Persuasive Writing
Topic, Audience, & Purpose
Topic
any issue that is
debatable
Audience
your reader; the
target of your
communication
Purpose
to persuade a reader to
adopt a certain point of
view or to take a
particular action.
Words to Know:
Claim

The claim is a statement of
opinion that the writer
supports with reasoning and
evidence.

The claim is the core of the
argument.

Example: Duct tape is the
most ingenious and versatile
tool ever invented.
Words to Know:

Thesis
The thesis is a one sentence
statement of the writer’s
argument that contains a
claim and at least one
premise, or reason.

Example: Duct tape is the
most ingenious and versatile
tool ever invented because
it’s vital to national security,
it’s a medical miracle, and
it’s a fashion statement.

Test your thesis. Your thesis
must be debatable. Are
there two sides to the issue?

To ensure that your own
argument is debatable, try to
write a thesis statement that
directly opposes your own.
Words to Know:

Reasons
A reason supports the
validity of the claim.

Claim: Duct tape is the most
ingenious and versatile tool
ever invented.

Reason 1: It’s vital to
national security.

Reason 2: It’s a medical
miracle.

Reason 3: It’s a fashion
statement.
Words to Know:
Evidence
STATISTICS


The evidence
supports or proves
that your reasons are
logical.
FACTS
Evidence may
include facts,
statistics, examples,
and expert opinions.
EXAMPLES
EXPERT
OPINIONS
Words to Know:

Counter-Argument
Counter-arguments are
opposing positions, or
other viewpoints you
must address.
Question: Should gun control be
further tightened?
PRO (FOR): Gun control should be
further tightened.
CON (AGAINST): Gun control
should not be further tightened.
Reason and Example 2
Reason and Example 3
Reason and Example 1
Reason and Example 2
Reason and Example 3
Reason and Example 1
THE STRUCTURE OF THE PERSUASIVE ESSAY:
THE INTRODUCTION

The introduction is the first paragraph of the essay that includes a
hook and a thesis statement.

The hook catches the reader's attention.

The thesis is a one sentence statement of the writer’s argument that
contains a claim and at least one reason. The introduction should end
with thesis statement.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE PERSUASIVE ESSAY:
THE BODY

In the body of the essay, the writer provides reasons and evidence
to support the opinion offered in the thesis statement.
A SUCCESSFUL BODY PARAGRAPH CONTAINS

A TOPIC SENTENCE: The topic
sentence states one of the
reasons the writer uses to
supports her claim.

SUPPORTING SENTENCES:
Supporting sentences include
evidence that supports the
reason. The evidence makes the
writer’s reason seem logical.

A CLOSING SENTENCE: The
closing sentence explains how
the evidence supports the
reason.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE PERSUASIVE ESSAY:
THE CONCLUSION

In the conclusion, the writer summarizes the most important details
of the argument and stating once again what the reader is to
believe or do.

Restate your thesis statement.

Summarize your reasons. Help the reader recall the main points of your
argument.

Write a personal comment or call for action.
TIPS FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL
PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you
going to write about, and what solution will you offer?

Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is
neutral, or disagrees with your position.

Research your topic. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own
knowledge and experience.
TIPS FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL
PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Test your thesis. Your thesis must have must be debatable.

Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence
must appeal to reason.
TIPS FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL
PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite
viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing
contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in
the logic of the opposing argument.
TIPS FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL
PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Structure your essay. Figure out in what order you will present your
reasons and evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your
audience, and your topic.
Persuasive Appeals
An Ethical Appeal (Ethos)
projecting an impression that
you are someone worth
listening to, an authority on
the subject, and someone
who is likable and worthy of
respect
PERSUASIVE APPEALS
Elements of Persuasion

Elements of Persuasion include any strategy
used to influence the thoughts and actions of
the audience.
 i.e.
Ethical, Emotional, and Logical Appeals
 i.e.
Fallacies
Persuasive Appeals
An Ethical Appeal (Ethos)
projecting an impression that
you are someone worth
listening to, an authority on
the subject, and someone
who is likable and worthy of
respect
PERSUASIVE APPEALS
An Emotional Appeal (Pathos)
an attempt to cause an
emotional response
PERSUASIVE APPEALS
A Logical Appeal (Logos)
using the logic of facts and
statistics to persuade
PERSUASIVE APPEALS