The Persuasive Essay
Remember, effective writing happens when you effectively write to one person.
Note, even though many people could potentially read one piece of writing forever (depending on where it is), when each person reads it, it’s from one mind to another.
That’s why you should write with mainly one person in mind.
For this persuasive essay, you’re trying to convince your blue (sad) friend to try writing themselves an encouraging letter (an exercise you just did recently :D).
Persuasive Essay 5-Paragraph Outline (Suggested, Not Mandatory)
P1 – Introduction to an advantage, an issue, or concept. Thesis statement. Transition to the next paragraph.
P2 – Reasons, why the change/switch/action to take, is beneficial.
P3 – More, expansion, example, evidence, anecdote (short story)
P4 – Your opposing side’s strongest point (the person who wants to disagree with you most). Use this and turn it against that dissenter.
P5 – Conclusion:
1. Call to action.
2. Commentary on the future.
3. Review/summary of benefits.
4. Cliffhanger/question.
Reading tips:
If you read one sentence at a time and imagine that someone else is reading the next sentence, it’s kind of like talking! :D. And, it’s good for your final essay.
Persuasive – This type of essay is the opposite of an argumentative essay. It is aimed at changing the readers’ point of view completely, taking the author’s one as an axiom. It is a stronger and more difficult type of essay as it requires a better understanding of the subject and good skills in criticizing the opponents.
In most cases, persuasive essays deal with topics that are relevant here and today. A persuasive essay should be very tough and influential. By writing it, you show that you are really good at something and that you are sure that your opinion is ultimately correct. You may lose your audience the very moment you lose your integrity.
Remember that your essay has to be solid as a wall because your personal traits have no influence on a reader. It doesn’t matter how you look, speak or wear. The only weapons of yours are words. Your audience should want to accept your viewpoint as the only one that makes sense.
It is not an easy task to do. That is why it requires much practice. It is a long way to master your language to influence other people with it, but this skill is highly important in many aspects of life. Don’t worry if your first results will not be good enough. The more you try, the better you become.
These are the most common types of essays that are widespread in academic life.
Each of them requires certain skills and talents. But don’t be scared in case you find yourself unable to write them. It takes life & practice.
-Paul