Persuasion Defined To persuade means to convince, or to cause to do something by urging or giving reasons. A persuasive paper establishes a fact, changes a belief, or moves readers to act on a policy. In a persuasive essay, the thesis or assertion is referred to as the argument. Types of Persuasion Persuasive papers deal with three types of questions: Fact, Belief and Policy To form an argument, you take position on the issue and reword the question into a thesis statement.

Question of Fact These statements can be regarded as true or false. Some questions of fact can be answered absolutely, while others can’t because of insufficient information, but they can still be argued. Strong evidence is required to convince your audience. Thesis Examples: USE STRONG VERBS 1.Recycling will save local communities money. 2.Coffee drinkers have a higher risk of heart disease. 3.High fiber diets prevent cancer. 4.Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone when assassinating President Kennedy. 5.Global warming will result in a decrease in certain animal populations.

Question of Value (Belief) Statements of belief which argue whether something is right or wrong, good or bad, moral or immoral, ethical or unethical, or better or worse than another thing. Thesis Examples: USE STRONG VERBS 1.Living in the country trumps city life in every way. 2.Poor people can justify stealing food to feed their families. 3.Drug education belongs in schools. 4.Same sex high schools provide a better education than co- ed high schools. 5. Censorship violates Americans’ basic rights.

Question of Policy Statements focusing on a particular action that should take place. This is the most common type used for persuasive writing or speaking. Thesis Examples: USE STRONG VERBS 1.The U.S. must improve its public education system. 2.The eighth grade class should vote for Canada as the best hockey nation on earth. 3.All people should live a vegetarian lifestyle. 4.Schools should require students to maintain a B average to compete in sports.