1. Writing to influence others
The Persuasive Essay
Writing to influence others

2. The art of persuasion

4. The Intent
The intention of Persuasive Writing is to influence the reader to change the way he or she thinks or acts.
In persuasive writing, the author states and supports an opinion and then tries to get the reader to agree or take an action.

5. Step 1: Choose an issue
An issue is something about which people have opposing opinions.
Often times the issue is chosen for you (such as a class essay) but remember that persuasive writing goes far beyond class essays.
When you feel strongly about an issue, you may choose to write to persuade the school administration, the city council, or the state or federal government.

6. Step 2: State your position
No fence sitting allowed!
You must make your position, or opinion, on the issue absolutely clear by writing a focused opinion statement (this is essentially the thesis statement in a persuasive paper).
Example: Schools should enact new food guidelines to ensure that students get proper nutrition in their lunches.

7. Step 3: Consider your audience
You need to concern yourself with persuading those who disagree with you or who have no opinion on the matter at all. Ask yourself:
What are my audience’s concerns? Think about biases your reader may have and be prepared to include counterarguments.
What are my audience’s expectations? Your paper will be well-received if it includes solid reasoning and evidence.

8. Step 4: Support your opinion with reasons & evidence
Your reasons are the foundation of your persuasive argument and should include rhetorical appeals:
Logos – appeal to your reader’s sense of logic
Pathos – appeal to your reader’s emotions
Ethos – present yourself as credible by honestly and fairly presenting your argument (keep biases and unsubstantiated claims out of your paper)

9. Step 4, continued Provide valid evidence to support your reasons
Use facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, case studies, and anecdotes to support your opinion.

10. Step 4, continued Remember the “3 R’s” of evidence:
Relevant – tied closely to your issue
Reliable – from trustworthy sources
Representative – use multiple sources

11. Step 5: Organize your Essay
Introduction:
Grab your reader’s attention by relating an anecdote or a startling statistic
Give background information so readers understand the issue
Give an opinion statement that clearly states your position on the issue

12. Step 5: Organize your Essay
Body:
Give at least three reasons that support your opinion statement
Acknowledge the counterargument
Make sure your reasons reflect all of the rhetorical appeals: logos, pathos, and ethos
Organize the reasons in an effective way to reach your audience
Provide evidence for each reason

13. Step 5: Organize your Essay
Conclusion:
Restate, but do not repeat, your opinion
(Optional: briefly summarize the reasons for your opinion – avoid unnecessary repetition)
Include a call to action that tells the readers what they can do to help change a situation