The Persuasive Essay

 

A persuasive essay, also known as an opinion essay, is a written text that states an opinion and tries to persuade the reader into agreeing with the writer or at least recognizing the validity of their opinion. The arguments must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and even quoting experts. 

A persuasive essay combines a variety of well founded arguments with the emotion required to persuade the reader into agreeing with the writer or even taking action.  For example, an essay entitled "Society Has a Right to Put Someone to Death” would be an opinion essay.

A persuasive essay must choose a side, make a case for it, and prove to the undecided reader that the opinion it presents is the best. You must be aware of other sides and be fair to them. Dismissing them completely will weaken your own argument. You have to be fair and admit that there are other points of view, but nonetheless convince your audience that your perspective on things is better.

________________________________________________

 

The structure of the persuasive essay

 

Title: __________

 

1. Introduction: - the first part of the introduction familiarizes the reader with the topic by introducing some background information followed by narrowing down the topic from something general to something specific (the specific being the topic of your essay). It also includes the hook, which is a sentence that grabs the reader's attention.

                              - the second part of the introduction is the thesis statement. The thesis statement is usually a one line sentence that presents the topic and the viewpoint, that is your position/opinion. The thesis statement is oftentimes the last sentence of the introduction.

 

2. Body:  - supporting detail 1 (introduce facts, statistics, quotes in support of your position)

                 - supporting detail 2 (introduce facts, statistics, quotes in support of your position)

                 - supporting detail 3 (introduce facts, statistics, quotes in support of your position)

                 - counter-argument (a counter-argument is the opposing view, in other words it is what the people who disagree with you would say). Once you present the counter-argument, it is time for you to either refute it or concede. To refute means to basically say that the counter-argument is wrong for whatever reason. To concede means to agree that the counter-argument is valid but that your opinion is better. This is often times done by saying "yes, but..."


3. Conclusion: - the conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the important points. It should be slightly shorter than the introduction. It should not introduce a new argument.

________________________________________________

 

Watch this short tutorial on how to write an effective persuasive essay:

Here's the Power Point discussed in class:

The Structure of the Persuasive Essay.pptx The Structure of the Persuasive Essay.pptx
Size : 58.702 Kb
Type : pptx


Here's a list of transition words to help you organize your text like a pro!

Transition and linking words.pdf Transition and linking words.pdf
Size : 20.016 Kb
Type : pdf

Finally, here's the evaluation criteria for the Persuasive Essay:

MEES C3 grid.pdf MEES C3 grid.pdf
Size : 136.744 Kb
Type : pdf

____________________________________________________

 

Here are a few controversial topics for persuasive essay writing:

  • ·       Society has the right to put someone to death.

    ·       Assisted suicide should be allowed.

    ·       Animal testing should be banned.

    ·       Gambling should be banned. 

    ·       Parents should limit their children's use of technology.

    ·        Communication technologies are controlling our lives.

    ·        Smart phones make life easier.

    ·        The internet helps us learn better.

    ·        Technology is dangerous to our physical and mental health.

    ·        Too much technology has an impact on family life.

    ·       Video games contribute to youth violence.

    ·       Downloading music and movies without permission is equivalent to theft.

    ·       Music containing lyrics that glorify violent behaviours and criminal lifestyles should be banned.



    You can find below three persuasive essays written by former sec 5 students. They have not been modified from their original form and MIGHT CONTAIN GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. Nevertheless, they are great tools in giving you an idea about the level sec 5 students are expected to attain by the end of their high school education.



Make a free website with Yola