How to Write a Persuasive

Essay
What is persuasive writing?

Persuasive writing tells the writer’s

opinion and why the reader
should agree.

Copying permitted
What is the goal of persuasive writing?
 to state the writer’s opinion
 to give reasons why the reader should agree
 to convince the reader to take action

Copying permitted
 Step 1: Read the prompt carefully
before you begin.
Writing Situation: Many eighteen year olds
who are old enough to vote, choose not to
register, not participating in elections. Do
you think it is important to register and
exercise your right to vote?
Consider the reasons one would want to
register and participate in elections.
Directions for Writing: Now write a persuasive
essay stating whether or not eighteen year
old should register and participate in
elections. Give reasons to support your
position arguing in such a convincing
manner that others will agree with you.
Step 2: Take a stand.
Think about the stand that will
provide two reasons for
argument.
Rhetoric
The persuasive power
of words was
discussed by Aristotle
around 350 BC.
He presented an
analysis of rhetorical
strategies, which
included three
elements: logos,
pathos and ethos:
Logos
An attempt to persuade the audience (or
reader) through sound reasoning.

Reliable evidence, e.g. facts, definitions,

statistics and other data that appeals to the
logic and intelligence of the audience.
Pathos
An appeal to the emotions of the reader or
audience.

Attempt to induce a particular state of mind

in e.g. anger, understanding, sympathy,
tolerance

Taps into the sentiment or feelings of the

audience or readership.
Ethos

Appeal of the speaker or writer in terms of

his / her credibility and experience

Presents, directly or indirectly, a profile that

sets a stamp of authority on the words
used to persuade.
Aristotle’s model of persuasion

Logos Pathos

Ethos
 Step 3: Prepare the graphic organizer.

Now fold
your
paper into
4
squares.
Step 4: Complete the graphic
organizer.
Unfold the paper and draw a box in
the center. In the center box
write a sentence to convey your
stand.
Step 3: one
Write Complete
Example: the graphic
Write another
Example:
organizer.
reason is
Voting you
your reasonvote
Every you
way to18-year
think state think 18-year
counts and
olds should
your concerns olds should
is important.
vote.beliefs.
and vote.
Voting is not only the privilege
but the responsibility of every
18 year-old.
State the other Itvote. is important to exercise the right to
Through this process beliefs
side’sSome
Example: opinion
people Summarize
and concerns are conveyed. Although
many election contests are won by
claim teenagers are too
(counterargume
immature. However, if your
comfortable margins, some have been
so close that a single vote has made
nt and
they can gorebut it. the
to war, they difference. Citizens must show the
reasons.
world the importance of voting in a
can vote. democracy.
Remember:
 You cannot use I. Since you are
writing the paper, the reader knows it
is your opinion!
 You cannot use You. Use: a person,
someone, people, citizens, one, he,
she, they, etc.
 Avoid contractions like can’t, don’t,
won’t, etc.
 Your Topic
 State legislators are pushing
schools to adopt an “exit exam.”
This would be a comprehensive
test that all seniors wanting to get
a diploma would have to take. A
passing grade would be required to
graduate.
Step 1: Think about the topic
 Directions for Writing: Now
write a persuasive essay stating
whether or not seniors should be
forced to take an exit exam in
order to graduate. Give reasons to
support your position arguing in
such a convincing manner that
others will agree with you.
Step 2: Take a stand.
 Think about the stand that
will provide two reasons for
argument.
 PROS CONS
 Step 3: Prepare the graphic organizer.

Now fold
your
paper into
4
squares.
Step 4: Complete the graphic
organizer.
Unfold the paper and draw a box in
the center. In the center box
write a sentence to convey your
stand.
Step 3: one
Example:
Write Complete
The the graphic
Example:
Write another
organizer.
exit exam
reason you Students
reason youwould
proves that the
think seniors be forced to
think seniorstake
student has their classes
should take should take
completed the seriously.
the exit exam. the exit exam.
work required.
Every seniors should be required to
prove his/her readiness for
graduation by taking and passing
an exit exam. Today’s world is more complicated
State the other
Example: Critics argue that
than ever. Students need to retain all

side’s opinion Summarize that they learn in high school in order

students have already passed to compete for spots in top colleges
all of their classes and that and jobs. By making seniors take an
(counterargume your
proves they should graduate. exit exam, schools will be placing the
However, students are responsibility for learning on the
nt and rebut it. reasons.
responsible for their education. shoulders of the students and not the
teachers. There is a core body of
knowledge that everyone should know
Remember:
 Start with a hook and transition to
the topic of exit exams.
 Do not use ‘you’ or ‘I.’
 Do not use contractions.
 Do not use slang words.
 Watch your tone.
 Use logical reasons for support.