autumn

Question: Which has a better fall: New England or Colorado?

Answer/Opinion: Fall is better in New England than Colorado.

Topic: Electric transportation options

Question: Would it be better for an urban dweller to buy an electric bike or an electric car?

Answer/Opinion: An electric bike is a better investment than an electric car.

Your turn: Walk through the three-step process described above to identify your topic and your tentative opinion. You may want to start by brainstorming a list of topics you find interesting and then going use the three-step process to find the opinion that would make the best essay topic.

2. An unequivocal thesis statement

If you walked through our three-step process above, you already have some semblance of a thesis—but don’t get attached too soon! 

A solid essay thesis is best developed through the research process. You shouldn’t land on an opinion before you know the facts. So press pause. Take a step back. And dive into your research.

You’ll want to learn:

• The basic facts of your topic. How long does fall last in New England vs. Colorado? What trees do they have? What colors do those trees turn?
• The facts specifically relevant to your question. Is there any science on how the varying colors of fall influence human brains and moods?
• What experts or other noteworthy and valid sources say about the question you’re considering. Has a well-known arborist waxed eloquent on the beauty of New England falls?

As you learn the different viewpoints people have on your topic, pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses of existing arguments. Is anyone arguing the perspective you’re leaning toward? Do you find their arguments convincing? What do you find unsatisfying about the various arguments? 

Allow the research process to change your mind and/or refine your thinking on the topic. Your opinion may change entirely or become more specific based on what you learn.

Once you’ve done enough research to feel confident in your understanding of the topic and your opinion on it, craft your thesis. 

Your thesis statement should be clear and concise. It should directly state your viewpoint on the topic, as well as the basic case for your thesis.

Thesis 1: In a mythical match, the mermaid would overcome the dolphin due to one distinct advantage: her ability to breathe underwater.

Thesis 2: The full spectrum of color displayed on New England hillsides is just one reason why fall in the northeast is better than in Colorado.

Thesis 3: In addition to not adding to vehicle traffic, electric bikes are a better investment than electric cars because they’re cheaper and require less energy to accomplish the same function of getting the rider from point A to point B.

Your turn: Dive into the research process with a radar up for the arguments your sources are making about your topic. What are the most convincing cases? Should you stick with your initial opinion or change it up? Write your fleshed-out thesis statement.

3. Evidence to back up your thesis

This is a typical place for everyone from undergrads to politicians to get stuck, but the good news is, if you developed your thesis from research, you already have a good bit of evidence to make your case.

Go back through your research notes and compile a list of every …

… or other piece of information that supports your thesis. 

This info can come from research studies you found in scholarly journals, government publications, news sources, encyclopedias, or other credible sources (as long as they fit your professor’s standards).

As you put this list together, watch for any gaps or weak points. Are you missing information on how electric cars versus electric bicycles charge or how long their batteries last? Did you verify that dolphins are, in fact, mammals and can’t breathe underwater like totally-real-and-not-at-all-fake 😉mermaids can? Track down that information.

Next, organize your list. Group the entries so that similar or closely related information is together, and as you do that, start thinking through how to articulate the individual arguments to support your case. 

Depending on the length of your essay, each argument may get only a paragraph or two of space. As you think through those specific arguments, consider what order to put them in. You’ll probably want to start with the simplest argument and work up to more complicated ones so that the arguments can build on each other. 

Your turn: Organize your evidence and write a rough draft of your arguments. Play around with the order to find the most compelling way to argue your case.

4. Rebuttals to disprove opposing theses

You can’t just present the evidence to support your case and totally ignore other viewpoints. To persuade your readers, you’ll need to address any opposing ideas they may hold about your topic. 

You probably found some holes in the opposing views during your research process. Now’s your chance to expose those holes. 

Take some time (and space) to: describe the opposing views and show why those views don’t hold up. You can accomplish this using both logic and facts.

Is a perspective based on a faulty assumption or misconception of the truth? Shoot it down by providing the facts that disprove the opinion.

Is another opinion drawn from bad or unsound reasoning? Show how that argument falls apart.

Some cases may truly be only a matter of opinion, but you still need to articulate why you don’t find the opposing perspective convincing.

Yes, a dolphin might be stronger than a mermaid, but as a mammal, the dolphin must continually return to the surface for air. A mermaid can breathe both underwater and above water, which gives her a distinct advantage in this mythical battle.

While the Rocky Mountain views are stunning, their limited colors—yellow from aspen trees and green from various evergreens—leaves the autumn-lover less than thrilled. The rich reds and oranges and yellows of the New England fall are more satisfying and awe-inspiring.

But what about longer trips that go beyond the city center into the suburbs and beyond? An electric bike wouldn’t be great for those excursions. Wouldn’t an electric car be the better choice then? 

Certainly, an electric car would be better in these cases than a gas-powered car, but if most of a person’s trips are in their hyper-local area, the electric bicycle is a more environmentally friendly option for those day-to-day outings. That person could then participate in a carshare or use public transit, a ride-sharing app, or even a gas-powered car for longer trips—and still use less energy overall than if they drove an electric car for hyper-local and longer area trips.

Your turn: Organize your rebuttal research and write a draft of each one.

5. A convincing conclusion

You have your arguments and rebuttals. You’ve proven your thesis is rock-solid. Now all you have to do is sum up your overall case and give your final word on the subject. 

Don’t repeat everything you’ve already said. Instead, your conclusion should logically draw from the arguments you’ve made to show how they coherently prove your thesis. You’re pulling everything together and zooming back out with a better understanding of the what and why of your thesis. 

A dolphin may never encounter a mermaid in the wild, but if it were to happen, we know how we’d place our bets. Long hair and fish tail, for the win.

For those of us who relish 50-degree days, sharp air, and the vibrant colors of fall, New England offers a season that’s cozier, longer-lasting, and more aesthetically pleasing than “colorful” Colorado. A leaf-peeper’s paradise.

When most of your trips from day to day are within five miles, the more energy-efficient—and yes, cost-efficient—choice is undoubtedly the electric bike. So strap on your helmet, fire up your pedals, and two-wheel away to your next destination with full confidence that you made the right decision for your wallet and the environment.

3 Quick Tips for Writing a Strong Argument

Once you have a draft to work with, use these tips to refine your argument and make sure you’re not losing readers for avoidable reasons.

1. Choose your words thoughtfully.

If you want to win people over to your side, don’t write in a way that shuts your opponents down. Avoid making abrasive or offensive statements. Instead, use a measured, reasonable tone. Appeal to shared values, and let your facts and logic do the hard work of changing people’s minds.

Choose words with AI

You can use AI to turn your general point into a readable argument. Then, you can paraphrase each sentence and choose between competing arguments generated by the AI, until your argument is well-articulated and concise.

2. Prioritize accuracy (and avoid fallacies).

Make sure the facts you use are actually factual. You don’t want to build your argument on false or disproven information. Use the most recent, respected research. Make sure you don’t misconstrue study findings. And when you’re building your case, avoid logical fallacies that undercut your argument.

A few common fallacies to watch out for:

• Strawman: Misrepresenting or oversimplifying an opposing argument to make it easier to refute.
• Appeal to ignorance: Arguing that a certain claim must be true because it hasn’t been proven false.
• Bandwagon: Assumes that if a group of people, experts, etc., agree with a claim, it must be true.
• Hasty generalization: Using a few examples, rather than substantial evidence, to make a sweeping claim.
• Appeal to authority: Overly relying on opinions of people who have authority of some kind.

The strongest arguments rely on trustworthy information and sound logic.

Research and add citations with AI

We recently wrote a three part piece on researching using AI, so be sure to check it out . Going through an organized process of researching and noting your sources correctly will make sure your written text is more accurate.

3. Persuasive essay structure

If you’re building a house, you start with the foundation and go from there. It’s the same with an argument. You want to build from the ground up: provide necessary background information, then your thesis. Then, start with the simplest part of your argument and build up in terms of complexity and the aspect of your thesis that the argument is tackling.

A consistent, internal logic will make it easier for the reader to follow your argument. Plus, you’ll avoid confusing your reader and you won’t be unnecessarily redundant.

The essay structure usually includes the following parts:

• Intro - Hook, Background information, Thesis statement
• Topic sentence #1 , with supporting facts or stats
• Concluding sentence
• Topic sentence #2 , with supporting facts or stats
• Concluding sentence Topic sentence #3 , with supporting facts or stats
• Conclusion - Thesis and main points restated, call to action, thought provoking ending

Are You Ready to Write?

Persuasive essays are a great way to hone your research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Approach this assignment well, and you’ll learn how to form opinions based on information (not just ideas) and make arguments that—if they don’t change minds—at least win readers’ respect. ‍

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Persuasive Essay: Definition, Examples, Topics & Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Writing a persuasive essay might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. In this article, we are going to be looking at how to write a great persuasive essay as well as taking a look at some ideas for topics. We will also take a look at a couple of examples as a way to get your creative juices flowing.

How To Write A Persuasive Essay

What is a persuasive essay.

Before we begin looking at how to write this type of essay, it is important that we understand what a persuasive essay is. Below is a short description of the persuasive essay.

A persuasive essay is one which is used to convince the audience of a particular viewpoint or opinion on a specific topic.

Tips For Writing A Persuasive Essay

Now that we are familiar with the type of essay we will be writing, let’s take a look at some great ideas for how to create the best piece of writing possible.

• The most important point when it comes to writing a good persuasive essay is to choose your stance. For example, if you are writing about the topic of ‘should the death penalty be legal in every country?’ You are going to want to choose your point of view carefully and be sure that you can deliver a convincing take on this. In most cases, it is a good idea to write on a topic that you are passionate about because this will show in your writing. The main point here is to bring your reader around to your way of thinking and without a good position, this will not be achieved.
• Before you begin writing, you should put in a good amount of research time in order to find statistics and data that can back up your argument. In the example of the death penalty, you might find facts about lower crime rates in countries which use this method. By having solid facts in your essay, the reader will be more easily brought around to your way of thinking.
• You should also consider the audience that you are writing for and how they are likely to respond to the essay. Consider whether the reader will be currently opposed to your argument or whether they just need some gentle swaying, this will help you to write more persuasive points.

Outlining The Persuasive Essay

Before you actually put pen to paper, it is vital that you create an essay outline , and this is very important when writing a persuasive essay. You need to be sure that you have included all the relevant points and that the essay is structured and ordered in the correct fashion. Let’s take a look at what you should include in your persuasive essay outline.

Introduction

• Use a hook to grab the attention of the reader. This could be a joke, some interesting data or a personal experience.
• Detail the subject which will be discussed.
• Present your thesis statement to provide the reader with your take on the subject.

Body 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc Paragraphs

• The body of the essay is traditionally made up of three paragraphs but you are free to write more or less depending on the information you wish to present.
• Each paragraph should contain one point of your argument, ordered in level of importance, starting with the most important.
• You should include data as a way of backing up any claims you back and also as a way of further convincing the reader of your argument.

Opposing Paragraph

• Use this paragraph to air the point of view of the opposition.
• You can provide data and statistics here too.
• You should then give reasons as to why this argument is not correct and refute any claims that have been made, with reasons.
• Summarise all the points that have been made throughout the piece of writing.
• Restate the thesis statement

Topics For A Persuasive Essay

When it comes to choosing a topic for your persuasive essay, the options are truly limitless. We are now going to take a look at some examples of topics you might wish to write on.

• Females should always train female athletes.
• Is chess a game or a sport?
• The music of today is not composed as well as music 50 years ago.
• Sad music encourages teenagers to suffer mental health problems.
• Hunting is wrong/right.
• Animal testing is right/wrong.
• A dog should always be put down if it bites a human.
• Physical education is not necessary for school children.
• Modern kids are too reliant on technology.
• Human beings are the greatest contributors to global warming .
• The weekend should be made longer.
• Parents should only be allowed a limited number of children.

Examples Of Persuasive Essays

We are now going to take a look at two examples of persuasive essays which have been well written and are easily able to convince the audience of the argument that is being discussed. You can use these as inspiration when it comes to writing your own persuasive essay.

Our Unhealthy Obsession With Sickness Written By Frank Furedi

The government today will do two things to which I object. First of all, they will encourage introspection, they will tell you that unless man examines his testicles, or keeps a check on his cholesterol levels then he is not a responsible citizen. He is letting himself down, his wife, his children, everyone. We’re encouraged to worry about health and as a consequence of this public health initiative’s are becoming a threat to the health of the public, or so it seems.

Second of all, the government promotes a value of seeking health. With us always expected to be seeking health for a variety of conditions. The main effect this brings, I believe, is that it makes us feel more ill than we actually are.

The Real Skinny Written By Belinda Luscomb

What do we say as people? Should we rise up and state ‘I absolutely refuse to purchase any item of clothing until I know that the one promoting it weights more than she was when she was a nipper?’ At the very least, should we say ‘Where should I send the money for some chicken nuggets?’ Well, maybe not this much. For the most part, our response will range from ‘I’m wondering whether that will look good on me.’ to ‘I’m not sure who the skinny cow is, but I already detest her.’

There are many important points to consider when writing a persuasive essay but the tips we have included here will guide you along your way. In essence, your persuasive essay should be able to convince the reader of your point of view and back this up with real data and facts.

Persuasive Essay Infographic

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay?

30 May, 2020

13 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

Did Shakespeare write all his own works? Is climate change real? Do dogs make better pets than cats? All these topics and more could be subjects for a persuasive essay. While other essays are meant to entertain, such as narrative essay, or inform such as informative essay, the goal of a persuasive essay is to champion a single belief. 

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

It is a piece of academic writing that clearly outlines the author’s point of view on a specific issue or topic. The main purpose behind this type of paper is to lay out facts and present ideas that convince the reader to take the author’s side (on the issue or question raised).

There is a common misconception that a persuasive essay is the same as an argumentative essay . This is far from the truth. While an argumentative essay presents information that supports the claim or argument, it is the persuasive type that serves only one mission – to persuade the reader to take your side of the argument.

This article will cover the main steps of writing a good persuasive essay. Let’s get straight into it.

Which Steps to Take?

This guide will provide all the necessary information for students to create an outstanding essay. We’ll review the whole process from outline and research to drafting and revision. As with most academic essays, the persuasive essay should have an intro, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your body paragraphs should present the research, whereas your introduction’s purpose is to provide background information, and the conclusion should review the strongest points of your essay.

1. Conduct research and pre-write

A good essay requires some work before you begin to write. It’s always helpful to sit down and do some prewriting. Consider answering the following questions before you conduct any research:

• What audience am I writing for?
• What information will be useful to my audience?
• What background information would be relevant to this topic?
• What are the different sides of this issue?
• What side will I persuade the audience to take?
• What type of primary resources would be best for this topic?

Related Post: 100 Persuasive essay topics 

Once you’ve answered these prewriting questions, it’s time to choose your approach . Select an approach that you are comfortable arguing for, and look for sources that support this particular viewpoint. It’s imperative that you understand your target audience. Finally, it’s time to do your research. Go into the research process armed with the following tools:

• At least 10–20 different search terms relevant to the topic
• A list of best sources: books, journal articles, magazine articles, newspaper articles etc.
• Required citation method (MLA, APA, Chicago…)
• A note-taking method that works best for you (notecards, sentence outlines…) Organize ideas and examples

2. Organize ideas and examples

As you’re conducting research, save yourself some time and organize the ideas as you find them. All of your claims should be supported with proper examples – illustrate ideas with the help of vivid examples. Reflecting on your own real-life experiences can be just as good as using more conventional examples.

Evaluate the purpose of the research and place it in a section where it directly supports the main idea of the paragraph. 

Persuasive essay example

Don’t hesitate to use this paper as an example of a persuasive essay. Remember that at Handmadewriting You may order a paper on any topic. We’re ready for your tasks 24/7! 

3. Create a persuasive essay outline

Outlines are a useful way to see what you’ve found, and what you still need to find to create a strong, balanced argument regarding the topic of your essay. By creating an outline, you’ll be able to see if you’ve found information that supports the idea within the topic sentence for everybody paragraph or for only two out of the three. The outline also helps you create an argument that flows. Remember: body paragraphs should always be organized weakest to strongest—that way the audience is left with the best paragraph.

Here is an outline example:

For this example outline, the student needs to find research for each country and its form of government. Once it has been gathered, it’s time to begin drafting the paragraphs.

Check our writing guide for a Persuasive Essay Outline:

4. Compose the introduction

Each introduction should begin with a hook. This sentence draws the reader into the topic by “hooking” his or her interest. A hook is typically one of four types of sentences:

• A fact or statistic
• A quotation
• A rhetorical question
• An anecdote

In persuasive writing, the introduction paragraph tends to be longer than in other academic essays. This is because all sides of the controversial must be introduced and defined. Remember: not every issue will have two sides; many issues are very complex and may have three or four or more sides that need to be acknowledged, defined, and discussed before moving into the body paragraphs.

Related post: Complete Essay Introduction Guide

Not sure how a subject could have more than merely two sides?  Let’s take a look at a typical persuasive essay assigned in social studies or history class: what kind of government is the best? In order to answer this question, the student would have to acknowledge and consider the most common forms of government including a democracy, theocracy, dictatorship, and monarchy. A well-written persuasive essay would introduce all the forms and define them in the intro before delving into the strengths and weaknesses within the body paragraphs.

5. Create a thesis statement

The final part of your introduction should cover  the thesis statement . A thesis statement is a brief summary that describes the main argument of your paper. It helps you demonstrate your knowledge of the subject and create a context for your arguments. After reading your thesis statement, a reader should be able to understand your position and recognize your expertise in a particular field.

This statement should be argumentative in nature and clearly state which side you are going to take. As the last sentence in the introduction, it acts as a natural transition to the first body paragraph. A thesis statement is usually only  one or two sentences long , but it can sometimes extend to a full paragraph. You are not presenting any evidence since it is merely a description of intent at this stage.

Thesis statement does not state your opinion or list facts but rather identifies what you will be arguing for or against within the body of your essay. Thesis statements should be accurate, clear, and on-topic.

Tips for a great introduction

• Introduce all sides of the issue
• Provide key background information relevant to the subject
• Clearly state which side is stronger, and why
• Formulate body paragraphs

Like most other academic essays, the body paragraphs should follow the typical format of including five kinds of sentences:

• Topic sentence
• Background sentence
• Quotations of support from primary sources
• Analysis of support
• Conclusion/transition sentence

While there are five kinds of sentences, there will likely be more than five sentences in the paragraph. There may be several background sentences, and in your research, you may find quotations from several different sources to include in one paragraph…that’s great! The most important part of the paragraph is the analysis section; this is where you make your case for supporting or weakening an argument.

If you are still unsure on whether you can cope with your task – you are in the right place to buy persuasive essay

6. Counter Arguments

A key aspect of a persuasive essay is the counter-argument. This form of argument allows the writer to acknowledge any opposition to their stance and then pick it apart. For example, if the essay writer is arguing that democracy is the best form of government, he or she needs to take the time to acknowledge counter-arguments FOR other forms of governments and then disprove them. Including counter arguments as paragraphs themselves ultimately strengthens one’s own argument.

Hints for Great Body Paragraphs

• Create clear, concise topic sentences
• Provide correctly quoted support from primary sources
• Thoroughly analyze the support to strengthen your position
• Use strong persuasive language such as:

7. Sum up the conclusion

This paragraph signals the end of your essay. Want to know how to write a stellar conclusion? First, don’t introduce any new information. The cardinal rule of conclusion paragraphs is this: only discuss what’s already in the paper. Begin by restating the thesis; this reminds the audience about the essay’s goals and purpose. Next, review the main points covered in the body paragraphs.

Finally, here’s where the persuasive essay is a bit different than other academic essays: the call to action . In this type of essay, the conclusion should offer a call to action; if the reader agrees with the writer’s thesis then he or she should be willing to take some form of action. Set forth a call to action before ending the essay.

In order to create a proper conclusion, ask yourself a question: “what’s the takeaway for the reader?” Unlike the conclusion in an informative essay , the final section of your persuasive essay should emphasize your own view on the argument or issue.

Hints for a Great Conclusion

• Restate the thesis to link back to the introduction and remind the reader of your argument
• Review the paper’s stronger points to persuade the audience of a particular side
• End with a strong call to action

8. Revise your essay

Done the first draft? Then, it’s time to revise to make the essay stronger both content-wise and grammatically. Check out these great questions to help you:

• Does the essay begin with a hook that captures the reader’s interest?
• Does the introduction introduce all sides of the issue and provide background information?
• Does the introduction end with a clearly worded thesis statement?
• Does the essay clearly convey a specific position regarding the topic?
• Are the counter-arguments stated and refuted?
• Do the body paragraph offer relevant and reliable research to substantiate claims?
• Does the conclusion review the main points made within the paper?
• Are all sentences complete and grammatically correct?

Once you are through with the seven steps of persuasive essay writing, you can happily enjoy what you have accomplished. Feel free to submit the final piece to your professor/instructor.

Be sure to check the persuasive essay sample, completed by our essay writers . Link:  Persuasive essay on Global Warming

Remember: writing is more of triathlon than a walk in the park. Just like a triathlon involves three key components, so too does writing: brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Begin your essay early and work through the various stages of writing to ensure that the final product is polished and grammatically flawless. If your school offers a Writing Center, use these resources.

It’s hard to catch one’s own mistakes, so ask a classmate or friend to review your paper. And don’t forget about your professional essay writing service! Skip the stress of beginning the assignment the night before it’s due and instead plan out your writing process and begin as soon as you receive the assignment. While content and grammar are the major players “gradewise”, don’t discount formatting. How you format your final paper is the first impression your professor will have of your work. Therefore, take the time to check the margins, font, headings, spacing, title page, and Works Cited page to ensure that they meet the professor’s expectations.

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Persuasive Essay: Student Guidelines for A+ Paper

• Icon Calendar 4 September 2024
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Students use reasons to demonstrate a real validity of controversial ideas when writing a persuasive essay. Basically, argumentative compositions encourage readers to accept a specific stand on a current issue. Convincing papers persuade persons who read to change their thoughts and ideas. In writing, students rely on brainstorming, researching, structuring an entire work in different sections, and proofreading. Moreover, 10 steps on how to write a persuasive essay improve an overall quality, credibility, and applicability of papers. Firstly, preparing several drafts aligns arguments with discussed ideas. Then, meeting rubrics improves overall outcomes during rewriting. However, peer review remains an essential step toward writing better papers. In turn, additional tips cover a persuasive introduction, unbiased opinions, and adequate details, as well as recomendations on what to include and what to avoid in organizing documents. Besides, conclusions show that such compositions must provide sufficient support for debatable topics.

General Aspects

Nowadays, essay writing is a typical task for all students, and learners at various levels of education commonly organize persuasive essays. Basically, they master their skills as a means of providing an opinion on different topics. As such, students develop their arguments to persuade their intended audiences. In this case, an in-depth discussion concerning persuasive writing focuses on its definition, type, and format, as wells as supporting evidence and rebuttal sections. Further on, such compositions must express one’s opinion clearly, while proper knowledge of how to write a persuasive essay can help learners to encourage readers to accept a specific viewpoint. Moreover, such writing skills demonstrate one’s creativity and ability to communicate strong emotions, covering brainstorming, researching, structuring, and proofreading methods. Besides, compelling compositions include a personal connection to a chosen topic. In turn, convincing introductions should contain a summary of main points, opposing ideas, and rebuttals. Successful students include a strong thesis statement to express main arguments provided in their essays. As a result, this article on how to write a persuasive essay still helps to organize persuasive papers correctly.

What Is a Persuasive Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a persuasive essay is a type and form of writing that aims to convince a reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action. For example, the main purpose of writing a persuasive essay is not merely to inform or explain but to influence reader’s thoughts or behaviors by presenting a compelling case (Guillain, 2021). In writing, this format of paper is built on strong arguments, evidence, and emotional appeals to persuade an intended audience of an author’s position. Further on, authors achieve this objective by clearly stating their thesis, supporting a central claim with facts, logical reasoning, and examples, and addressing counterarguments to strengthen their stances (Hackett, 2021). Basically, such a composition seeks to sway a target audience’s opinion or motivate them to act in favor of an author’s argument, making it a powerful tool in discussions, debates, and any context where convincing others is essential. Moreover, through careful argumentation and strategic use of language, these papers change people’s minds and drive action (Hackett, 2021). In terms of pages and words, the length of a persuasive essay depends on academic levels, assignment instructions, and fields of study, while general writing guidelines are:

High School

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Word Count: 250-500 words

College (Undergraduate)

• Length: 2-5 pages
• Word Count: 500-1,250 words

University (Advanced Undergraduate)

• Length: 3-8 pages
• Word Count: 750-2,000 words

Master’s Level

• Length: 4-10 pages
• Word Count: 1,000-2,500 words

Ph.D. Level

• Length: 5-12+ pages
• Word Count: 1,250-3,000+ words

Defining Features

Persuasive essays mean a specific type of academic paper. For example, the main aim of writing a this type of composition is to convince readers that a particular opinion is correct, and students should support their topics using valid arguments and making a claim, striving to show their audiences that it is reasonable (Guillain, 2021). Moreover, persuasive writing requires learners to explain their positions in an organized manner. It not only addresses all relevant perspectives but also demonstrates a superiority of an author’s point of view. In turn, an entire development of a persuasive argument requires an unbiased approach to a particular topic (Hackett, 2021). It is because authors provide not only a complete argument but also a comprehensive discussion. Therefore, a persuasive essay can be defined as a piece of writing that works to coerce an intended audience to accept a given position concerning a controversial topic.

Persuasive essays use reasons to demonstrate a validity of ideas. For instance, a key importance of writing persuasive essays is to encourage readers to accept a particular viewpoint (Humble, 2024). In writing, these compositions must convince people who read to act in a specific way. Basically, a principal hypothesis in such papers relies on a value or a policy:

• approval of specific values or standards;
• disapproval of specific subjects;
• a call for an adoption of a change in beliefs or policies.

Students debate an issue that affects them, society, or country since they know how to write a persuasive essay. For example, outstanding compositions contain a definition of an item and show both sides of an argument (Guillain, 2021). Moreover, writing a good persuasive essay means taking a clear stand on a specific problem, considering a third person, and following formal language for discussion.

When to Use

A persuasive essay is used to advance an individual’s opinion to a target audience through evidence-based writing, which persuades readers of its objectivity. For example, the 5 basic steps in writing a persuasive essay are choosing a position, researching and gathering evidence, outlining a paper, organizing a draft, and revising for clarity and impact (Hackett, 2021). In particular, there are two main sections in a body of such a paper: supporting evidence and rebuttal. Each of these sections plays a vital role in convincing an intended audience of a validity of an argument. Thus, this type of essay is essential because it prepares young minds for a development of sophisticated objective arguments that contribute positively to academia.

Evidence Section

A segment of a body in a persuasive essay is designed to discuss evidence supporting an author’s main argument. For example, a significant portion of body paragraphs contains evidence from experts acquired during research on an issue (Corneille et al., 2023). In this case, a crucial aspect of a persuasive speech is a provision of facts that have been established through studies with irreproachable methodologies. Moreover, detailed explanations must support the evidence. In writing, these aspects demonstrate logical reasoning and a clear link to a thesis statement. Hence, a particular choice of evidence used to support an author’s central claim has a significant impact on an essay’s overall persuasion effect.

Rebuttal Part

Students include a rebuttal section within a body of a persuasive essay. In particular, this section is equally important because it allows authors to explain some flaws of other competing lines of thought. For example, a rebuttal portion of a persuasive essay contributes to a coercion effect (Humble, 2024). Moreover, it shows an audience that authors have considered alternative opinions and found them to be deficient. Hence, an effective essay must display a high level of objectivity in identifying potential shortcomings of opposing opinions.

Other Features

Persuasive essays are a stepping stone toward objective scientific arguments. For example, a consistent practice of skills in a persuasive essay develops an ability to argue objectively by integrating reasons, evidence, and logic (Guillain, 2021). In this case, objective arguments are a valid foundation of a scientific language of disagreement, which is independent of personal biases. Consequently, such works prepare learners for participation in an academic sphere through an entire contribution of new arguments or refuting existing arguments.

Note: Some writing sections of a persuasive essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on specific courses, instructor requirements, and complexities of topics. For example, a standard persuasive essay format is a structured outline that organizes a paper into key sections — introduction, body paragraphs, counterarguments, refutations, and conclusion — ensuring a clear and logical presentation of a central claim (Humble, 2024). Basically, persuasive writing is a type and form of writing that aims to convince other people to accept a particular viewpoint or take a specific action through logical arguments, emotional appeals, and credible evidence. Further on, a persuasive definition form is a rhetorical strategy where a word or concept is redefined in a way that supports a person’s argument or viewpoint (Guillain, 2021). In this case, an example of persuasive writing is a newspaper editorial arguing for stricter environmental regulations to combat climate change. Moreover, different types of persuasive writing include advertisements, opinion editorials, political speeches, argumentative papers, and product reviews (Hackett, 2021). In turn, a rebuttal is a response that refutes or counters an opposing argument or claim in a debate or discussion. As such, writing persuasive essays is important because this activity develops critical thinking, effective communication skills, and an ability to influence other people through logical reasoning and evidence-based arguments (Crossley et al., 2022). Finally, to start a persuasive essay, people begin with a compelling hook that grabs a reader’s attention, followed by background information on a chosen topic and a clear thesis statement outlining a main argument.

Persuasive essays express one’s opinion clearly. For example, the 5 principal tips for persuasive essays are to start with a strong thesis, use solid evidence, address counterarguments, employ persuasive language, and conclude with a compelling call to action (Hackett, 2021). Therefore, the following points are essential in preparing persuasive essays:

• stating a specific problem, opinion, and solution clearly;
• including sufficient evidence and details to support opinions;
• presenting and summarizing essential issues in introduction and conclusion parts.

Persuasive essays demonstrate one’s creativity and express strong emotions. For example, these compositions contain logical and reasonable ideas organized in a specific sequence (Humble, 2024). Besides, students must connect ideas with covered opinions. In turn, the following points are essential for demonstrating higher thinking abilities:

• supporting ideas with details and reasons;
• presenting personal reasons for supporting arguments;
• demonstrating a high level of understanding of essential concepts from secondary sources.

Communication

Persuasive essays rely on explicit expressions and logical organization of ideas. For example, a good persuasive essay effectively combines a clear and compelling thesis, strong evidence, logical reasoning, and argumentative language to convincingly argue a specific point of view (Guillain, 2021). As such, one must:

• present opinions clearly;
• demonstrate formal voice, style, and tone;
• use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
• implement fluent sentences and paragraphs when organizing arguments or ideas.

Application

If students understand how to write a persuasive essay, they include personal connections to their topics. Basically, examples of persuasive essays include argumentative papers on climate change, opinion pieces advocating for policy reform, and speeches encouraging community action (Hackett, 2021). Moreover, students must:

• use information from external sources to support opinions;
• demonstrate an understanding of an actual importance of a presented topic.

Steps on How to Write a Good Persuasive Essay

Step 1: Brainstorming

Students brainstorm to generate ideas that support assigned themes. For example, a persuasive essay is a type and form of writing that aims to convince a reader to accept a particular viewpoint or take action, using examples, such as argumentative papers on social issues, opinion editorials, and speeches advocating for change (Humble, 2024). In this case, students can use several ways of creating necessary concepts for supporting their topics:

• Free writing – One writes quickly without stopping, editing, and self-correcting. An entire process makes students aware of what they already know, think, and feel about essay topics.
• Subject Tree – Scholars must note down related ideas and connect them with a main topic. For example, students use a tree structure to organize thoughts that support main ideas presented.
• List – This process involves listing ideas that support a topic.
• Clustering – Such a step involves drawing a circle that contains a main topic. Basically, people list other ideas related to a concept on the ring’s sides.
• Outline – Learners create a composition framework, which includes main points. In turn, this process consists of breaking down a main topic into sub-points.  

Examples of prompts:

• Reimagining the Role of Technology in Enhancing Sports Performance
• Childhood Vaccinations and Their Importance in Society
• Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Global Health
• Revolutionizing Patient Care Through Telemedicine
• Addressing Gender Inequality in Sports: The Path Forward
• Digital Learning Platforms Versus Traditional Classroom Teaching
• Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in Sports
• Increasing Renewable Energy Usage Can Combat Climate Change
• School Cafeterias Should Serve Healthier Options
• Social Media Platforms Must Enforce Anti-Bullying Policies
• Television Advertising Targeted at Children Should Be Restricted
• Higher Education Should Be Affordable for All
• Public Transportation Systems Need Major Upgrades
• Remote Work Benefits Both Employees and Employers
• Community Service Should Be Integrated into High School Curriculums
• Exercise Should Be a Daily Requirement in Schools
• Technology in Classrooms Enhances Learning Experiences
• Arts Funding is Crucial for Cultural Development
• Organic Farming Should Be Encouraged Over Conventional Methods
• Governments Must Act Swiftly on Cybersecurity Threats
• Animal Adoption Should Be Promoted Over Buying Pets
• Reducing Plastic Use Can Save Marine Life
• Mental Health Resources Need More Funding
• Space Exploration Advances Scientific Knowledge
• Public Speaking Skills Should Be Taught Early
• Food Waste Needs to Be Minimized in Households
• Tax Incentives for Green Buildings Benefit Communities

Step 2: Researching

Researching involves gathering information from libraries or other credible sources. For example, students may use the Internet as a suitable source of credible information (Guillain, 2021). In turn, acceptable sources include reference works, books, and scholarly articles. However, people should observe the following points:

• assessing a site for timeliness and reputability;
• considering a website’s purpose;
• evaluating a website’s reliability and an author’s credibility;
• gathering all the source information and covering credentials during citing;
• avoiding all forms of plagiarism during writing.

Step 3. Developing a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement links ideas presented in an entire composition. For example, to write a persuasive essay, people clearly state their position in a thesis, support this stance with logical arguments and evidence, address counterarguments, refute them, and conclude with a strong summary and call to action (Hackett, 2021). In writing, a strong thesis statement contains a claim and supporting details. As such, effective thesis statements:

• make an assertion and take a stance;
• generalize information;
• do not include facts;
• contain debatable information;
• appear as a last sentence in an introduction paragraph.

Supporting details reinforce and sustain a main argument. In particular, different organizational methods for writing a persuasive essay make academic papers compelling. For example, scholars use problem-solution, cause-effect, and statement-of-reason organization writing techniques (Humble, 2024). Moreover, strong thesis statements combine claims and supporting details in one sentence. In turn, one may change a composition’s direction based on a chosen pattern for organizing the evidence. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a persuasive essay are:

• As a modern world continues to develop and change, a controversial issue of [topic] has emerged as a significant challenge that cannot be overlooked, demanding both attention and action.
• In recent years, [topic] has sparked widespread debate, and it has become increasingly clear that addressing this critical issue is important for a well-being of society.
• In a future where [negative scenario related to a topic], this world will be not only a hypothetical situation but also a reality if people fail to confront [topic] today.
• Throughout history, [topic] has played a pivotal role in shaping a human world, and, now, it is imperative that people recognize its impact and take decisive action.
• A growing concern surrounding [topic] can result in adverse consequences due to inaction that can have long-lasting implications for [specific group or society as a whole].
• While some individuals may dismiss a real importance of [topic], the evidence suggests otherwise, revealing that this issue is directly connected to a future of [related field or issue].
• In a world where [related issue] dominates headlines, it is easy to overlook [topic], yet doing so would be a grave mistake.
• Although there are differing opinions on [topic], a closer examination reveals that key benefits of addressing this issue far outweigh any potential drawbacks.
• As people continue to face unprecedented challenges in [related field], a principal role of [topic] has become increasingly critical, making it essential for them to take a stand.
• It is often said that [common saying related to a topic], and, when it comes to [topic], this passage rings especially true, highlighting an urgent need for a thoughtful and deliberate response.

Step 4: Writing a Good Introduction

An introduction section contains a composition’s most general information. For example, to write a strong introduction in a persuasive essay, people begin with a hook to grab attention, provide background on a chosen topic, and end with a clear thesis statement that outlines their main argument (Guillain, 2021). Basically, they set a paper’s road map in an opening paragraph. In turn, important points include:

• Definition – An introduction paragraph identifies, defines, and describes presented topics. In writing, students describe main ideas of their papers.
• Relevance – A first section shows an importance, concept, and theme of a composition. Compelling opening paragraphs explain how a given theme impacts society.
• Thesis Statement – Students put athesis statement as a last sentence in a composition.

Step 5. Writing Body Paragraphs

A body section contains adequate details that support main arguments. For example, compelling papers address each supporting aspect in a separate and fully developed section (Hackett, 2021). Moreover, including necessary evidence leads to compelling papers. In this case, argumentative works include:

• topic sentence in every paragraph;
• topic sentence that summarizes supporting details;
• every paragraph supports a single idea.

Step 6: Writing Opposing Arguments

Persuasive essays provide opposing views. For example, students state and explain different concepts in their texts (Humble, 2024). As a result, specific approaches show how a person with conflicting thoughts may clash with main arguments.

Step 7: Writing Rebuttal Claims

People must provide an application that opposes counterclaims. For example, to write a rebuttal paragraph, people acknowledge an opposing argument, refute it with evidence, reasoning, and explanation, and reinforce a strength of their original position (Guillain, 2021). In writing, effective rebuttals show some weaknesses in contrasting arguments. Sometimes, one may agree with some concepts in refutations. Moreover, compelling compositions indicate student’s thoughts on potential contradictions.   

Step 8: Writing a Conclusion

A conclusion section closes a persuasive essay. For example, scholars rewrite a thesis statement and reword it differently (Hackett, 2021). Basically, closing paragraphs reiterate and summarize main points of compositions. In writing, students should observe the following points:

• Relevance – Conclusions repeat an importance of a topic;
• Review – Closing elements reiterates key points discussed in a body part;
• Summary – A last item in a persuasive essay recaps main points.

Step 9: Rewriting

Students should rewrite first drafts and effect necessary changes that make final papers readable. For example, a standard structure of a persuasive essay includes an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement sentence, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, a section addressing counterarguments, and a conclusion paragraph that reinforces a central claim and calls to action (Humble, 2024). Basically, scholars follow the following points:

• Learners rewrite first drafts and incorporate appropriate modifications. In this case, an entire process makes papers suitable for a target audience.
• Rewriting papers several times ensures compositions meet a required standard on how to write a persuasive essay correctly.
• Rubrics play an essential role in determining an overall effectiveness of achieving significant concepts in essays. 
• Second and subsequent drafts ensure papers meet required academic and writing standards.

Step 10: Proofreading and Editing

Proofreading papers comes as a last step on how to write a persuasive essay, determining an overall quality. In particular, students read essays several times and identifies significant ideas. For example, primary goals include identifying common grammatical mistakes and other syntax errors (Guillain, 2021). In this case, identifying spelling mistakes that lower a paper’s quality leads to better outcomes from readers. Other important concepts include a removal of grammatical errors that may affect an overall readability of a persuasive essay.

Asking for a Peer Review

Peers play a significant role when proofreading written works. Basically, authors of documents should ask scholars to read written essays for identifying hidden mistakes. For example, an analysis of essays improves an overall outcomes of a target audience (Ciullo et al., 2019). Furthermore, peer evaluation enhances a logical flow of information in a whole composition. In turn, embracing peers for proofreading or editing written works improves an overall quality.  

Complete Persuasive Essay Example

What to include, recommendations.

Introduction

Persuasive essays contain compelling opening paragraphs, leading to a good relevance and readability of papers. For example, to make a persuasive essay, people start with a clear thesis, support a central claim with strong evidence and logical arguments, address counterarguments, and conclude with a compelling summary and call to action (Hackett, 2021). Basically, if scholars are familiar with basic rules for writing a correct persuasive essay, they provide a summary of main points, opposing ideas, and rebuttals. In turn, successful authors include a strong thesis statement to express their main arguments. Besides, a debatable thesis statement works best for persuasive essays.  

Outstanding students provide compelling ideas for supporting core arguments. For example, the 7 tips for persuasive essays are to craft a strong thesis, research thoroughly, know a target audience, use argumentative language, address counterarguments, organize logically, and conclude with impact (Humble, 2024). In writing, unbiased views and judgments influence reader’s thoughts on a specific topic. Moreover, well-developed arguments enhance an overall quality of essays.  

Good authors present adequate information that supports their main arguments, counterarguments, and refutations. Basically, some examples of persuasive essays include a student’s paper arguing for school uniform policies, an editorial promoting renewable energy adoption, and an article advocating for animal rights legislation (Guillain, 2021). As such, real-life examples make a persuasive essay compelling and useful. 

Common Mistakes

• Lack of a Clear Thesis Statement: Without writing a strong, specific thesis, a persuasive essay lacks direction and focus.
• Weak or Insufficient Evidence: Failing to provide strong supporting evidence undermines an overall credibility of a central argument.
• Ignoring Counterarguments: Not addressing opposing views weakens an argument by making writing appear one-sided.
• Over-Reliance on Emotional Appeals: Using too much emotion without factual support can make an argument less convincing.
• Vague or General Statements: Broad, unclear statements fail to persuade because they lack specificity and precision.
• Inconsistent Argumentation: Jumping between unrelated points can confuse readers and dilute an overall argument.
• Poor Organization and Structure: Disorganized writing makes it difficult for readers to follow and understand an argument.
• Using Weak or Passive Language: Passive or weak phrasing reduces a real impact and persuasiveness of an argument.
• Failing to Revise and Proofread: Errors in writing, grammar, spelling, and punctuation can distract from a message and reduce credibility.
• Overuse of Jargon or Complex Language: Using too much technical language or complicated terms can alienate readers and obscure an argument.

Persuasive essays use reasons when demonstrating an overall validity of controversial ideas. Basically, the 5 main parts of a persuasive essay are an introduction, thesis statement sentence, body paragraphs with supporting arguments, counterarguments with refutation, and conclusion. In writing, learners use these compositions to encourage readers to accept a specific viewpoint. Further on, compelling papers convince persons who read to act in a particular way. Moreover, students rely on brainstorming, researching, structuring an entire work in different sections, and proofreading a final document. In turn, basic 10 steps on how to write such an essay improve an overall quality, credibility, and applicability of an entire paper. Firstly, preparing several drafts aligns arguments with ideas. Secondly, rubrics improve overall outcomes during rewriting. Thirdly, peer reviewing remains an essential step toward writing better papers. Finally, additional tips include using a persuasive introduction, unbiased opinions, and adequate details.

Ciullo, S., Mason, L. H., & Judd, L. (2019). Persuasive quick-writing about text: Intervention for students with learning disabilities. Behavior Modification , 45 (1), 122–146. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445519882894

Corneille, O., Havemann, J., Henderson, E. L., IJzerman, H., Hussey, I., Orban de Xivry, J.-J., Jussim, L., Holmes, N. P., Pilacinski, A., Beffara, B., Carroll, H., Outa, N. O., Lush, P., & Lotter, L. D. (2023). Beware ‘persuasive communication devices’ when writing and reading scientific articles. eLife , 12 , 1–6. https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.88654

Crossley, S. A., Baffour, P., Tian, Y., Picou, A., Benner, M., & Boser, U. (2022). The persuasive essays for rating, selecting, and understanding argumentative and discourse elements (persuade) corpus 1.0. Assessing Writing , 54 , 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asw.2022.100667

Guillain, C. (2021). What is persuasive writing. Heinemann Raintree.

Hackett, U. (2021). Brilliant essays . Red Globe Press.

Humble, R. K. (2024). The humble argument: A readable introduction to argument and the college essay . Chemeketa Press.

Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay generator.

Essays are written due to various reasons and purposes. Some of the authors want to inform, some want to expose while some want to persuade. However, in descriptive essay writing , the essayist composes for the sake of displaying a picture out of his/her describing words. It may sound easy and simple but don’t be deceived, there are still more to learn. Read through this article to get hold of significant and beneficial new knowledge.

What is Descriptive Essay?

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Descriptive Essay Format

Introduction.

Hook: Start with a sentence that captures the reader’s attention. This could be a striking fact, a question, or a vivid description. Context: Provide some background information to set the scene. Describe the setting, the situation, or the object of the essay. Thesis Statement: End the introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main aspects or the overall impression of your subject.

Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or a detail that contributes to the overall picture you are trying to paint. Use the “show, don’t tell” technique by employing vivid imagery and sensory details.

Paragraph 1: Sight

Topic Sentence: Introduce the aspect of sight. Details: Describe what you see in vivid detail. Use adjectives and adverbs to bring the scene to life. Closing Sentence: Wrap up the paragraph by summarizing the importance of the visual details.

Paragraph 2: Sound

Topic Sentence: Focus on the sounds related to your topic. Details: Describe what can be heard, whether it’s the background noise, a specific sound related to the subject, or the absence of sound. Closing Sentence: Conclude by explaining how the sounds contribute to the overall impression.

Paragraph 3: Smell

Topic Sentence: Highlight the aspect of smell. Details: Describe the aromas and scents. Whether it’s pleasant or pungent, detail how it impacts the scene or the subject. Closing Sentence: Summarize how the smell adds to the depth of your description.

Paragraph 4: Touch

Topic Sentence: Discuss the sense of touch. Details: Describe the textures and temperatures. Explain how something feels to the touch and why it’s important to your description. Closing Sentence: Link the tactile details to the overall experience.

Paragraph 5: Taste (if applicable)

Topic Sentence: Introduce the sense of taste, if relevant. Details: Describe the flavors and the experience of tasting something related to your subject. Closing Sentence: Reflect on how taste enhances the description.

Summary: Briefly restate your thesis and summarize the main points of your essay. Significance: Explain the significance of the subject and the impact it has made on you or the impression it leaves. Closing Thought: End with a final thought or reflection, leaving the reader with something to ponder.

Example of Descriptive Essay

“The Sunset at the Beach” As I walked down the sandy path towards the ocean, the first thing that struck me was the vast expanse of the sea, stretching endlessly towards the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The beauty of the sunset at the beach was a breathtaking spectacle that I had come to witness. Introduction The beach has always been a place of serenity for me, especially during the sunset. The way the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a tapestry of colors, always seemed magical. On this particular evening, the scene was set for a perfect display of nature’s artistry. Body Paragraphs The Vision of the Sunset As I stepped onto the soft, warm sand, my eyes were immediately drawn to the horizon. The sun, a fiery orb, was slowly descending, casting its golden glow across the sky. The clouds, mere wisps earlier in the day, now looked like cotton candy, stained with hues of pink and lavender. The reflection of the sunset on the water added a layer of brilliance to the scene, with the light dancing on the waves as they gently lapped against the shore. The Symphony of the Waves The sound of the waves provided a soothing background melody to the visual spectacle. Each wave crashed against the shore with a rhythm that was both calming and invigorating. In the distance, seagulls called to one another, their cries adding to the orchestral performance of nature. The rustling of the palm leaves in the gentle breeze played a soft, whispering harmony, creating a symphony that only the beach at sunset could offer. The Aromatic Breeze With every breath, the salty tang of the sea air filled my lungs, a distinctive aroma that immediately relaxed my body and mind. There was a freshness to it, a reminder of the vast, untamed ocean before me. Mixed with the faint scent of sunscreen and the earthiness of wet sand, the beach’s aroma was invigorating, grounding me in the moment. The Touch of Nature As I walked along the water’s edge, the cool water washed over my feet, providing relief from the day’s residual heat. The sand, now cooler than the afternoon sun, felt soft and comforting beneath my toes. Occasionally, a stronger wave would rush further up the beach, encouraging me to dig my feet into the sand, feeling the grains shift against my skin. Conclusion The sunset at the beach was not just a visual masterpiece; it was an experience that engaged all the senses. As the sun finally disappeared, leaving behind a sky painted in dark blues and purples, I felt a sense of peace and contentment. The beach at sunset had offered me a moment of beauty, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature. It was an unforgettable scene, etched in my memory, reminding me of the simple, yet profound joys of life.

Descriptive essays generally focus more on visualizing a specific topic of interest. Considering that aspect, showing you what it looks like may be helpful as well. Thus, we cautiously gathered the best samples and templates of descriptive essays for you to rely on, here are they:

Descriptive Essay For Kids

Descriptive Essay For Students

Descriptive Essay About a Person

More Descriptive Essay Examples & Templates

• Descriptive Essay Thesis Statement
• Descriptive Essay About a Place
• Descriptive Essay For Grade 5
• Event Descriptive Essay
• Descriptive Essay about School

Descriptive Essay Examples & Templates

Descriptive narrative essay example.

High School Descriptive Essay Example

Basic Descriptive Essay Writing Example

Short Descriptive Essay Example

Educational Descriptive Essay Example

Basic Descriptive Essay Example

Sample Descriptive Essay Example

Professional Descriptive Essay

Assignment Descriptive Essay Example

How to Write Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay aims to provide a detailed and vivid description of a person, place, object, or event, so that the reader can visualize and experience it as if they were present. To craft an effective descriptive essay, follow these steps:

Choose a Topic

Pick something specific to describe, such as: A memorable place (like a beach, park, or school) A person who made an impact on you An object that holds special meaning An event you remember vividly (a concert, festival, or family gathering)

Create a Thesis Statement

Even in a descriptive essay, it’s important to have a thesis or a central idea that guides your description. The thesis should express the importance or significance of what you’re describing. Example: Thesis for a Place : “The beach has always been my escape, a place where I find peace and solitude.” Thesis for a Person : “My grandmother’s kindness and strength have made her the cornerstone of our family.”

Use Sensory Details

Engage the reader’s senses by describing how the subject looks, sounds, smells, tastes, and feels. Sensory details help paint a vivid picture. Sight : “The trees stood tall, their branches swaying in the soft breeze.” Sound : “The distant sound of waves crashing was a constant, calming background noise.” Smell : “The sweet smell of freshly baked bread filled the air.” Touch : “The sand felt warm and grainy beneath my feet.”

Organize Your Essay

A descriptive essay typically follows a structure of introduction, body, and conclusion: Introduction : Introduce your subject and provide your thesis statement. Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph should focus on a different aspect of your subject, such as its appearance, behavior, or the emotions it evokes. Conclusion : Wrap up by reflecting on the importance of what you’ve described and how it affects you or others.

Use Figurative Language

Incorporate metaphors, similes, and personification to make your description more vivid and interesting. Simile : “The lake was as still as a mirror, reflecting the trees perfectly.” Metaphor : “The sun was a golden orb sinking into the horizon.” Personification : “The wind whispered softly through the trees.”

Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of telling the reader what something is like, show them by providing specific details that allow them to experience it. Avoid vague language like “beautiful” or “amazing” and instead describe exactly what makes it so. Example: Telling : “The beach was beautiful.” Showing : “The golden sand stretched out for miles, glistening under the warm afternoon sun, while the crystal-clear water sparkled with every wave.”

Use Clear and Concise Language

Make your descriptions clear and avoid unnecessary words or overly complex sentences. Be sure to stay focused on your subject without straying into unrelated details.

Revise and Edit

After writing your essay, take time to revise it. Look for: Clear descriptions Strong sensory details Proper organization of ideas Consistency in tone and style

Types of Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay focuses on providing a detailed description of a person, place, object, or event. There are different types of descriptive essays, each focusing on a particular aspect of description:

• Personal Descriptive Essay Describes a person, object, or event that holds personal significance, such as a family member, a memorable location, or a specific experience.
• Imaginative Descriptive Essay Describes something that doesn’t exist or is fictional, like a fantasy landscape, imaginary creature, or futuristic city.
• Objective Descriptive Essay Provides a factual and unbiased description of something, avoiding personal feelings or opinions. It focuses on the physical attributes and features, such as describing a building, machine, or process.
• Subjective Descriptive Essay Involves personal impressions, emotions, or interpretations, often describing something from the writer’s personal perspective or feelings, like a sunset or a favorite vacation spot.
• Event Descriptive Essay Focuses on describing an event in great detail, such as a wedding, festival, or important historical moment, emphasizing its atmosphere and significance.

Each type of descriptive essay requires vivid language, sensory details, and organized structure to effectively convey the description.

Tips of Descriptive Essay

Here are some useful tips for writing a descriptive essay:

• Choose a Specific Topic Focus on a single object, event, person, or experience to avoid overwhelming details and maintain clarity.
• Use Sensory Details Engage the reader’s senses by describing how things look, sound, smell, feel, and taste to create a vivid picture.
• Show, Don’t Tell Instead of just telling the reader how something is, show them through descriptive language and concrete imagery. For example, instead of saying “The cake was delicious,” describe its flavor, texture, and smell.
• Organize Your Description Structure your essay logically. You can organize it spatially (describing from one location to another), chronologically, or from general to specific.
• Use Figurative Language Enhance your descriptions with metaphors, similes, and personification to make your writing more engaging and relatable.
• Focus on a Dominant Impression Convey a specific mood, feeling, or overall impression that you want the reader to take away from your description.
• Revise for Clarity After writing, revise your essay to ensure that your descriptions are clear, precise, and free of unnecessary details.
• Use Strong Vocabulary Choose vivid and appropriate words to paint an accurate and colorful picture. Avoid repetitive or vague language.
• Stay Objective or Subjective (As Needed) Depending on the type of descriptive essay, decide whether you’ll remain objective (factual) or subjective (personal feelings).
• Edit for Grammar and Flow Ensure the essay flows smoothly, with good transitions between descriptions. Check for grammar, punctuation, and sentence variety.

What is the main purpose of a descriptive essay?

The main purpose is to provide the reader with a vivid and immersive experience of the subject being described. It aims to help the reader visualize, understand, and feel the essence of what is being described.

How long should a descriptive essay be?

A descriptive essay can vary in length, but it typically ranges from 500 to 1000 words, depending on the depth of description and the level of detail required by the topic.

How do I conclude a descriptive essay?

Conclude by summarizing the key points of your description and reinforcing the dominant impression you want the reader to leave with. Avoid introducing new details in the conclusion.

What are common mistakes to avoid in a descriptive essay?

Overloading the essay with unnecessary details Using vague or repetitive language Failing to organize the description logically Neglecting sensory details Focusing too much on telling instead of showing

Can I describe more than one object or person in my descriptive essay?

While it’s possible to describe multiple objects or people, it’s generally better to focus on one to avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information. If describing multiple subjects, ensure that they are closely related and contribute to a unified impression.

What kind of language should I use in a descriptive essay?

Use vivid, sensory language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste). Avoid vague words and clichés, and opt for strong adjectives, verbs, and figures of speech like similes and metaphors.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a descriptive essay about a place you love to visit and what makes it special.

Describe in a descriptive essay your dream job and what it would be like to work there.