Persuasive writing

WHAT is the difference between an expository essay and a persuasive essay? Expository writing aims to inform or explain while persuasive writing aims to persuade and convince others. Persuasive writing is a piece of writing in which a writer uses words or sentences to convince the readers of his or her views pertaining to an issue. Persuasive writing is popularly used by many writers to convey or support one’s opinion. You must have reasons from your perspective and from someone who thinks the opposite of you.

You must also give valid reasons to support your cause and explain what the consequences will be if the things you are listing are not done. Persuasive writing is like a lawyer arguing a case in front of a judge. The writer can stand on an issue, either for or against and build an argument to convince the readers. A well-written persuasive article is supported with a series of facts that help the author argue his or her point. Many writers also include counterpoint arguments in their pieces which they can debunk, showing readers that they have considered both sides of the argument at hand, and that any arguments which could be raised against the side of the essay could be dismissed.

The basic five-paragraph essay structure, which you have probably used many times by this point, works extremely well for an opinion or persuasive essay.

An opinion or persuasive essay exists to prove your main point — your thesis. This should be clearly stated in your introductory paragraph. Don’t leave the reader to guess what your position is on the issue. You have to make a clear stand!

Next, develop your argument in the body of your essay. Each paragraph should contain a single, clear idea that supports your point of view. You can use examples and illustration, cause-and-effect reasoning, comparison/contrast or other methods of development to support your argument.

Do note that a paragraph is three to five sentences that develop a single, clear idea. A good paragraph often begins with a topic sentence that sums up your main idea.

Paragraph 1:

AN OUTLINE OF A TYPICAL FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY

Start your essay with a general statement about your topic that catches the reader’s attention, a relevant quotation, question, anecdote, fascinating fact, definition, analogy, the position opposing one you will take, or a dilemma that needs a solution. State your arguable position on the topic that you will support with evidence in your body paragraphs.

TOPIC SENTENCES

ANALYSIS Connect each paragraph with a sentence or two that demonstrates how each idea leads into the next, and how they work together to support your position.