Writing Persuasive or Argumentative Essays
Writing the Persuasive Essay
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Steps 1 – 3
Persuasive writing analyzes the various sides of an issue while arguing a viewpoint. It may serve to clarify your own beliefs as you persuade others to accept a particular perspective. -------------------------------------------------
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The foundation of a persuasive essay is the thesis (often called a claim). The claim is the statement you will attempt to persuade your audience to agree with. To persuade your audience, you must begin by selecting a topic you feel passionate about or are, at least, interested in. -------------------------------------------------
STEP 1: SELECT AN APPROPRIATE TOPIC Persuasive writing addresses topics that are somehow controversial or stimulate discussion because of their complexity. To select a topic, first consider your own opinions. Ask yourself these questions:
* What issues do I feel strongly about? * What debatable subject, or controversial topic, would I like to learn more about?
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NOTE: If you can’t decide on a topic important or relevant to you, try searching the database on the library’s webpage or answer the questions on the handout titled “Choosing an Issue that Matters to You” (you may request a copy of the handout before or after class).
Be sure your thesis, or claim, is arguable. Avoid arguing following:
* Irrefutable facts: Example - there is no point in trying to argue heart disease is deadly. Everyone knows that, so a better argument would revolve around how to stop the rise of heart disease within the current American society. * Preferences: Opinions can be changed, but some people just prefer one thing over another. Example - some people do not like to scuba dive. You cannot convince them to enjoy something they simply do not. * Religion and other deep-rooted beliefs:
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Steps 1 – 3
Persuasive writing analyzes the various sides of an issue while arguing a viewpoint. It may serve to clarify your own beliefs as you persuade others to accept a particular perspective. -------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
The foundation of a persuasive essay is the thesis (often called a claim). The claim is the statement you will attempt to persuade your audience to agree with. To persuade your audience, you must begin by selecting a topic you feel passionate about or are, at least, interested in. -------------------------------------------------
STEP 1: SELECT AN APPROPRIATE TOPIC Persuasive writing addresses topics that are somehow controversial or stimulate discussion because of their complexity. To select a topic, first consider your own opinions. Ask yourself these questions:
* What issues do I feel strongly about? * What debatable subject, or controversial topic, would I like to learn more about?
-------------------------------------------------
NOTE: If you can’t decide on a topic important or relevant to you, try searching the database on the library’s webpage or answer the questions on the handout titled “Choosing an Issue that Matters to You” (you may request a copy of the handout before or after class).
Be sure your thesis, or claim, is arguable. Avoid arguing following:
* Irrefutable facts: Example - there is no point in trying to argue heart disease is deadly. Everyone knows that, so a better argument would revolve around how to stop the rise of heart disease within the current American society. * Preferences: Opinions can be changed, but some people just prefer one thing over another. Example - some people do not like to scuba dive. You cannot convince them to enjoy something they simply do not. * Religion and other deep-rooted beliefs: