Handout on Persuasive Writing

The Persuasive Essay is a piece of extended writing in paragraph form that elaborates on
someone’s stance on a particular topic. This stance is discussed using supporting points,
evidence or other forms of persuasive devices. The persuasive essay is organized in parts so that
the points flow coherently (clearly) and logically (sensibly).
Five Paragraph Format

The Introduction - is the beginning of the essay. Here, the reader gains a general understanding
of what stance has been taken and its supporting points. It has a/an:
-Opening statement – this is usually in the form of an attention grabber, such as a definition, a
proverb or quote. You can also open with an unusual fact, statistic, a question or an emphatic
statement.
- Thesis statement – this is a declaration of the position to be taken, that is, whether you agree or
disagree with the topic to be discussed.

Body – The body of the essay is where EACH supporting points is developed/discussed in
separate paragraph. In other words, more information is offered in the form of explanation,
examples, statistics or quotes. The body is held together using transitional words. Also, each
paragraph in the body begins with what is called a topic sentence. This sentence indicates the
point that will be elaborated on in the specific paragraph.
Conclusion – The conclusion brings the essay to a close by restating the stance and supporting
points in a fresh way. It serves as a reinforcement of the argument that has been presented.
Persuasive Techniques

Repetition – this includes repeated words, phrases, sentence patterns or ideas. It gives emphasis
and prominence to a point or makes the reader remember it.
For example: Too much fast food, too much junk food, too much high -fat energy food and too
little or no exercise.
Rhetorical Question – These are questions that have the answers embedded in them. They are
used for effect and are powerful in manipulating the reader to agree because they assume the
answers are obvious.
For example: “Wouldn’t you really rather have good food than bad?” “Aren’t you tired of
poverty?”
Direct Personal Appeal – This is addressing the readers directly as a means of urging them to do
something.
Examples: “Be the change you want to see”, “Act now! Save an animal’s life”, “Enough is
enough. Let us speak out against oppression!”
Quotes – These are the actual words from specific source.
Emotive Language – This is the deliberate use of strong emotive words to play on
readers’/listeners’ feelings. Such strong language is used to manipulate the readers’ point of
view.
Expert Opinion/Authority figure – This refers to a person who is well known in a particular
field or can be trusted to provide reliable information.
Evidence – This is information that cannot be disputed because it shows that an investigative
study was conducted to support or prove that something exists/occurs. This includes the use of
facts, figures/statistics, experiments or personal experience. Evidence serves to add weight to a
point so that it comes off as being reliable.
Exaggeration/ hyperbole – This involves overstating or magnifying the importance of a product
or service. Exaggeration makes a point dramatic to reinforce it. It gains attention and can arouse
strong or extreme emotional response.
Cliché – This is worn- out or overused expression. It is familiar to the reader; therefore, it can
offer a shortcut to the meaning.
Information gathered from: Melissa McKenzie – Press Reader

Anecdotal evidence - An anecdote is a short story involving real-life events. It is used to

illustrate a point and simplify complex issues. It triggers imagination thus makes your point more
vivid and relatable thus keeps your audience engaged. By providing real stories your persuasive
message sounds more realistic, credible, and interesting. It is effective especially when backed
up by facts.

Example: “Recently a colleague of mine experienced this dilemma first-hand”

“To give you an example, I’d like to share my experience on this issue.”