persuasive essay writing outline

persuasive essay writing outline

Mastering the Art of Persuasive Essay Writing

1. Introduction to Persuasive Writing

Welcome to the art of persuasive writing. This guide is written for anyone seeking to improve their persuasive writing skills, including business and professional folk. Persuasion has been variously defined as the smallest form of public speaking; the art of lying acceptably; the art of sales-talk; “Life itself is a compromise between conviction and persuasion” (Kenneth Burke). The purpose of the first part is to articulate some principles of persuasive writing, not from a theoretical perspective (e.g. it is beyond the scope of this guide to examine exactly what it is we want to persuade our audience/mate/petty criminal to do, or why we believe that they are in need of persuading), but from a practical one. This guide, the first in a series, will also include some of the historical context of persuasive writing as well as a brief introduction to the psychology of persuasion.

With the invention of printing in the 1400s, anybody with something to say could now tell a lot of people about it, and they wanted to make sure that their ideas would stick. The result was the publication of instruction manuals on the art of rhetorica (persuasive writing), from which we can derive many of its basic principles – among which we would count the exercise of persuasive influence for a fee. The increasing importance of language as a mode of “persuasion management” has drawn the interest of psychologists and linguists to the fields of advertising, public relations, politics, law, and medicine. Their work has uncovered much that you can use to improve your persuasive writing skills, so that’s where we’ll finish this guide.

2. Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

When it comes to persuasive essay writing, there are certain key elements that can make or break your project. One such crucial aspect is the thesis statement – an argumentative course you plan to navigate your reader through in the whole text. A strong thesis statement in a persuasive essay must communicate your main topic, your main point about that topic, and a clear plan for rationale or supporting arguments in an informative way.

There are a variety of different types of thesis statements depending on the desired topic and angle of persuasive essay writing. In a factual essay, a strong thesis statement often takes the form of a generalized topic statement and a list of key supporting points. For instance, if you are addressing an issue such as the lack of access to clean drinking water in an area in need, here is a sample thesis statement: “People in the area in question have fairly easy access to clean water – or do they?” In an argumentative essay, a strong thesis statement compels readers to necessarily be on the writer’s side. Conversely, if you believe the life circumstances of an author are a good recipe for writing success, then make your point by including a strong thesis statement to support your point of view. The thesis statement or points you include will vary in each essay.

Needless to say, however, you must focus on answering the essay question directly, and this is why a thesis statement can be very useful. A strong thesis statement can also serve as a “map” of the essay, laying out your central argument and the paper’s supporting points. Personally, I find the biggest problem with thesis statements is actually understanding or realizing just what they are. Later in an essay, when you are revising your first draft, the reader expects the topic to have changed a bit by the middle or ending of the paper. Always include clear direction for the reader. If it’s not a sociological analysis, extraneous moral temper trigger, or philosophical conundrum, try to at least pick an interesting topic of relevance. It is better to mention the purpose of your persuasive essay.

3. Building a Compelling Argument

A persuasive essay requires a clear and convincing argument that is logically organized. Using a classical argument structure can help you build a compelling case. Writers establish the thesis and a clear statement of the issue before offering context and reasons for the argument. Refutation is a key part of a classical argument, as it gives writers the opportunity to address opposing arguments early, helping to solidify the strength of his or her argument. Refutation and support come together to make a compelling case in the final essay. Using supporting information favorably and incorporating it properly can strengthen an argument. Structure an argument so there is time and space to set up supporting materials and let it connect with the thesis.

A clearly communicated argument that is well supported, well organized, not only on a micro level of sharing examples and reasons, but on a macro level and having a clear connection between parts of the essay can help build a strong argument. A weak counterargument can’t just stand alone; it has to harm the paper. It can’t be something that is easy to knock off, but something that actually interacts with the reader and is distinguished and shown to be less strong than the paper’s own argument. Finding supporting information and refuting a counterargument is not about pandering to a professor’s expectations; it’s about finding your own place in the world and in a conversation.

4. Utilizing Persuasive Language and Techniques

The art of creating a persuasive essay banks on the use of persuasive language and techniques, which influence the reader in favor of the writer. One of the most potent tools used in these essays is rhetorical devices, one of which is the use of ethos. This builds credibility and trust between the writer and the reader. Here, the writer who presents an emotionally charged anecdote engages the reader, drawing them to take a stance for or against a certain topic. Next is logos. This device presents apt, logical information, one that is free of flaws. Using examples – fictitious or real – to drive the point home, logos invites the reader to share the writer’s views. And finally, there’s pathos – the element that caters to the reader’s emotions, which the writer hopes taps deep into the reader’s pool of compassion and understanding. In the absence of this key ingredient, the essay would represent only facts, without coming across as highly convincing or believable.

While anecdotes may serve to capture a reader’s attention, essentially, there are several unique and powerful language devices that may be used to convert a premise to a rationale. Metaphors help to compare two different concepts, with similes sharing a similar characteristic – the only difference lies in the use of ‘like’ or ‘as’. In portraying a conversational tone, one that resonates deeply with readers, both of these devices make a reader visualize a message better. Hyperbole, capable of exaggerating truths to sound or appear less serious, is another language technique which affords writers more infamy. And a hypothetical scenario is one more useful tool: it employs a what-if method, and if the reader’s opinion is swayed in favor of the writer, it does so quite significantly. A step up from this, using carefully mapped storytelling combines the captivating elements of composition with a higher purpose. By juxtaposing both techniques, it allows a writer to subtly deliver a message that is far more powerful than a thesis statement.

5. Concluding with Impact

While repeating the introduction is counterproductive, a conclusion that complements the introduction creates a satisfying harmony in the essay. As the introduction presents the argument’s thesis, the conclusion begins by restating that thesis. Next, the conclusion should review the main points discussed within the body of the essay. The thesis statement from the first paragraph, the next sentences will give a summary of main points, which beginning the concluding point. The final sentence should be persuasive to the main point and the inducing to the next action. It can be considered as a call for action as well.

The summary of the three main points from the body of the paper. Restate the thesis. For example, it is a great idea to contribute to the charity and start at home. Attention to the reader and inspiring the reader to become involved. So, the charity is useful for the giver and the receiver. In short, a conclusion paragraph should never ignore the reader. For quite some time, the introduction pulled the reader in and now the conclusion is turning the reader into a member of the foundation. The conclusion should make the reader feel sold, feel happy and feel welcomed. A persuasive conclusion does not end alone; it must have an impact on the reader to inspire them to action or thought. The reader is unable to forget the idea. When deciding to start writing an essay, just like with more artistic works, one should try to add something that will leave the audience feeling the same way. It is thought they will probably remember it forever.