[Writing Tips] Writing a Persuasive Essay

Persuasive or argumentative essay is meant to show an acceptance of your idea when, others don’t seem to agree with the ideas presented. The main goal of arguments is to get your viewpoint acknowledged taking the reader of the paper to get a closer look at the picture you want to present and at the same time, it allows them to reconsider your stand of opposition. In convincing others to reconsider your point, you must be able to have first, a topic that states an argument or disagreement that is backed up by facts, personal experience or examples that will support your claims or for further reference. In writing an argumentative paper, one must take note the standard parts of essay these are: the introduction, main body, and conclusion.

In addition, David Langlieb stated few points to remember in writing a persuasive essay these are: one must start with a clear thesis that utilizes unrelated events to manipulate the audience’s emotions and win them over to your side, use brackets to make it look like reputable scholars agree with your argument, In other cases you can just make these endorsements up (don’t overdo it and nobody will notice), pointless filler makes your essay longer, create a straw man you can tear apart really easily. Most professors will tell you to argue the opposing position (make this as easy as possible), propose absurd alternatives that make your thesis seem like the only logical position a reasonable person could take, more filler, but this time use literary references to make yourself seem sophisticated and well read, and tie the filler into the thesis of your paper. The connection can be loose because you’ve already established yourself as sophisticated and well read (2003). These are just the head start for persuasive essay writing. In the next few paragraphs are the intricate details of what must an argumentative essay must contain.

In writing an essay, it’s always to go back to the basics as in, the pre- writing phase that includes establishing a topic, organizing the ideas, write the first draft, revise the first draft and lastly, proofreading of the final draft. However, there are various factors that are needed in preparing what to write; the writer must have a concern in mind; probably a specific occurrence have stimulated you and given you a headstrong reason to write persuasively. For example, there’s a city ordinance against illegal loggers yet, the mayor of your city doesn’t seem to mind them. This would be the occasion to write an editorial expressing your opposition. Once the topic is chosen, the next step is to gather necessary details in defining and to support the topic chosen; this also, would help the writer in addressing well his / her audience. One must remember to keep the ideas flowing to get a simultaneous environment. How? By brainstorming of related issues this would at the same time, would serve as guidelines or outlines the persuasive paper.

In starting the essay, consider an attention grabber or a heading to make a lively introduction. Examples of attention grabber would include (1) opening with a fact or with an unusual detail: it is known that the Philippines, as one of the most visited places for a summer get away. But do they know that it’s the most frequently visited typhoon among Asian countries. For a year it is calculated to a minimum of 20 typhoons per year. (2) Opening with a question: birth control pills effective or not? (3) Opening with a quotation such as "A true soul need not hide his thoughts." (Hjalmar Söderberg, Gertrude). Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable. One must make sure that the quotation cited must relate to the topic intended. (3) Presenting an illustration by using examples or anecdotes especially those that brief and points out what is intended. (4) Opening with a shocking statement: the advent of human cloning is at hand. In addition, the introduction should identify the focus of the essay; highlight major points and arguments by creating a situation statement. For example: I want to argue that there should be no tuition free increase in private schools. In here, you must consider the following: What is then that needs to be accomplished? State the relevance of the proposed situation statement as to its importance, significant individuals that will be affected, and outcome once this will be realized by the many. In return, the writer must be able to state the presence of the problems that are needed to be solved that made you write about the argument – also, arouses the reader’s curiosity so that he or she will wan to read on.

The body of the essay is where the argument is developed. It must provide evidences that shall refute the opposition’s claim that was offered in the introduction. One could site at least three evidence and these evidences must be elaborated further in three different paragraphs, in those three paragraphs consider one paragraph stating the opposing viewpoints and counter – argument. In the writing workshop by Holt, Rinehart and Winston; they suggested techniques to develop support for your position through increasing your appeal which usually consist of a combination of three types of appeals: (1) logical appeals speak to the reader’s ability to think by presenting reasons backed by evidence – facts, factual anecdotes, and expert testimony. Logical appeals should form the backbone of your persuasive essay avoiding logical fallacies, or errors in reasoning. (2) Emotional appeals stir’s reader’s feelings with descriptive details, connotative language, and anecdotes that evoke emotions. This is where analogies and rhetorical devices should be mentioned. Lastly, ethical appeals establish the writer is fair and knowledgeable or call upon the reader’s sense of right or wrong. Ethical appeals include discussion of the writer’s authority to speak on the subject, concessions to opposing points of view, reasonable language, and statements about values.

As I have mentioned above, the main section could use of three separate paragraphs, in the first paragraph one could use of the logical appeal. This can be done through elaboration of the suggested topic by using research on related issues, the experiences of the author itself or probably examples. As suggested by the Academy of Arts (2004), further elaboration can be done through: (1) general hypothetical instance: used particularly when creating an argument and you want the reader to see a different point of view. Use cues for the reader (e.g. suppose that and what if) (2) clarifying a position: this refers to the things that need further explanation and assumptions, (3) drawing comparisons by choosing related topics either of the two patterns that are opposing or alternating. An example of drawing out comparison is when one wants to convince the reader particularly the person who has the power to change the situation, you must be able to state how the said argument will affect the writer and possible reason that the reader won’t listen to the idea. To counteract, the writer must know how to defend the said argument by identifying the weak points that could probably be of use by the opposition; as well as, if the opposition’s thinking has weak links that might be of use for future discussion. This can be done by working out with the negative aspects of your argument, you will be able to draw out weak points that the opposition could use against you. In cases such as this, one can classify the advantages and disadvantage of the said argument, in order to make the idea broader and this would add significant details like the advantages of no tuition fee increase would include (1) students would be able to acquire quality education at a better price, (2) students does not need to transfer to public schools (3) there will be no more rallies regarding “no tuition fee increase” rather, the students will exert their effort to excel beyond expectation for their school’s name. In stating the disadvantages one could use the following: (1) there will be an increase demand of public teachers since, more students from private schools would transfer to public schools. (2) It would limit the aspiration of the young to study in a private school especially those who are less fortunate. (3) There will be less enrollee in the private school due to high tuition fee offered. By stating the pros and cons, it will open the mind of the opposition to the reality – one can justify by citing news or articles that shall support it. Consider their importance: prioritize, edit, sequence and discard the unnecessary details. You might also begin thinking about how to disprove the opposition’s arguments as a transitional statement for the next paragraph. This is also one way of testing own argument as debatable since, it mentioned of a two – sided track. In disapproving the opposing argument, it would be best to understand the opposing viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing complementary or diverse evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument. Jot down any ideas that come to mind, thinking about the impact of the situation on people and society. This will help you write clear points on whatever side you do choose, and also to understand some of the arguments of the opposing side which you can then effectively counteract in your paper.

The second and third paragraph of the main section, you could use the emotional and ethical appeal respectively. This could be done by defining relevant details that would back your opinion. A persuasive writer would do thorough research of the said argument as a means to have a solid reason. The progression would start from a general idea to a particular by citing examples that are related to the focus in the first paragraph. In here one can draw an analogy (Academy of Arts, 2004): use an analogy to explain or elaborate an idea by identifying significant likeness between two objects when otherwise they are quite different. This is helpful when the comparison is made to something that is familiar to the reader. The following are different ways to support to your agreement: (1) facts – a powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation, or personal experience. Take note that not to confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is an idea believed by many people, but it cannot be proven. (2) Statistics - These can provide excellent support and make sure that these are only from very good, reliable, and responsible sources. Always cite your sources to avoid a vindictive crime that is plagiarism. Lastly, (3) Examples - increase your meaning and make your thoughts solid and tangible. They serve as the proof either from personal experience or from another. Researching the topic is the main key that allows you to expand further the details. Thereby, one must note to make a list of essential points, and then elaborate on each one with the information you’ve learned. The argument must be logical and reasonable, containing proven facts about the issue. Using evidence is the best way to get your point across, and using statistics, specific cases and quotes backs up your argument. Don’t state something as a fact just because you think many people believe it – you must use sources. Remember that limit each paragraph to one main idea and prove your purpose continually by using specific examples. Always have a transitional sentence to keep the reader on track for the next part – the conclusion.

The conclusion is the last paragraph of the paper. It must present strong points that summarize your view in a clear and memorable way that calls for action as to whom the paper is intended for. It also involves restating the main idea of the paper or what the reader intends to convince the reader. The Academy of Arts (2004) has outlined few criteria that might be of use in writing the conclusion, these are: (1) restate your thesis or focus statement – this can be done with the used of the techniques which have been drawn out in the introductory part. (2) Summarize the main points: paraphrasing the main points of argument considering the three logical appeals that was mentioned in paragraph 5. (3) Write a personal comment or call for action. This can be done by: (i) prediction – a cause and effect discussion. The conclusion may suggest or predict what the results may or may not be in the situation discussed or similar situations; (ii) with a question – closing with a question lets your readers make their own predictions and draw their won conclusion; (iii) with recommendations: a recommendations closing is one that stresses the actions or remedies that should be taken; (iv) with a quotation: since quotation may summarize, predict, question, or call for action, this can be use within a conclusion. In retrospect, you should be aware of the language choice as an important indication to influence the reader to understand and may adopt the writer’s point of view.

As a general rule in persuasive essay writing, the introduction must seize the reader’s attention or preferably the audience itself. Your readers might be reluctant to respond favorably to your argument; you have to establish a bond with them before stating your purpose. This bond should be established through the use of a core appeal, a theme to introduce in the opening paragraph and use as a key organizing principle. You can use the attention grabber, this will help in focusing their attention on the issue you have presented back with background information that they need to know about the said argument The main section of the essay or the body must contain two contradictory sides – remember the pros and cons on the particular issue. In here, you must have at least two or three evidences that shall support your claim. Be sure to remain firm on your opinion without name – calling because that will only show poor –reasoning that will defeat your argument and the writer itself, will lose its credibility. As a tip given by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, the tone of newspaper and magazine editorials is usually informal and conversational; the tone of persuasive essay written in academic setting is usually more formal. Remember, however, that formal does not mean a stuffy or stilted style. Taking an overly formal or pompous tone with readers is almost certain to alienate rather than persuade them. In developing and organizing your support for your claim consider the legal appeals. Lastly, conclude with a restatement of your argument as to which you want the reader to take action, if suitable.

Once done in the first draft, it is advisable to get a second opinion. On the first reading check the content and organization, one can use the assessment for persuasive essays by Kemper, D & Sebranek, M. (2001). The assessment for rubric for persuasive essay is as follows: (1) stimulating ideas – focuses on a statement of opinion about a timely subject; contains specific facts and details to support the opinion; maintains a clear, consistent stand from the start to finish. (2) Logical organization - includes a clear beginning, strong support, and a convincing conclusion; arranges ideas in an organized manner (perhaps offering point first or last); presents logical arguments. On the second reading check for style: the language use as elements of style in writing is important in persuading your readers or dismays them. That is to consider the (3) Engaging voice – speaks in a convincing way, using appropriate tone; shows that the writer feels strongly about his or her opinion. (4) Original word choice – explains or defines any unfamiliar terms; uses language that shows as understanding of the subject. In here, Holt, Rinehart and Winston suggested the use of repetition for a persuasive effect that is the repetition of words and phrases and a rhetorical device that can prove especially effective in the art of persuasion. The reason why repetition is used is because it is use to: emphasize ideas, unify ideas, establish rhythm, and make message memorable. Once, everything has met your standard during the revision process: consider the following questions – have you encourage a positive response from the readers by making the argument prominent and credible? Have you chosen the line of argument most probably to invite the readers? Are you sure that the argumentative essay is concise and interesting as possible? Are you sure that the action you want the readers to take is clearly described? And lastly, is your tone consistently courteous and professional? If all the answer to the questions is yes then, proof reading for the last time before it is to be published.

What can persuasive essay teach us? Well, this can help us to become effective writers as long as we follow the correct guidelines in writing a persuasive essay. It would be easier for us to write, teach and edit our own literary essays once we know how to focus on a particular topic, organize, support and elaborate, employ styles in writing and conventions which involves correctness in sentence formation and usage.

Reference:

Academy of Arts. 2004. persuasive writing. 18 July 2006 < http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/persuasive_writing1.htm#conclusion>

Longlieb, D. The Bi – College News Online. 8 April 2006. How to write a persuasive essay. 18 July 18, 2006 < http://biconews.com/article/view/198>

Holt, Rinehart, & Winston. Writing workshop: writing a persuasive essay. No date available. 18 July 2006.

Sebranek, P., Kemper, D., & Meyer, V. 2001. Writers Inc: A student handbook for writing and learning. Wilmington, MA: Great Source Education Group, Inc.

Söderberg, H. 2005. Gertrude. 18 July 2006 < http://www.quotationreference.com/update_archive.php>

[Writing Tips] How to write Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essay presents an argument or viewpoint with the purpose of convincing or attempting to encourage the reader to accept what the writer’s point of view or opinion or take an action (Buss & Kanowski, 2002). It has also the purpose of changing one’s mind about something. Persuasive essay is also known as the argument essay. It utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea (essayinfo.com).

For instance, you will argue that working in call center is not a good choice of career. Or you might recommend that the agriculture sector in the Philippines should be given more priority than the military.

To have an effective and successful persuasive essay, it is very important that you present strong evidence that would support your point of view (factmonster.com). Critical stance and development of a strong argument are key strategies when writing a persuasive essay to convince someone to agree with your position.

For more acceptable evidence, you should present statistics, facts, and quotations from experts and examples to build a strong case for your argument. Appeal to the reader’s sense of logic by presenting specific and relevant evidence in a well-organized manner (factmonster.com).

For example, you recommend about taking more priority the agriculture sector than military in the Philippines. There is significant in this recommendation in the sense that agriculture in the Philippines is productive if given priority and having production of agriculture products would mean high income for the farmers which comprise a great number of the population in the Philippines. These arguments also should include facts and statistics like how many percent are the farmers of the Philippines and how much income does agriculture brings to the gross income of the Philippines.

Facts are powerful means of convincing. It may come from your reading, observation, or personal experience. Statistics also can provide excellent support. Just be sure your statistics come from responsible sources and be sure to cite the sources. In addition, quotes direct from leading experts that support your position are very useful. Moreover, examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They are the proof (essayinfo.com/essays).

A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic (essayinfo.com/essays).

Also, consider the opposing point of view. Anticipating the concerns and questions that a reader might have about your subject and responding to these points will give you the chance to explain why your viewpoint or recommendation is the best one (factmonster.com). Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument (essayinfo.com).

Persuasive essay with a goal to persuade needs to be succinct. This doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be short. It just needs to be stripped of any unnecessary language and be direct to the point (Wood, 2005). As stated “Write with nouns and verbs” (Strunk & White et.al. 2000). All good writing creates a sensory element, and writers often try to accomplish it with overabundance of adjectives. However, precise nouns and verbs are more effective.

One of the best tips for writing an essay is to keep it simple. As according to Strunk and White, “avoid fancy words.” Simple, straight forward words and feelings create the best persuasive essays.

Like other types of writings, persuasive essay also follow a particular format. This should have an introduction, body and conclusion.

Choosing the Topic

Before you start writing your persuasive essay, choose a topic that you would like to discuss that is debatable. It must have two sides and then choose in what position of the argument or issue your essay would focus. Usually, the most effective topics of persuasive essays can be taken from the news or from the concerns of the people such as moral concerns, environmental concerns, political or even economical concerns can brings out interesting topics for your persuasive essay.

In choosing a topic for your essay, it is helpful to do brainstorming to develop topic that you would like to discuss. Then after you have listed the possible topics you’ll need to select one to work on. Evaluate each idea according to what you want to achieve. These following questions may help you: Is this topic going to yield enough material? Will the topic interest readers? Will the topic accomplish the article’s purpose? Is there enough information available about the topic? (Westover, 2006)

It is also important to consider your audience. It is important to know if your audience agrees, oppose or neutral with your argument.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction part of your essay introduces the reader to your argument. You should construct your introductory paragraph well that would capture the attention or interest of the reader. You should give appropriate background information about the paper's topic. You should include in your paragraph a brief summary of the ideas to be discussed in your paper's body as well as other information relevant to your paper's argument. The most important function of your paper's introductory paragraph is to present a clear statement of your paper's argument (www.hamilton.edu). You should include also in the paragraph your thesis sentence to present an effective argument. Without a thesis, it is impossible for you to present an effective argument (www.hamilton.edu). Your thesis sentence should reflect both the position that you will argue and the organizational pattern with which you will present and support your argument. in constructing your thesis sentence you should state the “what” which answers your basic argument in your paper and what you are exactly arguing in your paper and the “how” which is the strategy you will use in your presentation of your argument (www.hamilton.edu).

For example, you want to let your readers to sympathize with your argument that agriculture in the Philippines must be given priority by the government. To do this you should show statistics or forecast to show the significance if the government would give priority with the agriculture sector.

In writing the introduction, you should make sure that it would catch the readers’ interest or attention because how can you persuade when no one would bother reading your article. You should begin your essay with a “hook or a grabber statement”. In your introduction, you can use different styles of opening your essay. You can use opening with an unusual detail, opening with a strong statement, opening with a Quotation, opening with an Anecdote, opening with a Statistic or Fact, opening with a Question, opening with an Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement, and opening with a threat/opportunity statement (orangeusd.k12.ca.us).

Opening with an Unusual Detail

Example: Technology that helps airlines keep track of baggage and sounds an alarm when a shoplifter tries to leave the store may be able to stop surgeons from losing a sponge inside a patient, a study said on Monday.

Opening with a Quotation

Example: As Fernando Pessoa said in his The Book of Disquiet, "No intelligent idea can gain general acceptance unless some stupidity is mixed in with it."

Opening with an Anecdote

Example: Time Magazine is celebrating the burka as a symbol of diversity. It seems only yesterday that the left considered the burka to be the ultimate repression of women, now it is a symbol of enlightenment. The National Organization for Women should be thrilled because men will no longer be able to look upon women as sex objects. There could be a huge market in this country for designer burkas. I can just see next Academy Awards with Angelina Jolie, or Jennifer Lopez sporting Versace berkas.

Opening with a Statistics or fact

Example: Virginia farm wineries estimate a 25 percent cut in annual revenue due to a recent federal court ruling that prohibits them from selling directly to retailers. 99.6 percent of his business comes from selling grapes to wineries. Nearly 300 independent vineyard owners across Virginia are expected to lose buyers for their grapes. Virginia farm wineries and other wineries affected should do something to stop this new law.

Opening with a Question

Example: Where does Europe stands now? What holds its many people together? Where lies their destiny?

Opening with an Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement

Example: Globalization affects the whole wide world and so much on trading and business activities.

Opening with a Threat/Opportunity Statement

For how many years, Filipinos has been suffering with the increase of commodity prices due also to the continuous fluctuation of prices of gas and oil in the global market. However, there is a new discovered plant species called “tubatuba” when process can be an alternative energy source.

The introduction of the essay should also contain the focus statement which tells the reader the specific topic of your essay, imposes manageable limits on that topic, and it suggests the organization of your paper (orangeusd.k12.ca.us).

Writing the Body

The body is the spirit of the essay. This is where arguments are discussed and where you convinced your reader with your position of the argument or persuade to do something to an issue or problem. The actual development of your paper's argument is contained in the body of your paper. Your body paragraph should present a single idea or set of related ideas that provides support for your paper's argument. Each body paragraph should address one key aspect of your paper's thesis and brings the reader closer to accepting the validity of your paper's argument. Because each body paragraph should be a step in your argument, you should be mindful of the overall organization of your body paragraphs (www.hamilton.edu).

The first thing in creating a successful body paragraph is writing its topic sentence. Topic sentence acquaints the reader with the main point of the section and represents the next argument.

The topic sentence should not be a fact because a fact is not debatable. It should be a statement of position and that position should be mentioned clearly and direct. Make it also definitive (www.geocities.com). You should give enough illustrative examples and use reliable facts. You should include specific evidence, examples and statistics and not broad generalizations or personal opinions to persuade the reader that the stated position is valid one. These should convince the reader that your opinion is reasonable and your arguments are valid.

In one of the paragraphs you should discuss contrasting positions and your counter argument. Rebut the opposing viewpoints and demonstrate the superiority of your opinion (bestessays.com). The body should at least comprise with three paragraphs or more.

You can elaborate your position through the use of statistics or research, real-life experiences, or examples. You can also use hypothetical instance which you can use when you want the reader to see a different point of view.

Also, in the body of the essay, you can clarify your position. You can provide background information that a reader may need. Illustration may be appropriate for the reader to understand more what you want him to understand or point out. You can also analyze a problem by looking at the parts and be able to help also the reader to understand and accept your ideas or opinions.

You can also use analogy to explain or elaborate an idea by identifying likeness between the ideas even when they are different. This would be helpful when comparing something (orangeusd.k12.ca.us).

Writing the Conclusion

In writing persuasive essay, it usually ends with a conclusion. This is the summarizing part of the whole essay. The most important points in the essay should be stated once again in this part as to what the reader is to believe or do.

In the conclusion, restate your focus statement and summarize the main points. This would enable the reader to refresh what they have just read. All your evidence and explanations should build a strong ending in a clear and memorable way. You might also include in your conclusion a call to action (factmonster.com).

Your conclusion should draw together the threads of the paper's argument and shows where the argument of your paper has gone. An effective conclusion gives the reader reasons for bothering to read your paper. (www.hamilton.edu).

Lastly, to have an effective persuasive essay, use a pleasant and reasonable tone. Sarcasm and name-calling weaken an argument. Logic and fairness will help to keep the essay strong (factmonster.com)

References:

Wood, Barbara. Persuasive Writing for Students, Webmasters, Bloggers, and Everyone Else. Accessed 18 July 2006

<http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/persuasive-writing-for-students-webmasters-bloggers-and-everyone-else.html>

Buss, K., & Karnowski, L. (2002). Teaching persuasive texts. In Reading and writing nonfiction genres (pp. 76–89). Newark, DE: International Reading Association

Five Paragraph Essay. Accessed 18 July 2006. <http://www.geocities.com/soho/Atrium/1437/pers.html>

How to Write a Persuasive Essay. Accessed 18 July 2006.

<http://www.factmonster.com/homework/writingskills7.html>

Persuasive Essay. Accessed 18 July 2006 <http://essayinfo.com/essays/persuasive_essay.php>

Persuasive Writing. Accessed 18 July 2006 <http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/persuasive_writing1.htm>

Persuasive Essay. Accessed 18 July 2006 <http://www.bestessays.com/music.php>

Polak,Adam (1998) and Jen Collins, (1996). Essentials of Effective Persuasive Essays. Accessed 18 July 2006 <http://www.hamilton.edu/academics/Resource/WC/Effective_essays.html>

Strunk, William Jr., E.B. White, & Roger Angell. The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition (Paperback). Longman (January 15, 2000)

Westover, Brian. (2006, July 02). 10 Simple Steps - Basics of the Writing Process. EzineArticles. Accessed July 18, 2006, from <http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Simple-Steps---Basics-of-the-Writing-Process&id=235104>

How to Write a Persuasive Essay

To make your readers stand in similar grounds with you, the writer, is the end-goal of a persuasive essay. And this is not or may not be a piece of cake on your part. Composers of this brand of essay play similarly the role of lawyers or debaters in which, all of you argue that this certain path is the best and safest to traverse. This essay though, is not going to persuade, but inform you on the writing guidelines on essays of persuasion.

What Are the First Round of Evidences?

Persuasive essays entail a stand on a particular conflicting event. You are actually caught between (or among) two (or more) ideas or positions that are at odds against each other. In getting out of this dilemma, you might be thinking that the first move is to take a stand, or a position. I believe this is not the immediate and right step in writing your persuasive essay. Since persuasive essays require powerful argumentation, it is best to investigate briefly first on the evidences behind the issue at hand. Initially, gather all the relevant data in order for you to examine it in various angles.

Let us illustrate this guideline. If you are to write a persuasive essay that tackles Recognition or Redistribution as the heart of social policies, then in order for you to come up with, a good essay about it, you have to know first the following information: What is Recognition? What is Redistribution? What do scholars say about these? You should have a literature review first on the issue at hand. How can you persuade the readers to walk with you if you have not passed through the two positions that are at odds against each other?

The significance of the brief literature review is that it enables you to encounter first the sides of the issue at hand. It is a means for you to brainstorm. It does not mean however that you are going to spend the bulk of your time reading everything about the issue at hand. You will be devoting much of your time defending your position in the best way possible. According to De La Paz (2001), in teaching students to write persuasive essays, they have “to be reflective by generating ideas to support each side of an issue before deciding what their position is” (p. 234).

What Is Your Position?

After engaging in a brief literature review on the topic that you will be writing on, decide now on what is your position. Based on your first round of academic inquiry, ask yourself whether you are going to dwell on the left or the right wing. Ask yourself, which of the positions is more appropriate in resolving the issue in which you are going to write on. Which is sounder? Which is more applicable in reality? Since you are being of values, you judge the matter according to your set of values.

Write to Persuade

After deciding on the position to take, you are now about to argue it in a form of writing. Arguing through writing is far different and difficult than speaking or presenting. Although in some cases, you can always cite illustrations, figures, or tables to support your point, but note that these are only materials that could aid the readers. Still, you struggle in the form of the written words. Bear in mind therefore that you are going to write to persuade. But just how are you going to write a persuasive essay?

1. Keep in mind that essays in general are basically structured intro three parts – introduction, body, and conclusion.

Keep your introduction short and let it serve as the abstract or the preview or overview of your essay. Write it in such a way that the hints you provide will tease the readers. More importantly, state the general thesis statement of your essay in this portion of the essay. State your stand so that the readers will know what to expect. How about the body and the conclusion? The subsequent sections are about to discuss how to do so.

2. Make sure that your arguments are logically presented.

The body is the heart of your persuasive essay. It is in this section that you deploy and strongly establish your arguments. Thus, your essay must ensure clarity. You cannot present a strong defense for your claim if you cannot present it in a clear and well-structured manner. Be sure to write down your points, premises or specific thesis statements in a logical manner. In doing so, De La Paz (2001) suggests that you think of a map. A map leads you to something. It would be useful if you state first the ideas that support your points before you state your ideas that rebut the other stand (p. 234). In other words, you can logically present your arguments by having smooth transitional sentences. Make it a point that this certain paragraph that contains this certain idea will lead to the next. In effect, your arguments are tightly weaved among each other, and therefore strongly presented.

3. State clearly your points or premises.

You have to be clear that every paragraph is about a certain idea. Every paragraph contains a specific thesis statement, which refer to your points or premises. You can write your specific thesis statements by way of a declarative sentence or in a rhetorical question. The following illustrates the said suggestions respectively:

1) It is strongly believed that China must join the United States of America and Japan in disarming North Korea.

2) What is the significance of China in disarming North Korea?

Either way, your audience is exposed to your position, and you reveal unto them afterwards the supporting ideas behind your position.

4. How are you going to state your point?

This may be the first question that you will confront yourself with in writing your persuasive essay. Before stating your point, you must decide on which between the facts and your point will come first. On the one hand, you may opt to present the facts first before stating your point. On the other hand, you may opt too to state first your point before presenting the facts. Either way, the facts and your point build on each other.

According to Coffin et al. (2003), there are three ways in stating one’s perspective on the issue. The writer may explicitly use “I think”, “in my view”, or “in my opinion”. The writer may also make use of “it can therefore be argued that”, “from the evidence it is clear that x is a plausible interpretation”, or “an analysis of the evidence above shows that”. The third option is to join these two ways (p. 58). What is essential here is that you speak to your readers and you convey to them your stand.

5. Stick to your goal — to persuade.

Since a persuasive essay aims to convince the readers to view the world in a particular perspective, the author therefore has to strengthen her/his arguments by integrating relevant points of view. Coffin et al. (2003) is saying that a writer may include other points of view for two purposes — to have a balanced presentation, or to avoid deploying simplistic arguments. On the other hand, the writer may not do so as it would only weaken her/his arguments (p. 57). If you see yourself trapped within this circumstance, it is best that you should stick to the goal of a persuasive essay — to make your readers to stand in the same grounds as yours. It is good that you present and acknowledge the different angles to the problem, but you must ensure that it does not defeat the purpose of defending your stand.

Let’s take a look at this example:

I firmly believe that Hong Kong should enjoy autonomy from China as stated in the Basic Law in which, Hong Kong is supposed to “enjoy a high degree of autonomy”. The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress’ interpretations of the Basic Law, and the central government’s reported direct or indirect interference with Hong Kong are all accounts of violations to the autonomy that Hong Kong is supposed to be enjoying in a “one country, two systems” state. Christine Loh’s (2006) tri-dimensional view of the matter provides an alternative in resolving the issue of Hong Kong’s autonomy. First, the people of Hong Kong respect their culture at the same time “willing to stand up for two systems”. Second, they respect the central government, acting in such a way that they are not attacking its leaders and CCP. And third, they believe in “one country”. China therefore should seriously acknowledge these three things if it respects Hong Kong, since there are no huge threats behind if China will make Hong Kong truly an autonomous region.

Notice in this example that the writer has stated a clear stand – that Hong Kong should be autonomous from China. Then, an undeniably different point of view (by Christine Loh) has been cited, which is about unity in a different angle. At first glance, it seems that such point of view even supports the opposite position of the writer. Yet, the author has even used it to advance the claim that Hong Kong should be autonomous from China.

6. Use strong evidences.

This guideline is corollary to the fourth one. Strong arguments require strong evidences. The second round of evidence-hunting is devoted on searching for literatures that will fortify your claim. According to De La Paz (2001), supporting ideas account for why you took this position and not the other. Likewise, they provide a precise defense for the premise (p. 234).

Writing a persuasive essay based on common sense or on the moral frameworks of society is insufficient and lacks precision, and therefore dissuades the readers. You are a rational being, and for that reason, you should argue in accordance with academically produced materials. Ask yourself the following question: Who are the experts in that area of concern and what do they say about it? The reason why you should listen and eventually cite these experts is because they have studied or scholarly researched on this particular conflicting event. Therefore, it makes your essay sound authoritative.

The following is an example of a pro-abortion stand that is grounded on academically produced moral philosophy:

According to Mill, “The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness” (qtd in Crisp 95). Individuals are rational enough to realize whether an event will be favorable or unfavorable to their positions. The pleasure or the pain behind abortion justifies its act. Consider the case being the parents are in a state in which having a baby puts them in a disadvantage position in the course of time. Thus, there is no greatest good if they will not abort the baby. In the end, the event will just bring them pain, and not pleasure. It can therefore be argued that, abortion, being a vehicle to attain the desired pleasure, is considered a moral act.

Other than the aforementioned paragraph, Coffin et al. (2003) prescribe that you may also refer to your own personal or professional experiences, documentary evidences, quantitative and/or qualitative data, etc. (p. 58). The example cited in the fourth guideline can likewise be an example for this guideline. Note that the author in that example has cited the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress’ interpretations of the Basic Law, and the central government’s reported direct or indirect interference with Hong Kong, which are personal/professional experiences and documentary proofs, as the evidences in support of the stand. The point I am driving at in this guideline is that you should place a premium in looking for scholarly produced materials because these are the means for you to attain your goal.

7. Highlight your voice.

You should not forget your voice in your persuasive essay. You are not merely making a stand on a certain issue. You are actually expressing your very own self. Coffin et al. (2001) state that by and large, the style of a persuasive essay is such that you sound authoritative and like “the voice of a professional historian”; and, you speak your “own personal identity and ‘voice’” (p. 59).

This guideline is related with the third one, on stating your perspective. You have to realize that doing a persuasive essay is more than taking a stand and supporting them with researched evidences. You should highlight your voice in your written piece. Otherwise, you are merely just making a perfect paper without a soul. Other than explicitly saying your stand, you can cite your personal and/or professional experiences as one of your supporting statements. This way, the readers are able to encounter you and your experience that has paved the way for writing what you believe in. In convincing your audience, you have to show that you yourself are convinced that this stand is the best.

8. Have a beautiful exit.

Consider the following percentages. Devote 15% of your effort on your persuasive essay’s introduction, 50% on its body, and 35% on its conclusion. You should focus only on developing a good body. You should bear in mind that the conclusion is just as good or significant as the body. The conclusion serves as your essay’s final statement, which will leave a final remark among your readers. Says De La Paz (2001), “Good endings provide resolution to the essay by restating the premise or summing up the writer's beliefs” (p. 234). Apart from this statement however and referring to the previous guideline, I suggest that you state once more your position in your conclusion.

Conclusion

How to write a good persuasive essay? The first move is to briefly investigate on the issue at hand. Secondly, decide on the road you are going to take. Then, write your persuasive essay according to these 8 guidelines: 1) Keep in mind that essays in general are basically structured intro three parts – introduction, body, and conclusion. 2) Make sure that your arguments are logically presented. 3) State clearly your points or premises. 4) State your points. 5) Stick to your goal — to persuade. 6) Use strong evidences. 7) Highlight your voice. 8) Have a beautiful exit. In the course of writing, you should be guided by your end-goal, i.e. to make the readers to stand in similar grounds with you. This is what writing a persuasive essay is all about.

References:

Book:

Coffin, C, Curry, M J, Goodman, S, Hewings, A, Lillis, T M, & Swann, J 2003,

Teaching Academic Writing: A Toolkit for Higher Education. Routledge,

London.

Journal:

De La Paz, S 2001, ‘STOP and DARE: A Persuasive Writing Strategy’,

Intervention in School & Clinic, vol. 36, no. 4, p.234.