Writing Persuasive Essays

© Central Institute of Technology 2014 Purpose The aim of a persuasive or argumentative essay is to: Analyse a controversial topic Persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s viewpoint Argue that the writer’s point of view is correct Influence others to agree with the viewpoint presented © Central Institute of Technology 2014

© Central Institute of Technology 2014 Strategies The argument must be supported by: Facts - from research, observation, personal experience Statistics - from reliable sources Quotes - from experts that support the position taken Examples - provide proof/evidence © Central Institute of Technology 2014 Clipart from Microsoft Office

© Central Institute of Technology 2014 Structure Parts of a Persuasive Essay: Introduction - an overview of what the essay is about Thesis statement - indicating the writer’s position or opinion Body - explaining the arguments to support the writer’s position Conclusion - summary of points, final statement © Central Institute of Technology 2014 Courtesy of Nuchylee, freedigitalphotos.net

Background information Structure of a Persuasive Essay INTRODUCTION Background information Definitions Thesis statement BODY Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 Paragraph 4 CONCLUSION Summary Final statement

© Central Institute of Technology 2014 Getting Started Decide on your topic: usually a current or controversial issue for discussion Choose your position: which side of the issue are you going to take and what solutions will you provide? Research your topic: read from a range of credible sources and collect evidence to support your argument Structure your essay: decide on what evidence you will use and the order you will present it © Central Institute of Technology 2014

© Central Institute of Technology 2014 Topics Examples: What are the causes and solutions to eating disorders? How can we decrease youth violence? Should smoking be banned in public spaces? Should students be required to wear uniforms to school? www.sxc.hu/profile/adamci © Central Institute of Technology 2014

© Central Institute of Technology 2014 Introduction Gives an overview of what the essay is about Captures the interest of the reader Provides some background or context for the reader Defines any technical terms Indicates the point of view being taken in the thesis statement (last sentence) © Central Institute of Technology 2014

© Central Institute of Technology 2014 Body The body paragraphs should have: a topic sentence: this the first sentence and the main point or argument is presented here support: facts, evidence and examples to reinforce the main point transition: end each paragraph with a "transition" sentence that smoothly connects to the first sentence of the next paragraph © Central Institute of Technology 2014

© Central Institute of Technology 2014 Conclusion Signals the end of the essay Summarises the main points Restates the thesis statement in different words Leaves the reader with final thoughts on the subject Must not contain any new information Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net © Central Institute of Technology 2014

© Central Institute of Technology 2014 Editing Checklist Is the argument clear and consistent? Does each paragraph have one main idea that is expressed clearly in a topic sentence? Are all sentences in the paragraph relevant to the main idea? Does the conclusion summarise the main points? © Central Institute of Technology 2014

Finally… Have you written the required number of words? Have you checked the punctuation, spelling and grammar? Have you referenced quotes and statistics in-text using the APA style? Does your Reference List contain full details of all the resources cited in-text in the APA style? Acknowledgement: adapted from a learning guide written by Bev Fasolo © Central Institute of Technology 2014