1-09 The Persuasive Essay

1. Purpose: To influence the reader's perspective on a specific issue—to persuade the reader to agree with you or at least recognize and accept the validity of your argument.
2. Audience: The audience is a critical reader who, to some extent, disagrees with your opinion. You should consider why the reader might disagree in order to help you prepare a stronger argument.
3. Goals:
   • to present a clearly stated position
   • to provide a focused argument with clear reasons and details
   • to use relevant information from credible sources to support the argument

Persuasive Essay Structure

Introduction

• Hook
  • The introductory paragraph begins with an engaging sentence to get the reader's attention and introduce the essay topic in an interesting way.
• Background
  • The introduction typically includes between one and three sentences that provide general information to help the reader understand the importance and controversy of the issue. The purpose of these introductory sentences is to transition from the general topic to a more focused argument, and to lead the reader to the thesis statement. 
• Thesis Statement
  • The thesis statement is always the final sentence of the introductory paragraph, and it is the single most important sentence of the essay, as it contains the controlling idea to be developed in the body paragraphs. The thesis statement must contain
    • a clearly stated opinion, often refered to as a claim
    • three points (reasons) to explain and support your claim, each of which will be developed in the body paragraphs

Body

• The Argument
  • Three paragraphs supporting the position or claim within the thesis
  • Each paragraph focuses on one of the three points presented in the thesis, and each point is developed with specific details to exemplify or explain your position.
  • These specific details should include relevant information from credible, and properly cited, sources
  • Each body paragraph must follow basic paragraph structure, with a clear topic sentence
• The Counter-Argument and Response
  • The counter-argument is the opposing view—objections someone may have to your argument—in other words, it is the position of your audience. Within your essay, in any or all of the body paragraphs, including the counter-argument can make your own argument more effective.
  • The purpose of including the counter-argument is
    • to show that both sides have been considered, making your position seem more balanced and well-developed.
    • to respond directly to these objections by refuting or conceding.

Conclusion

• Restate the thesis and summarize the three main points of the argument.
• End with a strong statement that will leave an impression on the reader, for example, a prediction, warning, etc.