Persuasive Essay

Definition and Purpose Definition of Persuasion: 1) To prevail on a person to do something, as by advising or urging 2) To induce to believe by appealing to reason or understanding; convince. Purpose of Persuasion: Argues for a certain position on a given issue. Aims to convince the reader of the strength of the author’s point of view and to get the reader to agree with the author’s position.

Elements of Persuasive Essays Thesis: A proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. Can be a clearly stated thesis in the first paragraph of an essay (as in high school essays). Clear transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion Body paragraphs that include evidential support A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

Persuasive Vs. Expository There are many similarities between persuasive essays and expository ones. The persuasive essay often involves more research. Whereas expository writing usually seeks to remove or hide author bias, the persuasive essay hinges on the author’s opinion. The evidence gathered and provided justifies the author’s position. Argument Vs. Explanation