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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Persuasive Essay

5-minute read

• 24th March 2020

A persuasive essay is one in which you take a stance on a topic and argue your position. But what goes into a good persuasive essay? In this post, we walk you through the basics of writing one, including:

• Selecting an essay topic and a position to argue.
• Researching information to support your arguments.
• Considering competing points of view.
• Planning and outlining your essay.
• Revising and proofreading your essay.

Read on below to find out more.

1. Selecting an Essay Topic and Position

A good persuasive essay topic will be something where you need to take a position and defend it, not a simple matter of fact.

For instance, you could write a persuasive essay about the social effects of economic inequality, arguing that it is either harmful or beneficial overall. But you wouldn’t write about the water cycle , because it’s a well-understood natural process with no room for debate.

When choosing an essay topic for a persuasive essay, then, make sure to:

• Check your essay prompt for guidance on what to write about.
• Select a subject where there is room for debate, not just a set of facts.
• Find something that you care enough about to argue for a position.
• Avoid topics that are too big to answer in a single essay (e.g., you might struggle to reach firm conclusions if you’re writing about the meaning of life, the universe, and everything ).

You’ll then need to decide the position you’ll take on your topic. Typically, this means either arguing for or against a proposition: If you were writing about recycling, for instance, you could argue either that “Recycling is essential for the environment” or “Recycling is a waste of time and effort.” In the essay itself, you’ll then need to persuade the reader of the position you’ve chosen.

2. Research the Subject Area

Once you know what you’re writing about, it’s time to start your research! You may know something about the topic already, which is a great start, but you still need to back this up with evidence and arguments.

To do this, look at what other people have said on the topic. Focus on reliable sources – books, journal articles, and academic websites – and note down any facts, research, or expert opinions that either support or challenge the position you’ve decided to argue in your essay.

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3. Consider Different Points of View

As part of your research, don’t forget to consider different points of view. This means looking at arguments against your position as well as finding things that support it. There are two key reasons to do this:

• It will show you’ve reached a conclusion after looking at all the evidence rather than just picking a position and sticking to it regardless.
• Looking at potential objections to your argument means you can address them in your essay, strengthening your own position in the process.

You may even change your initial thoughts on the subject after researching it (e.g., if you were planning to argue that recycling is a waste of time, you might end up thinking it is more important than you realized). This is fine!

In fact, you can even use this to frame your essay: e.g., “When I began researching this topic, I thought [X]. Now, however, I believe [Y]. In this essay, I will explain why I changed my opinion and the arguments that led me to do so.”

4. Planning a Persuasive Essay

As with any essay, you need to plan what you’ll write before you start writing. And the best way to do this is to prepare an essay outline . For a persuasive essay, this usually includes four main sections:

• Introduction – A paragraph where you introduce the essay topic and your thesis statement (i.e., the position you will argue for in the essay).
• Main Body – A series of paragraphs in which you present each point of your argument and supporting evidence (e.g., research or expert opinions). Each paragraph should cover one main point, with the number of points required depending on the essay length.
• Conclusion – A final paragraph where you sum up how your arguments support your thesis. Try to end on a recommendation that follows from your position (e.g., “Based on these points, we need to recycle more”).
• References – If required, include a list of sources used in your research.

When you have worked out what you want to say, it’s time to start writing!

5. Revise and Proofread Your Essay

When you have a finished first draft, it’s time to redraft and polish. First, though, take a break. Ideally, you’ll leave it overnight and come back in the morning with fresh eyes. This will help you spot areas that you could improve, making the redrafting process much easier.

And when you’ve finished redrafting, don’t forget to have your essay proofread ! This will ensure the final document is error free and easy to read, improving your chances of getting good marks.

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• Humanities ›
• Writing Essays ›

Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

To be effective, an argumentative essay must contain elements to help persuade the audience to see things from your perspective. These components include a compelling topic, a balanced assessment, strong evidence, and persuasive language.

Find a Good Topic and Point of View

To find a good topic for an argumentative essay, consider several issues and choose a few that spark at least two solid, conflicting points of view. As you look over a list of topics , find one that really piques your interest, as you'll be more successful if you're passionate about your topic.

Once you have selected a topic you feel strongly about, make a list of points for both sides of the argument. When shaping an argument you'll have to explain why your belief is reasonable and logical, so list points you can use as evidence for or against an issue. Ultimately, determine your side of the argument and make sure you can back up your point of view with reasoning and evidence. Work against the opposing point of view and prove why your stance is correct.

Gather Evidence

One of your essay's first objectives will be to assess both sides of your issue. Consider strong arguments for both your side, as well as the "other" side—in order to shoot their statements down. Provide evidence without drama; sticking to the facts and clear examples that support your stance.

You may look for research that provides statistics on your topic that support your reasoning, as well as examples of how your topic impacts people, animals, or even the Earth. Interviewing experts on your topic can also help you structure a compelling argument.

Write the Essay

Once you've given yourself a solid foundation of information, begin to craft your essay. An argument essay, as with all essays, should contain three parts: the introduction , the body, and the conclusion . The length of paragraphs in these parts will vary depending on the length of your essay assignment.

As in any essay, the first paragraph of your argument essay should introduce the topic with a brief explanation of your topic, some background information, and a thesis statement . In this case, your thesis is a statement of your position on a specific controversial topic.

Present Both Sides of the Controversy

The body of your essay should contain the meat of your argument. Go into more detail about the two sides of your topic and state the strongest points of the counter-side of your issue.

After describing the "other" side, present your own viewpoint and then provide evidence to show why your position is the correct one. Work to discredit the other side using some of the information you discovered in your research. Choose your strongest evidence and present your points one by one. Use a mix of evidence, from statistics to other studies and anecdotal stories.

A strong conclusion can help summarize your point of view and reinforce with your reader why your stance is the best option. You might consider reserving one overwhelmingly shocking statistic for the conclusion, one that leaves no room for doubt in your reader's mind. At the very least, use this final paragraph or two as an opportunity to restate your position as the most sensible one.

When writing your essay, consider these tips to help craft the most rational and poignant argument for your readers. Avoid emotional language that can sound irrational. Know the difference between a logical conclusion and an emotional point of view.

Don't fabricate evidence and don't use​ ​ untrustworthy sources for evidence, and be sure to cite your sources .

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