Writing 101: Key Elements Of A Persuasive Essay

You’re bound to be expected to write a persuasive essay at least once during school, college or university. Unfortunately, many students are never taught how to write this type of paper in the first place. If you have to compose this sort of paper, and don’t know how to go about it, you can rest assured. This comprehensive guide lists and explains the key elements of a persuasive essay.

What is a persuasive essay?

Before we go any further, it’s important that you know what a persuasive essay is. Essentially, it’s a formal paper in which you need to try to convince your readers that your point of view on a particular matter is the correct point of view. You do this using relevant arguments, facts and examples.

Element 1: The title

You need to choose a title for your paper. While it may seem counterintuitive, you should probably only choose your title once you’ve written the rest of your paper. This will give you a better idea of exactly what’s in your paper.

Element 2: The introduction

In the introduction to your persuasive essay you need to introduce the matter that you will cover in your paper. You also need to describe your point of view on the matter. You also need to give a concise summary of the rest of your paper in your introduction.

Element 3: Your arguments

In this section of your persuasive essay, you need to present all your reasons why you hold the viewpoint that you do. Make sure you present your arguments in a logical order. And make use of as many relevant facts and examples as you can to back up your argument.

Element 4: Disputing opposing arguments

Here you need to provide the main counterarguments to your own arguments, and explain why you believe they are not valid.

Element 5: The conclusion

In your conclusion, you need to wrap up and close your paper for your reader. You can do this by giving a short summary of the main points of your paper.

Other possible elements

In addition to those discussed above, there may be other elements that you need to include in your persuasive essay. These include a cover sheet, table of contents, and list of references. You can read your assignment brief or ask your teacher to find out whether you’re required to include any of these things in your paper.

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