Persuasive Essay

What Is Persuasive Essay?

Persuasive essay persuades or convinces someone to agree with or adopt the writer's opinion. 

Development Tips

Introductory Paragraph

• LEAD: It introduces a controversial issue. It might be a question, surprising statement, or fact that makes the reader want to know more.

• LINK: It explains why the issue is important by giving background information.

• LIST: It presents the controversial issue and writer position or main argument on the issue.
  → LIST = Issue + Position / Main argument (on the issue)

Look at the examples.
Day-care facilities should be provided at a low cost to employees.
Using mobile phone should not be allowed during exams.

Body Paragraphs

In a persuasive essay, the body paragraphs explain your arguments or reasons why you think the way you do. Each topic sentence states an argument that supports the writer’s position in the thesis statement. The following sentences support the topic sentence with reasons, facts, explanations to help the reader understand the writer’s point of view.
→ Body Paragraph 1

• TS1: Argument 1 
• SS: Evidence of Argument 1 

→ Body Paragraph 2

• TS2: Argument 2 
• SS: Evidence of Argument 2

Concluding Paragraph

This restates the writer’s opinion, but often using different, more persuasive language. It may also offer a warning, a prediction, or other type of comment that reinforces the writer’s view point.

Idea Organization

Introductory Paragraph

• LEAD: 
• LINK: 
• LIST = Issue + Position on the issue 

Body Paragraph 1

• TS1: Argument 1 
• SS: Explanation of Argument 1 

Body Paragraph 2

• TS2: Argument 2 
• SS: Explanation of Argument 2 

Concluding Paragraph

• Restatement / Summary + Final thought

Sample Essay

Coming soon!