Elements of Persuasive Writing

Element #1 The Hook Grabbing the audience’s attention Use a story or a fact that the audience can relate with right at the beginning to get them interested in what you are going to write about in the rest of your paper.

Element #2 Know your audience If you know who you are writing to, it will be easier for you to relate the information you are presenting directly to them

Element #3 Provide Good Arguments When trying to persuade others, it is important to show GOOD arguments. It is hard to persuade people with arguments that they could easily disagree with.

Element #4 Story telling Use real life examples to persuade your audience. People are more likely to agree with you if you provide a real life experience that they can connect with.

Element #5 Provide Credible Evidence Use researched and proven evidence to back up your arguments.

Element #6 Present the other side of the argument Always present the other side of the argument to your audience. This allows them to see the opposite opinion

Element #7 Disprove the other side Show reliable evidence in order to prove the other side of the argument that you have given WRONG! This will make your audience more apt to agree with you.

Element #8 Restate your arguments Be sure to restate your arguments in your conclusion. It will remind your audience about what your points are.

Helpful Hints Use facts based on research to back up your arguments, NOT OPINIONS!!! Be an authority on the subject-KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!!! Write in the present tense throughout your paper Do not use personal pronouns (I, you, we, us…)