which form of persuasive writing do you feel works best

What Is Persuasive Writing? (Complete Answer With Examples)

No matter what you do in life, you will probably find yourself needing to master persuasive writing.

What is persuasive writing?

Persuasive writing is a type of writing that is used to convince or persuade someone of something. It is often used in business and marketing contexts but can be used in any type of writing. Persuasive writing uses logical, emotional, and structural techniques to seek agreement and initiate change.

In this article, I will answer the most common questions related to “What is persuasive writing?”

What Is Persuasive Writing? (Detailed Answer)

A more complete explanation of persuasive writing is that it is a type of writing that is used to try to change or influence the opinion of the reader.

It can be used in many different contexts, such as in business, politics, or marketing, but it can also be used in other types of writing, such as essays or articles.

These are the common characteristics of persuasive writing:

• Evidentiary support (facts, statistics, case studies, etc)
• Easy reading experience (transitions, word choice, etc)

In order to be persuasive, your writing must be well thought out, purposeful, and bookended with a strong introduction and conclusion.

Persuasive writing can be formal, informal, or even colloquial in style and tone.

As far as the point of view, you can use first-person, second-person, or third-person. No matter what point of view you use, keep the focus on the reader.

What Is the Purpose of Persuasive Writing?

The purpose of persuasive writing is to grab attention, compel readers to think differently, arouse emotions, challenge assumptions, facilitate agreement, change minds, and—ultimately—convince the reader to take a specific action.

For example, you can convince:

• Website visitors to sign up to your email newsletter
• Blog post readers to click on an affiliate link
• Your manager to allow you to work remotely
• Clients to buy your product or service
• A politician to fix a broken streetlight
• An artist to hire you as a ghostwriter for rappers
• A literary agent to represent your novel or book
• Your favorite writer to respond to your letter to an author
• Dissertation reviewers to give you higher marks
• Readers to positively comment on your Power Rangers Fan Fiction

3 Types of Persuasive Writing

The three major types of persuasive writing are ethos, pathos, and logos. In my opinion, the best persuasive writing includes all three.

Here are definitions and examples of all three types.

Ethos is the writer’s character or credibility.

In order to be persuasive, a writer must establish trust with the reader. One way to do this is by being transparent and honest about who you are and your credentials.

You can also build ethos by using credible sources, such as statistics, case studies, and expert opinions.

An example of ethos in persuasive writing is:

“As a lifelong resident of this community, I know the importance of keeping our streets clean. I urge you to vote in favor of the cleanup proposal.”

Pathos is the emotional appeal to the reader.

The persuasive writer must connect with the reader on an emotional level in order to convince others to agree with them.

You can use word choice, stories, and “emotional” language to trigger a guttural feeling response in readers.

Here is an example of pathos in persuasive writing:

“Please fix this streetlight. It’s been broken for weeks and it’s very unsafe. Our children play in this neighborhood and I’m worried about their safety.”

Logos is the logical appeal to the reader.

The persuasive writer must make a rational argument in order to be persuasive. You can use facts, statistics, and expert opinions to make your argument.

Here is an example of logos in persuasive writing:

“The national evidence shows that working remotely can increase productivity by up to 43%. My productivity is even higher at 47%. Please consider allowing me to work from home.”

13 Forms of Persuasive Writing

There are many forms of persuasive writing.

Here are 13 forms:

• Editorials —Opinion pieces that argue for or against a position.
• Letters to the Editor —Written responses to articles or editorials, often voicing an opinion.
• Print advertisements —Adversiting materials that try to sell a product or service.
• Sales letters —Written materials used to sell a product or service.
• Pamphlets —Flyers or brochures that promote a product, service, or cause.
• Songs —Emotional music-based lyrics to inspire unity and action.
• Social media postings —Tweets, posts, and pins that try to create agreement.
• Speeches —Presentations given before an audience in order to persuade them of an idea or course of action.
• Treatments —Proposals made to individuals or groups in order to influence them.
• Websites —Pages or sites that attempt to persuade the reader to take a desired action.
• Poems —Verses that try to convince the reader to believe in a certain idea or course of action.
• Email marketing —Messages that try to convince the recipient to buy a product or service.
• Personal essays —Narratives that argue for or against a position.

Related: Best AI Essay Writer (Tested & Solved)

What Is Persuasive Writing? (Examples)

One of the best ways to learn persuasive writing is to read actual examples.

Here are 5 persuasive writing examples to answer that question.

Example 1: Editorial on Car Accidents at an Intersection

It’s time for the city to take action and stop car accidents from happening at an intersection. There have been too many accidents at this intersection, and it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed.

The city needs to install a traffic light or stop sign to help control the flow of traffic.

This will help to prevent accidents from happening, and it will also make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Example #2: Essay on Changing the School Mascot

The school should consider changing its mascot. There are many reasons why this is a good idea.

One reason is that the current mascot is offensive to some people.

Another reason is that the mascot doesn’t reflect the diversity of the school’s student body.

Changing the mascot would be a symbolic gesture that shows that the school values all of its students.

Example 3: Letter to the Editor about Gun Control

I am writing in support of gun control. I believe that we need stricter gun laws to prevent mass shootings from happening.

The current laws are not working, and we need to take action to make our schools and public places safer.

I urge you to join me in supporting gun control. It’s time for us to take a stand and make our voices heard.

Example 4: Advertisement for a Credit Card

Looking for a credit card that offers low-interest rates and no annual fees? Look no further!

Our credit card has everything you need and more. It offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, and no annual fees.

Apply today and get started on your path to financial freedom!

Example 5: Email to Teacher to Allow Extra Credit for Class Participation

Hi Mrs. Jones,

I was wondering if I could get some extra credit for class participation. I have been trying to participate more in class, and I think it has improved my grades and helped the entire class feel more motivated.

Is there any way that I could get an extra point or two for my participation grade?

Thank you for your time and consideration!

What Is Persuasive Writing? (Famous Examples)

Here are a few famous examples of persuasive writing:

• Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.
• Tilbury Speech by Queen Elizabeth I
• Common Sense by Thomas Paine
• Ain’t I A Woman by Sojourner Truth
• Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States by Susan B. Anthony

What Is Persuasive Writing? (The Parts)

Persuasive writing is made up of several parts. To truly answer the question, “What is persuasive writing?” it’s helpful to understand these various parts.

Let’s explore the following four persuasive writing terms:

• Counterargument
• Call to action

What Is a Hook in Persuasive Writing?

A hook in persuasive writing is a technique that writers use to capture the reader’s attention. It’s a way to get the reader interested in what you have to say.

There are many different types of hooks, but some of the most common include:

Here is a good example of a hook in persuasive writing:

“Birth control is not about birth, it’s about control.”—Anonymous

This quotation is a good hook because it is provocative and makes the reader think. It gets them interested in the topic of birth control and makes them want to read more.

What Is a Claim in Persuasive Writing?

A claim in persuasive writing is a statement that you make to support your argument. It is your position on the topic that you are discussing.

Your claim should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. You should also be able to back it up with evidence.

Here is an example of a claim:

“Donating to Clean Water International will save thousands of innocent lives.”

What Is a Counterargument in Persuasive Writing?

A counterargument in persuasive writing is a statement that opposes your position.

It is an argument that the other person could make against you.

You should be prepared to address any counterarguments that the other person might raise. This will help you to strengthen your argument and convince the other person of your position.

Here is an example of a counterargument:

“Donating to Clean Water International is not a sustainable solution.”

What Is a Call to Action in Persuasive Writing?

A call to action is a request that the reader takes some specific action. It is a plea for the reader to help you achieve your goal.

Your call to action should be clear, specific, and actionable. You should also make it easy for the reader to take action.

Here is an example of a call to action:

“Please donate to Clean Water International today to help save thousands of lives tomorrow.”

Persuasive Writing Techniques & Tips

When writing to change hearts and minds, there are techniques and tips you can use to maximize your results.

Apply these proven persuasive writing techniques:

• Reframing —Presenting the issue in a different light.
• Framing —Using specific language to create a particular impression.
• Bandwagoning —Emphasizing that many people support your position.
• Pathos, Logos, & Ethos —Appealing to the reader’s emotions, logic, and association with authority.
• Figurative language —using creative language to make your argument more impactful (stories, analogies, similies, etc).
• Repetition —Using the same words or phrases to convince the reader. Repeating your claim.
• Language patterns —The artful use of phrases to subtely shift a reader’s thinking.
• Rhetorical questions —Asking the reader a question that forces them to think about the issue.
• Speak directly to the reader —Making a direct appeal to the reader.

When using these techniques, it’s important to be aware of your readers and their interests.

Tailor your message to match their needs, hopes, fears, and belief systems.

What Is a Persuassive Writing Map?

A persuasive writing map is a way to structure and organize your argument.

Here is a persuasive writing map that works well for me:

• Start with a strong and clear claim.
• State your reasons for supporting that claim.
• Include supportive evidence.
• Sprinkle in persuassive techniques.
• Address any counterarguments that the other person might raise.
• Finish with a short and simple call to action.

Using a persuasive writing map can help you stay on track and make sure that your argument is clear and easy to follow.

It can also help you to be more persuasive by addressing the other person’s interests and concerns in the most compelling way.

A persuasive writing map is also known as a persuasive writing outline.

How Is Persuasive Writing Different than Other Forms of Writing?

Persuasive writing is easy to confuse with different types of writing.

Many people ask me how persuasive writing is different from:

• Argumentative writing
• Expository writing
• Informational writing

Persuasive Writing vs. Argumentative Writing

Argumentative writing is a type of persuasive writing. It is a more formal type of writing that mainly uses evidence to support your position.

The big difference is that argumentative writing is based more on logic and reason.

Persuasive writing usually relies heavily on emotion-laden opinions.

Expository Writing vs. Persuasive Writing

Expository writing is a type of informative writing.

It is a less formal type of writing that explains a topic or idea.

The main difference between expository writing and persuasive writing is that persuasive writing attempts to convince the reader to take a specific action.

Informational Writing vs. Persuasive Writing

Informational writing is a type of non-fiction writing. It is a formal type of writing that provides information about a topic or idea.

Persuasive writing might inform but its main goal is to change thinking, feeling, and behavior.

Persuasive Writing vs. Narrative Writing

Narrative writing is a type of creative writing.

It tells a story and uses the writer’s own experiences to support the story.

The main difference between persuasive writing and narrative writing is that persuasive writing is non-fiction and uses evidence to support the argument, while narrative writing is fiction and does not have to be true.

However, narrative writing can include elements of persuasive writing.

Persuasive Writing vs. Technical Writing

Technical writing is a type of informative writing. It is a formal type of writing that provides information about a technical topic or idea.

Both types of writing are nonfiction.

One major difference is that technical writing is usually written for people who are already familiar with the general topic, while persuasive writing might be written for people who are not as familiar with the topic.

Technical writing also includes step-by-step guides on how to perform a specific task.

What Is Persuasive Writing for Kids?

Many kids start to learn persuasive writing in first or second grade.

As kids get older, their teachers give them more challenging persuasive writing assignments.

In high school and college, students often write persuasive essays, speeches, and arguments.

Here is a short video that goes over persuasive writing for kids:

What Is a Persuasive Writing Anchor Chart?

A persuasive writing anchor chart is a visual tool that helps younger students learn and remember the key elements of persuasive writing.

It typically includes:

• The 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, why)
• The 3 C’s (claim, clear evidence, clever reasoning)
• How to Appeal to Emotions
• How to Appeal to Logic
• How to use Persuassive Devices

A persuasive writing anchor chart might also give students sentence starters to help jog their creativity.

It serves as a kind of “Mad Lib” or “fill in the blank” template for students.

Why Is Persuasive Writing Important?

Persuasive writing is important because it can be used in so many different contexts.

It’s a great way to get your point of view across or to convince someone to do something. Additionally, persuasive writing is an essential skill for business and marketing.

If you know how to write persuasively, you can write better resumes and cover letters.

That can get you a better job— with more pay.

If you sell anything (and, let’s be honest, we ALL sell something), you can attract more clients. You can also convert more clients into customers.

In school, you can get better grades. As an employee, you can foster better teamwork and move people to action.

Persuasive writing can also convince funders to give money to worthwhile causes, such as feeding children or bringing clean water to people in need.

In short, persuasive writing can make the world a better place for all of us to live.

Can You Use Persuasive Writing in Any Type of Writing?

Yes, persuasive writing can be used in any type of writing. However, it is often most effective when it is used in business or marketing contexts, where the goal is to change or influence the opinion of the reader.

You can apply persuasive writing tips and techniques to:

• School assignments (reports, essays)
• Nonfiction books
• Grant proposals
• Reviews (movies, books, products, etc)
• Blog posts and articles
• Love letters
• Writing a Dungeons and Dragons book
• Internal newsletter
• Affiliate marketing
• And much more!

What Are Some Tips for Writing Persuasively?

Here are some good tips for writing persuasively:

• Know your audience : In order to be persuasive, you must understand who you are trying to persuade.
• Start with a strong claim: In order to be persuasive, you must make a strong argument that is not easily deconstructed or debunked.
• Support your claim with evidence : This is where the rubber meets the road. You must back up your argument with facts, data, and expert testimony (if applicable).
• Use deep reasoning to explain the evidence: Once you have presented your evidence, you must then explain why it supports your argument.
• Make an emotional appeal: People are often persuaded more by emotion than logic. You can use powerful words and images to create an emotional response in your reader.
• Be succinct: Don’t ramble on and on. Get to the point and make your argument understandable by everyone.

Persuasive Writing Topics

There are an almost unlimited number of persuasive writing topics. Below you’ll find a few ideas to spark your own creativity.

Here is a list of possible persuasive writing topics to consider:

• Education: Should college be free?
• Dating: Is it bad to give up on dating and relationship?
• Prosperity: How to achieve financial prosperity
• Politics: Is it time for a new political party?
• Lifestyle: Veganism – pros and cons
• Environment: Should we all become vegetarians?
• Morality: Abortion – is it right or wrong?
• Art: Books are better than TV
• Texting: Do guys like good morning texts?
• Science: Is cloning moral?
• Technology: AI will one day take over the world
• Food: Is our food killing us?
• Energy: Should we all live off grid?
• Health: Is organic food better for you?
• Pets: Should exotic animals be kept as pets?
• Transport: The rise of the electric car
• Religion: Is there a God?
• Parenting: Raising a child in the internet age
• Gaming: Can a DM cheat at D&D?

Best Persuassive Writing Tools and Resources

I’ve been writing persuasively for over 20 years.

Here are my favorite persuasive writing tools and resources:

If you only try one tool, I highly recommend Jasper AI (formally known as Jarvis and Conversion.ai).

I use Jasper every day to automatically generate thousands of original words for persuasive writing, blog posts, contracts, and more.

Final Thoughts: What Is Persuasive Writing?

The next step in learning persuasive writing is lots of practice. You’ll get better the more you do it.

There are a ton of helpful articles on this site about how to write better.

Here are a few related posts hand-selected for you:

• How To Write An Editorial (Your Expert Cheat Sheet)
• How to Write an Ode (Step-by-Step with Examples)
• Time Skips in Writing: 27 Answers You Need To Know

Reading Rockets Hamilton University

Table of Contents

Words, Phrases, and Arguments to Use in Persuasive Writing

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• Writing Research Papers
• Writing Essays
• English Grammar
• University of Maine

Persuasive writing is tough for kids to get used to, especially if they’re not argumentative by nature. A few tools and shortcuts can help your child learn how to write well enough to convince someone (even you!) to change his mind about an issue that really matters to him or her.

Persuasive Strategies and Devices

ONOKY - Fabrice LEROUGE / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images

There are common persuasion techniques sometimes referred to as persuasive devices that can be used to back up an argument in writing . Knowing the names of the strategies and how they work can make it easier to remember them when it’s time to write. The five common persuasive strategies are:

• Pathos: Pathos involves using emotional language that is designed to draw the reader in and make them feel for you. For example: "If my allowance isn’t increased, I won’t be able to go out with my friends and do everything they do."
• Big Names: The big names strategy involves using the names of experts or well-known people who support your position. For example: "Dad agrees that increasing my allowance will..."
• Research and Logos: These strategies involve using studies, data, charts , illustrations, and logic to back up her position and points. For example: "As you can see in the pie chart, at my age the average child’s allowance is..."
• Ethos: The ethos strategy of persuasion involves using language that shows that the writer is trustworthy and believable. For example: "As you may recall, I’ve always been willing to put ten percent of my allowance in my bank account, thus..."
• Kairos: This type of argument creates a sense of urgency about how this is the right moment to act. For example: "If I don’t get an increase in my allowance today, I will miss out on the chance to..."

Phrases and Words to Use in Persuasive Writing

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Once your child has figured out the techniques she can use in her persuasive writing, she will need to find some words and phrases that help her to be convincing. Using phrases like "I think" or "It seems that" don’t convey a sense of confidence in her position. Instead, she needs to use word combinations that show how much she believes in what she is writing.

• Phrases to Illustrate a Point: For instance, for example, specifically, in particular, namely, such as, like
• Phrases to Introduce an Example:  For example, thus, as an example, in the instance of, in other words, to illustrate
• Phrases to Make Suggestions:  To this end, keeping this in mind, for this purpose, therefore
• Phrases to Transition Between Information: Also, furthermore, additionally, besides that, equally as important, similarly, likewise, as a result, otherwise, however
• Phrases to Contrast Points: On the other hand, nevertheless, despite, in spite of, yet, conversely, instead, by the same token
• Phrases for Conclusions and Summarizing: With this in mind, as a result of, because of this, for this reason, so, due to, since, finally, in short, in conclusion

Other Handy Phrases for Persuasive Writing

John Howard / Getty Images

Some phrases don’t easily fit into a category and are just good for general use in persuasive writing. Here are a few to remember:

• I am certain. . .
• I’m sure that you can see that . . .
• What needs to be done/what we need to do. . .
• I ask you to think about . . .
• I am writing in order to . . .
• Nevertheless . . .
• On the other hand . . .
• It has come to my attention that . . .
• If you move forward with . . .
• Obviously. . .
• Surely . . .
• Regardless . . .
• If [ ] were to happen, then . . .
• This can be fixed by . . .
• Although it may seem...
• Convince Me: A Persuasive Writing Activity
• Ethos, Logos, Pathos for Persuasion
• Writing Prompt (Composition)
• How to Write a Persuasive Essay
• Use Social Media to Teach Ethos, Pathos and Logos
• Persuasive Writing: For and Against
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
• Artistic Proofs: Definitions and Examples
• Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
• How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
• What Is Phronesis?
• What Is Expository Writing?
• What Does It Mean to Make a Claim During an Argument?
• Persuasion and Rhetorical Definition
• What is an Appeal in Rhetoric?
• AP English Exam: 101 Key Terms

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A (Very) Simple Way to Improve Your Writing

• Mark Rennella

It’s called the “one-idea rule” — and any level of writer can use it.

The “one idea” rule is a simple concept that can help you sharpen your writing, persuade others by presenting your argument in a clear, concise, and engaging way. What exactly does the rule say?

• Every component of a successful piece of writing should express only one idea.
• In persuasive writing, your “one idea” is often the argument or belief you are presenting to the reader. Once you identify what that argument is, the “one-idea rule” can help you develop, revise, and connect the various components of your writing.
• For instance, let’s say you’re writing an essay. There are three components you will be working with throughout your piece: the title, the paragraphs, and the sentences.
• Each of these parts should be dedicated to just one idea. The ideas are not identical, of course, but they’re all related. If done correctly, the smaller ideas (in sentences) all build (in paragraphs) to support the main point (suggested in the title).

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Most advice about writing looks like a long laundry list of “do’s and don’ts.” These lists can be helpful from time to time, but they’re hard to remember … and, therefore, hard to depend on when you’re having trouble putting your thoughts to paper. During my time in academia, teaching composition at the undergraduate and graduate levels, I saw many people struggle with this.

Often, students would begin with strong ideas, but have trouble focusing their thoughts when it came time to translating those ideas into words  — resulting in essays with loose, distracted, and ultimately, confusing arguments. It’s not that their ideas weren’t valuable. There were just too many of them to digest at once.

Luckily, there is a (memorable) strategy that can help any level of writer greatly improve their work. I call it the one-idea rule:  Every component of a successful piece of writing should express only one idea.

You may be familiar with some of the variations of this rule, like the Pyramid Principle or  Purdue’s rules of thumb for paragraphs. After all, every great essay, article, or written work is grounded by a foundational idea — one that equally inspires the author and their audience.

In persuasive writing, which we will focus on here, your one idea is often the argument or belief you are presenting to the reader. Once you identify what that argument is, the “one-idea rule” can help you develop, revise, and connect the various components of your writing in a clear and convincing way.

For instance, let’s say you’re writing an essay. There are three components you’ll be working with throughout your piece: the title, the paragraphs, and the sentences. Each of these parts should be dedicated to just one idea. The ideas are not identical, of course, but they’re all related. If done correctly, the smaller ideas (in sentences) all build (in paragraphs) to support the main point (suggested in the title).

Why should you follow this rule?

There are many advantages to using the one-idea rule, but I’ll point out three that are particularly important:

You will sharpen your focus.  Many written pieces fail to be persuasive because they include too many ideas rather than too few. Having a clear end goal will keep you disciplined.

You will make more discoveries (and have more fun). Focus gives you freedom. When you have one specific idea you’re trying to portray, you can then experiment more broadly throughout your piece or even take a little detour without losing sight of your main point. You can dig more deeply into certain details, as long as they are related to the title, or your main idea.

You will become more confident. Knowing that you’re following a rule that describes all good writing gives you a chance to assess the quality of your own work, as well as the work of others — including your peers, your colleagues, and even well-known authors. Great writing is a skill, and once you understand how to structure papers in a compelling way, you’ll gain the confidence to decide what makes a piece truly interesting and persuasive.

How to Get Started

This rule may sound simple, but it takes practice to master.

So, what should you do the next time you begin an assignment, and you face the terrifying abyss of a blank page and a blinking cursor? How can you identify what your big “idea” is?

These three steps can help sharpen your focus.

1) Find an angle.

Maybe you’re writing on a topic that was assigned to you by an editor or a professor. Maybe you’re brainstorming a piece to pitch to a media outlet. Or maybe there is a subject you want to tackle but your focus feels too broad. Whatever the case, you have to come up with an angle — a clear and refreshing perspective on the topic at hand that presents a specific, unique, and well-supported argument or “idea.”

If you don’t know what argument you want to make, then you’re in trouble. To figure it out, ask yourself questions about the topic that tease out details related to it:

• What do I know about this topic?
• What do I not know about this topic but want to learn?
• What inspires me about this topic?
• Would others also find these issues interesting?

As you answer these questions, useful insights, questions, and unknowns will arise. For instance, perhaps you are interested in writing about “Mental Health on College Campuses.” Answering the questions listed above, may lead you down a path of discovery:

• “I’ve seen on the news that many college students are depressed or dropping out.”
• “I don’t know many details about mental health issues on college campuses specific to this pandemic.”
• “It would be great to discover new solutions to the problem or find the best existing solutions, and explain them clearly to readers.”
• Students themselves, and institutions trying to support them, may be interested.

From here, you might start out with the goal of writing about “solutions to mental health problems faced by college students.” That’s a good start, but it’s still too vague, and may be challenging for you (someone just beginning to study the issue) to tackle effectively.

The good news is that you can narrow down your idea. Coming up with a headline is a great way to do this. For example, you might title your paper, “3 Ways Colleges Can Address Mental Health Issues Among Students.” Notice how your focus immediately narrows. This will help you stay on track and investigate a clearer solution to the problem you have identified.

2) Find evidence .

Now that you have chosen a single idea or issue to discuss, assemble facts, evidence, or data that may be useful or surprising to others, and that also support the point you want to make. Sticking with our original example, research a few ideas about “mental health in college” to draw a reader’s attention:

• Stats about college enrollment and dropout rates in the last two years
• Percentage of students feeling isolated
• Greatest mental health challenges students are facing
• What universities are currently doing to help
• What universities are not doing to help
• Preventive measures for mental health problems
• Stigmas around discussing mental health
• Impacts of virtual class vs. in-person class

As you research, a few of these ideas may jump out to you as directly supportive of your argument. Be sure to record them. Likewise, take note of any evidence you come across that counters your argument. If you are able to call out and address counterpoints before the reader discovers them, you will strengthen your main idea.

While you’re brainstorming details to include in your essay, be careful to exclude examples that aren’t obviously related to that main idea (e.g., cafeteria food on campus), unless that information provides some pertinent information or context (e.g., bad food depresses students).

3) Outline .

Organize the pertinent evidence or examples you have discovered to create an outline for your piece. If all of your examples are obviously related to the main topic, then it will be relatively easy to order them into a story with a beginning, middle, and end. The main elements of the outline are marked in bold:

• Main Idea / Title : 3 Ways Colleges Can Address Mental Health Issues Among Students
• Statistics about enrollment and drop-out rates in the last two years
• Students feeling isolated despite being grouped in dorms
• Stigma around talking openly about mental health
• How should instructors help and reach out to students?
• Preventive measures for mental health problems at school
• Creating psychologically safe spaces on campus
• Using Zoom to help people wherever they are
• Finding novel ways to gather
• Conclusion : Colleges can do more to create safe spaces for students to vocalize their mental health needs. The more students who seek help, the more lives will be improved. Those students will walk away with skills that can help them now, and in the future.

You can gut check your idea by sharing your outline with an audience, like your trusted peers, family members, or friends. Pay attention to their reactions. Ask them questions about what they liked or didn’t; what they didn’t understand; what they want to know more about. These are exactly the kinds of question about an essay’s main idea that you should ask yourself each time you work on a paper. Then, adjust your outline (including the title when appropriate) based on what you learned from your discussions.

This should be enough to get you off to a strong start. If you continue to practice, you can turn this exercise into a productive habit. It can be particularly useful when you face an assignment that seems either uninteresting or too difficult. Find just one foundational idea that interests you about any subject , and you will be able to summon the motivation, energy, and direction required to finish the task, and do it well.

• MR Mark Rennella is Associate Editor at HBP and has published two books, Entrepreneurs, Managers, and Leaders and The Boston Cosmopolitans .  

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Rhetorical Analysis

Learning objectives.

• Determine the purpose and structure of persuasion in writing.
• Identify bias in writing.
• Assess various rhetorical devices.
• Distinguish between fact and opinion.
• Understand the importance of visuals to strengthen arguments.
• Write a persuasive essay.

The Purpose of Persuasive Writing

The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince, motivate, or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion. The act of trying to persuade automatically implies more than one opinion on the subject can be argued.

The idea of an argument often conjures up images of two people yelling and screaming in anger. In writing, however, an argument is very different. An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue in writing is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way. Written arguments often fail when they employ ranting rather than reasoning.

Most of us feel inclined to try to win the arguments we engage in. On some level, we all want to be right, and we want others to see the error of their ways. More times than not, however, arguments in which both sides try to win end up producing losers all around. The more productive approach is to persuade your audience to consider your opinion as a valid one, not simply the right one.

The Structure of a Persuasive Essay

The following five features make up the structure of a persuasive essay:

• Introduction and thesis
• Opposing and qualifying ideas
• Strong evidence in support of claim
• Style and tone of language
• A compelling conclusion

Creating an Introduction and Thesis

The persuasive essay begins with an engaging introduction that presents the general topic. The thesis typically appears somewhere in the introduction and states the writer’s point of view.

Avoid forming a thesis based on a negative claim. For example, “The hourly minimum wage is not high enough for the average worker to live on.” This is probably a true statement, but persuasive arguments should make a positive case. That is, the thesis statement should focus on how the hourly minimum wage is low or insufficient.

Acknowledging Opposing Ideas and Limits to Your Argument

Because an argument implies differing points of view on the subject, you must be sure to acknowledge those opposing ideas. Avoiding ideas that conflict with your own gives the reader the impression that you may be uncertain, fearful, or unaware of opposing ideas. Thus it is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.

Try to address opposing arguments earlier rather than later in your essay. Rhetorically speaking, ordering your positive arguments last allows you to better address ideas that conflict with your own, so you can spend the rest of the essay countering those arguments. This way, you leave your reader thinking about your argument rather than someone else’s. You have the last word.

Acknowledging points of view different from your own also has the effect of fostering more credibility between you and the audience. They know from the outset that you are aware of opposing ideas and that you are not afraid to give them space.

It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish. In effect, you are conceding early on that your argument is not the ultimate authority on a given topic. Such humility can go a long way toward earning credibility and trust with an audience. Audience members will know from the beginning that you are a reasonable writer, and audience members will trust your argument as a result. For example, in the following concessionary statement, the writer advocates for stricter gun control laws, but she admits it will not solve all of our problems with crime:

Although tougher gun control laws are a powerful first step in decreasing violence in our streets, such legislation alone cannot end these problems since guns are not the only problem we face.

Such a concession will be welcome by those who might disagree with this writer’s argument in the first place. To effectively persuade their readers, writers need to be modest in their goals and humble in their approach to get readers to listen to the ideas. See Table 10.5 “Phrases of Concession” for some useful phrases of concession.

Table 10.5 Phrases of Concession

• Foreign policy
• Television and advertising
• Stereotypes and prejudice
• Gender roles and the workplace
• Driving and cell phones

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers. Choose the thesis statement that most interests you and discuss why.

Bias in Writing

Everyone has various biases on any number of topics. For example, you might have a bias toward wearing black instead of brightly colored clothes or wearing jeans rather than formal wear. You might have a bias toward working at night rather than in the morning, or working by deadlines rather than getting tasks done in advance. These examples identify minor biases, of course, but they still indicate preferences and opinions.

Handling bias in writing and in daily life can be a useful skill. It will allow you to articulate your own points of view while also defending yourself against unreasonable points of view. The ideal in persuasive writing is to let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and a respectful and reasonable address of opposing sides.

The strength of a personal bias is that it can motivate you to construct a strong argument. If you are invested in the topic, you are more likely to care about the piece of writing. Similarly, the more you care, the more time and effort you are apt to put forth and the better the final product will be.

The weakness of bias is when the bias begins to take over the essay—when, for example, you neglect opposing ideas, exaggerate your points, or repeatedly insert yourself ahead of the subject by using I too often. Being aware of all three of these pitfalls will help you avoid them.

The Use of I in Writing

The use of I in writing is often a topic of debate, and the acceptance of its usage varies from instructor to instructor. It is difficult to predict the preferences for all your present and future instructors, but consider the effects it can potentially have on your writing.

Be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound overly biased. There are two primary reasons:

• Excessive repetition of any word will eventually catch the reader’s attention—and usually not in a good way. The use of I is no different.
• The insertion of I into a sentence alters not only the way a sentence might sound but also the composition of the sentence itself. I is often the subject of a sentence. If the subject of the essay is supposed to be, say, smoking, then by inserting yourself into the sentence, you are effectively displacing the subject of the essay into a secondary position. In the following example, the subject of the sentence is underlined:

Smoking is bad.

I think smoking is bad.

In the first sentence, the rightful subject, smoking , is in the subject position in the sentence. In the second sentence, the insertion of I and think replaces smoking as the subject, which draws attention to I and away from the topic that is supposed to be discussed. Remember to keep the message (the subject) and the messenger (the writer) separate.

Developing Sound Arguments

Does my essay contain the following elements?

• An engaging introduction
• A reasonable, specific thesis that is able to be supported by evidence
• A varied range of evidence from credible sources
• Respectful acknowledgement and explanation of opposing ideas
• A style and tone of language that is appropriate for the subject and audience
• Acknowledgement of the argument’s limits
• A conclusion that will adequately summarize the essay and reinforce the thesis

Fact and Opinion

Facts are statements that can be definitely proven using objective data. The statement that is a fact is absolutely valid. In other words, the statement can be pronounced as true or false. For example, 2 + 2 = 4. This expression identifies a true statement, or a fact, because it can be proved with objective data.

Opinions are personal views, or judgments. An opinion is what an individual believes about a particular subject. However, an opinion in argumentation must have legitimate backing; adequate evidence and credibility should support the opinion. Consider the credibility of expert opinions. Experts in a given field have the knowledge and credentials to make their opinion meaningful to a larger audience.

For example, you seek the opinion of your dentist when it comes to the health of your gums, and you seek the opinion of your mechanic when it comes to the maintenance of your car. Both have knowledge and credentials in those respective fields, which is why their opinions matter to you. But the authority of your dentist may be greatly diminished should he or she offer an opinion about your car, and vice versa.

In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions. Relying on one or the other will likely lose more of your audience than it gains.

The word prove is frequently used in the discussion of persuasive writing. Writers may claim that one piece of evidence or another proves the argument, but proving an argument is often not possible. No evidence proves a debatable topic one way or the other; that is why the topic is debatable. Facts can be proved, but opinions can only be supported, explained, and persuaded.

On a separate sheet of paper, take three of the theses you formed in Note 10.94 “Exercise 1”, and list the types of evidence you might use in support of that thesis.

Using the evidence you provided in support of the three theses in Note 10.100 “Exercise 2”, come up with at least one counterargument to each. Then write a concession statement, expressing the limits to each of your three arguments.

Using Visual Elements to Strengthen Arguments

Adding visual elements to a persuasive argument can often strengthen its persuasive effect. There are two main types of visual elements: quantitative visuals and qualitative visuals.

Quantitative visuals present data graphically. They allow the audience to see statistics spatially. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience. For example, sometimes it is easier to understand the disparity in certain statistics if you can see how the disparity looks graphically. Bar graphs, pie charts, Venn diagrams, histograms, and line graphs are all ways of presenting quantitative data in spatial dimensions.

Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audience’s emotions. Photographs and pictorial images are examples of qualitative visuals. Such images often try to convey a story, and seeing an actual example can carry more power than hearing or reading about the example. For example, one image of a child suffering from malnutrition will likely have more of an emotional impact than pages dedicated to describing that same condition in writing.

Writing at Work

Writing a persuasive essay.

Choose a topic that you feel passionate about. If your instructor requires you to write about a specific topic, approach the subject from an angle that interests you. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction. Your thesis should typically appear somewhere in your introduction.

Start by acknowledging and explaining points of view that may conflict with your own to build credibility and trust with your audience. Also state the limits of your argument. This too helps you sound more reasonable and honest to those who may naturally be inclined to disagree with your view. By respectfully acknowledging opposing arguments and conceding limitations to your own view, you set a measured and responsible tone for the essay.

Make your appeals in support of your thesis by using sound, credible evidence. Use a balance of facts and opinions from a wide range of sources, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and personal anecdotes. Each piece of evidence should be fully explained and clearly stated.

Make sure that your style and tone are appropriate for your subject and audience. Tailor your language and word choice to these two factors, while still being true to your own voice.

Finally, write a conclusion that effectively summarizes the main argument and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample persuasive essay.

Choose one of the topics you have been working on throughout this section. Use the thesis, evidence, opposing argument, and concessionary statement as the basis for writing a full persuasive essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, clear explanations of all the evidence you present, and a strong conclusion.

Key Takeaways

• The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion.
• An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue, in writing, is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way.
• A thesis that expresses the opinion of the writer in more specific terms is better than one that is vague.
• It is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.
• It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish through a concession statement.
• To persuade a skeptical audience, you will need to use a wide range of evidence. Scientific studies, opinions from experts, historical precedent, statistics, personal anecdotes, and current events are all types of evidence that you might use in explaining your point.
• Make sure that your word choice and writing style is appropriate for both your subject and your audience.
• You should let your reader know your bias, but do not let that bias blind you to the primary components of good argumentation: sound, thoughtful evidence and respectfully and reasonably addressing opposing ideas.
• You should be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound more biased than it needs to.
• Facts are statements that can be proven using objective data.
• Opinions are personal views, or judgments, that cannot be proven.
• In writing, you want to strike a balance between credible facts and authoritative opinions.
• Quantitative visuals present data graphically. The purpose of using quantitative visuals is to make logical appeals to the audience.
• Qualitative visuals present images that appeal to the audience’s emotions.
• Successful Writing. Authored by : Anonymous. Provided by : Anonymous. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/successful-writing/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

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• 24 Other Forms of Persuasive Writing

Start-Up Activity

Write on the board, "The problem with the world is . . ." Have students suggest answers (some serious and some silly), and write them down in a stack next to the sentence starter. After you get a fair number, choose one of the more serious problems and say, "Who has a solution?" After a student offers a solution, ask, "How would you convince others to help you with this solution?"

Tell your students that persuasive writing often comes down to getting others to join in solving a problem, whether large or small. Let them know that this chapter focuses on other forms of persuasive writing.

Think About It

“There is no human problem that could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise.”

—Gore Vidal

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.3
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.3
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.4
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.8
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.9
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.4
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.8
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.9
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.C
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.D
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.E
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.C
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.D
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.E
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1.C
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1.D
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1.E
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.6
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.9
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.10
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.6
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.10
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.6
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.10

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

Lafs.6.ri.1.1, lafs.6.ri.1.2, lafs.6.ri.1.3, lafs.6.ri.2.5, lafs.7.ri.1.1, lafs.7.ri.1.2, lafs.7.ri.1.3, lafs.7.ri.2.5, lafs.8.ri.1.1, lafs.8.ri.1.2, lafs.8.ri.1.3, lafs.8.ri.2.5, lafs.6.w.1.1, lafs.6.w.2.4, lafs.6.w.2.5, lafs.6.w.3.7, lafs.6.w.3.8, lafs.7.w.1.1, lafs.7.w.2.4, lafs.7.w.2.5, lafs.7.w.3.7, lafs.7.w.3.8, lafs.7.w.3.9, lafs.8.w.1.1, lafs.8.w.2.4, lafs.8.w.2.5, lafs.8.w.3.7, lafs.8.w.3.8, lafs.8.w.3.9, lafs.6.w.2.6, lafs.6.w.3.9, lafs.6.w.4.10, lafs.7.w.2.6, lafs.7.w.4.10, lafs.8.w.2.6, lafs.8.w.4.10, teks covered in this chapter, 110.22.b.5.f, 110.22.b.8.d, 110.22.b.8.d.i, 110.22.b.6.d, 110.22.b.8.d.iii, 110.23.b.5.f, 110.23.b.8.d, 110.23.b.5.g, 110.23.b.6.d, 110.23.b.5.h, 110.23.b.8.d.iii, 110.24.b.6.c, 110.24.b.8.d, 110.24.b.8.e, 110.24.b.6.d, 110.24.b.8.d.i, 110.24.b.8.e.i, 110.24.b.8.d.iii, 110.24.b.8.e.iii, 110.22.b.10, 110.22.b.11.c, 110.22.b.10.a, 110.22.b.10.b, 110.22.b.10.c, 110.22.b.10.d, 110.22.b.12, 110.22.b.12.d, 110.22.b.12.e, 110.22.b.12.f, 110.22.b.12.g, 110.23.b.10, 110.23.b.11.c, 110.23.b.10.b, 110.23.b.10.a, 110.23.b.10.c, 110.23.b.10.d, 110.23.b.12, 110.23.b.12.d, 110.23.b.12.e, 110.23.b.12.f, 110.23.b.6.c, 110.23.b.8.e, 110.24.b.10, 110.24.b.11.c, 110.24.b.10.b.i, 110.24.b.10.a, 110.24.b.10.c, 110.24.b.10.d, 110.24.b.12, 110.24.b.12.d, 110.24.b.12.e, 110.24.b.12.f, 110.24.b.12.g, 110.24.b.12.h, 110.24.b.12.i, 110.24.b.10.b.ii, 110.22.b.10.b.ii, 110.22.b.10.b.i, 110.23.b.10.b.i, 110.22.b.10.e, 110.22.b.6.c, 110.22.b.11, 110.23.b.10.e, 110.23.b.11, 110.24.b.10.e, 110.24.b.11, page 210 from write on course 20-20, problem-solution letter.

Have a student volunteer read each paragraph of the letter along with any side notes connected to it. Ask your class to find textual examples of the features discussed in the side notes.

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Page 211 from Write on Course 20-20

Problem-solution letter (continued).

As you finish reading the problem-solution letter, lead a discussion about the persuasive tactics that the writer uses. How does the writer build the argument (by showing that cutting field trips is a bad idea, that replacing them with virtual field trips does not solve the problem, and that fund-raisers for field trips would solve the problem) ? Note how the writer considers the principal's position and works to draw him around to a different way of thinking.

Afterward, review the "Pattern of Organization" graphic at the bottom of the page. Show how this letter follows this effective pattern, and encourage students to follow a similar pattern when writing their own problem-solution letters.

Page 212 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing guidelines: problem-solution letter.

Help your students brainstorm problems in different locations: home, school, or the community. Ask, "What one thing do you wish would change?" "What is the biggest disappointment?" "What is the one thing that needs to be fixed?" After students select topics to write about, they need to think of someone (or some group) to write to for help in solving the problem.

Before they start writing, though, students need to study the problem, looking at its causes and effects. You can use the related minilesson to have students create a cause-effect chart to explore the problem.

Afterward, students need to think of solutions. Have them look at their cause-effect charts and think of ways to eliminate or reduce the causes of the problem or the negative effects.

Analyzing with a Cause-Effect Chart

Analyze causes and effects of any topic.

Page 213 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing, revising, and editing.

When students have fully analyzed the problem and come up with a workable solution, they will be ready to write the first drafts of their persuasive letters. Lead them through the tips for creating strong beginnings, organizing the middle, and ending effectively. Then have students write their first drafts.

To guide their revising and editing, have them use the revising and editing checklist .

Page 214 from Write on Course 20-20

Persuasive poster and brochure.

Though the two forms on this page might seem less academically rigorous than a problem-solution letter, posters and brochures can more easily reach authentic audiences. Students' days are packed with activities such as concerts, plays, and basketball games that could use promotion. Also, these assignments require students to connect word and image in persuasive ways.

Point out to your students how the images attract readers' attention and present the band in a fun light. The top line is a slogan and a call to action. The bottom material includes information that readers need in order to take action (attend the concert).

Page 215 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing guidelines: persuasive poster and brochure.

Ask your students what events they would like to promote in the school or community. Have them brainstorm a list and choose one as the subject for the poster or brochure. Then lead them through the other prewriting suggestions. Have students create their posters or brochures.

Then refer to the revising and editing checklist to help them improve their projects.

Page 216 from Write on Course 20-20

Pet peeve essay.

Introduce the idea of the pet peeve by asking your students what little thing annoys them the most. Itchy tags in shirt collars? Ice cream cones that drip? That one mosquito that flies around your bedroom as you're trying to fall asleep. Point out that a pet peeve is a humorous personal complaint about a fairly trivial issue.

Have a student volunteer read the sample pet peeve. Then go back to discuss the side notes.

Have more advanced students read the pet peeve essay "Mosquito Madness."

Page 217 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing guidelines: pet peeve essay.

Have students create a cluster like the one at the top of page 217, centered around the nucleus word "annoying." Ask them to write down as many annoying things as they can think of at school, at home, and in their community. Tell them to select a topic that they could turn into a humorous complaint.

Then, have students freewrite about their topics, expressing their annoyance in a funny way. You can use the related minilesson if you need to teach freewriting.

After students have gathered enough details, lead them through the beginning, middle, and ending strategies.

Writing Freely and Rapidly

Teach student to freewrite for ideas.

Page 218 from Write on Course 20-20

Revising and editing checklist.

Once students have completed their first drafts, refer to the revising and editing checklist to support them as they improve their pet peeves.

Page 219 from Write on Course 20-20

Responding to a persuasive prompt.

Have students use a piece of paper or a hand to cover everything below the prompt. Then have students read the prompt to themselves and use the PAST strategy to analyze it. When they are done, they can uncover the page and check their answers against those listed under "Prompt Analysis."

Then direct their attention to the "Planning Quick List" that one student used to organize ideas for the response. Ask student volunteers to read each paragraph and any side notes attached to it.

Using PAST to Understand Assignments

Teach students to analyze writing assignments.

Page 221 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing guidelines: persuasive prompt.

Review how students should use the PAST strategy to analyze writing prompts. Then provide them with this persuasive prompt to analyze:

Some people feel that students need more power over their own educations. After all, the principal, the school board, teachers, and parents weigh in the most on educational decisions. Do you think students should have more say? Why or why not? What changes would you suggest to allow students greater involvement? Write an argument essay that states your opinion about student involvement in education. Use strong reasons and logical organization to persuade an adult audience of your position. Remember to answer their main objections.

After students write down their answers to the PAST questions, provide these answers to check against:

• P urpose: State an opinion and persuade with strong reasons and logic
• A udience: Adults
• S ubject: Student involvement in educational decisions
• T ype: Argument essay

Use the rest of the page to preview what students need to do to respond to the prompt. Then give students a time limit and have them write their responses. Afterward, use the revising and editing checklist for student self-assessments.

• 01 Understanding Writing
• 02 One Writer's Process
• 03 Understanding the Traits of Writing
• 04 Using Rubrics
• 05 Prewriting
• 07 Revising and Responding
• 09 Publishing and Portfolios
• 10 Creating Sentences
• 11 Building Paragraphs
• 12 Writing Essays
• 13 Writing Techniques and Terms
• 14 Choosing the Best Form
• 15 Writing in Journals
• 16 Using Learning Logs
• 17 Writing Emails and Blog Posts
• 18 Writing Personal Narratives
• 19 Other Forms of Narrative Writing
• 20 Writing Explanatory Essays
• 21 Other Forms of Explanatory Writing
• 22 Building Arguments
• 23 Writing Argument Essays
• 25 Writing Literary Analyses
• 26 Other Forms of Writing About Literature
• 27 Writing Feature Stories
• 28 Writing News Stories
• 29 Writing Editorials and Cartoons
• 30 Writing Stories
• 31 Writing Plays
• 32 Writing Poetry
• 33 Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting
• 34 Avoiding Plagiarism
• 35 Writing Research Reports
• 36 Writing in Science
• 37 Writing in Social Studies
• 38 Writing in Math
• 39 Writing in the Workplace
• 40 Using Information
• 41 Using the Internet
• 42 Conducting Library Research
• 43 Reading Nonfiction
• 44 Reading Fiction
• 45 Reading Graphics
• 46 Improving Your Vocabulary
• 47 Preparing a Speech
• 48 Viewing Skills
• 49 Listening Skills
• 50 Thinking Critically
• 51 Thinking Creatively
• 52 Using Group Skills
• 53 Taking Notes
• 54 Taking Tests
• 55 Proofreader's Guide
• 56 Student Almanac

Persuasive Writing Techniques: A Step-By-Step Approach

by David Masters

If you’re a writer, you need to be able to use persuasive writing techniques.

After all, you want people to read what you write. And maybe you want them to buy your book or article.

There’s more than one way to win an argument.

Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath Aristotle developed his own philosophy on the best way to beat an opponent using words. He called this rhetoric.

Rhetoric, Aristotle said, is  “the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion.”

The three main means of persuasion are:

• Reason – appealing to your audience’s rationality and logic.  Giving your point of view in an informed and fair manner.
• Emotion – creating feelings in your audience that lead them to your point of view.
• Beliefs – using the values and beliefs of your audience to build your argument.

You can use all of these for persuasive writing techniques.

Of course, just because a tool is available to you doesn’t mean you should use it. Different persuasive approaches will be more successful depending on the situation.

Want to show your point of view is the correct one? Use reason. Want to motivate your audience to take action? Use emotion. Trying to get your audience to care? Use beliefs and values.

In this blog post, I outline a step-by-step approach to using persuasive writing techniques.

So, what’s the best way to make a rational argument?

PEEL: Point, Evidence, Evaluation, Link

You can apply the PEEL technique – originally designed to make academic writing more compelling persuasive, and easy to read – to your blog writing, journalistic writing and nonfiction books. This technique makes your argument easy to follow and helps the reader see you are giving a fair and balanced point of view.

The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual’s own reason and critical analysis. ~ Dalai Lama

In the opening sentence, make your point. This is also known as the topic sentence, as it introduces the topic you’re about to discuss.

In the next one or two sentences, give evidence to expand upon and support the point you made. Evidence can include statistics, research findings, and quoting an authority or a primary text, such as the Bible or classic literature. Depending on the type of writing and the audience you’re writing for, you can also use anecdotes and stories from history and your own experience.

In the following sentences, you evaluate the merits of your point and any evidence against it. This shows you’re willing to engage with other points of view, and rather than undermining your argument, it serves to strengthen it.

Your evaluation can include research findings that contradict the evidence you provided, quoting authorities who disagree with you. Again, it can include anecdotes and stories.

Finally, link your point to the point you’ll make in the next paragraph.

As well as giving a good flow to your writing, this helps you create a good overall structure as paragraphs on similar themes naturally end up together.

(N.B. As paragraphs in blog posts are shorter, the PEEL technique can cover several paragraphs or even a whole blog post. Bloggers can Link to the overall theme of the blog, or give a taster of what they’ll be writing about next).

There is no greater misfortune in the world than the loss of reason. Mikhail Bulgakov

Persuasive Writing? Over to you…

• Do you use reason as a persuasive writing tool?
• What methods do you use to make a rational argument?
• Did you notice the PEEL structure in the opening section of this blog post? Go take a look to see how it works.

David Masters is a freelance writer and storyteller helping the world tell powerful stories at inkably .

Click here to enjoy the related article:  Persuasive Writing Techniques: 7 Tips.

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How Writing Makes You Happier, Smarter, and More Persuasive

The psychological benefits of writing..

Posted August 4, 2014

When you attempt to envision a “writer,” I’d posit many of you see a quirky recluse, hunched over a desk in some cabin, crumpled paper strewn about as they obsessively work on the next great American novel.

To me, writing is so much more than that. Writing is thought put to page, which makes all of us writers — even if we don’t have the chops to spin beautiful prose.

Personal and non-fiction writing is a fascinating topic because I get the sense that many successful people are secretly regular writers:

• Warren Buffet has described writing as a key way of refining his thoughts (and that is a man who reads and thinks a whole lot).
• Richard Branson once said “my most essential possession is a standard-sized school notebook,” which he uses for regular writing.
• Bill Gates has described writing as a way to sit down and re-evaluate his thoughts during the day.

There are obviously many more examples, some of which are beautifully highlighted in the book Daily Rituals .

In these cases, writing has just become another tool for thinking, expression, and encouraging creativity ; cabin dwelling novelists be damned.

So, should people who don’t consider themselves writers bother with trying to make writing a regular habit ?

Writing can be an incredibly useful outlet for many people, but let’s look at some of the research on how writing can affect the mind, and you can make the decision for yourself.

Writing makes you happier

It seems much of the literature on the benefits of writing deals with “expressive writing,” or putting what you think and feel to paper (or, let’s be honest, to the keyboard).

For instance, one form of expressive writing might be thinking about and writing out your goals in life—an activity that research has shown is beneficial for motivation .

Even blogging “undoubtedly affords similar benefits” to private expressive writing in terms of the therapeutic value.

Expressive writing has also been linked to improved mood, well-being, and reduced stress levels for those who engage in it regularly. As Adam Grant explains:

Research by Laura King shows that writing about achieving future goals and dreams can make people happier and healthier. Similarly, there’s plenty of evidence that keeping a gratitude journal can increase happiness and health by making the good things in life more salient. And Jane Dutton and I found that when people doing stressful fundraising jobs kept a journal for a few days about how their work made a difference, they increased their hourly effort by 29% over the next two weeks.

Perhaps people shun expressive writing because they don’t fully understand what it means. It doesn’t necessarily require spilling your guts in essays starting with “Dear Diary.”

Writing can lead to better thinking + communicating

Laziness with words creates difficulty in describing feelings, sharing experiences, and communicating with others — especially true when it comes to persuasive messages .

Constantly having that “ tip of the tongue ” feeling, or being able to flesh out thoughts in your mind only to have them come stumbling out when you speak is very frustrating. It paints an unfair picture of you, and regular writing can keep this from happening.

In both emotional intelligence and in hard sciences like mathematics , "Writing can help the brain to develop the logical functions required for successful math and science learning."

Writing also helps eliminate “it sounded good in my head” syndrome. It forces ideas to be laid out bare for the thinker to see, where it is much less likely that they will be jumbled up like they are in your head (hey, it’s crowded up there!).

Is writing an outlet for handling hard times?

The connection with expressive writing and traumatic events is quite complex.

On one hand, I’ve seen a study or two that shows especially stoic people tend not to receive many benefits when they write about their troubling times.

On the other hand, there are some pretty amazing studies that conclusively show writing about trauma is a powerful way to come to terms with what happened, and to accept the outcome.

In one study that followed recently fired engineers, the researchers found that those engineers who consistently engaged with expressive writing were able to find another job faster.

The engineers who wrote down their thoughts and feelings about losing their jobs reported feeling less anger and hostility toward their former employer. They also reported drinking less. Eight months later, less than 19% of the engineers in the control groups were reemployed full-time, compared with more than 52% of the engineers in the expressive writing group.

Interesting, right?

In an older study , writing about traumatic events actually made the participants more depressed … until about ~6 months later, when the emotional benefits started to stick.

One participant noted: “Although I have not talked with anyone about what I wrote, I was finally able to deal with it, work through the pain instead of trying to block it out. Now it doesn’t hurt to think about it.”

It seems that timing is critical for expressive writing to have an impact. “Forcing” the process to happen may only worsen things, but if it is an activity that is engaged in naturally, the benefits seem to be clear for many traumas.

Writing can keep you sharp with age

Writing is a thinking exercise, and like physical exercise, it can help keep you “in shape” as you age.

While the only research that I’ve seen discussed mentions hand written ideas as a good cognitive exercise, I don’t think the leap to typing is all that far.

Just like how friendships help keep you happy and healthy through their ties to social interaction and dialogue, writing seems like the private equivalent — it keeps you thinking regularly and helps keeps the mental rust from forming.

Writing may lead to increased gratitude

Counting your blessings is an activity that is proven to enhance one’s outlook on life.

As the authors noted in this study , subjects who reflected on the good things in their life once a week (by writing them down) were more positive and motivated about their current situation and their future.

The thing was, when they wrote about them every day , the benefits were minimal.

This makes sense. Too much of any activity, especially something like reflecting on one’s blessings, can feel disingenuous and just plain boring if it is done too often.

In spite of this, it is interesting to me that writing about the good things in your life has such an impact. Perhaps because it forces you to really look at why those things make you happy.

Writing closes out your “mental tabs”

Have you ever had too many Internet tabs open at once? It is a madhouse of distraction.

Sometimes I feel like my brain has too many tabs open at once. This is often the result of trying to mentally juggle too many thoughts at the same time.

Writing allows abstract information to cross over into the tangible world. It frees up mental bandwidth, and will stop your Google Chrome brain from crashing due to tab overload.

Although I’ve heard it argued that the information age might be making memories worse, I’m inclined to cite the quote about Hemingway from that very same article:

Hemingway’s words came from experience. When his wife lost a suitcase that contained all existing copies of his short stories, the work was, to his mind, gone for good. He had written himself out the first time around. He couldn’t recapture it–whatever it was–again.

Getting important ideas down alleviates the stress caused by anticipating this dreadful outcome. I’ve personally never felt inclined to not work on something just because I “archived” the idea with some notes or an outline—in fact, I’m more likely to work on it since it has already been started!

Remember these wise words from Mitch Hedberg:

I sit at my hotel at night, I think of something that’s funny, then I go get a pen and I write it down. Or if the pen’s too far away, I have to convince myself that what I thought of ain’t funny.

Don’t let that happen to you.

Writing leads to better learning

Information often better stays with us when learn as though we need to teach.

This concept of having a “writer’s ear” never fully clicked with me until I started writing regularly.

There’s a certain discipline required to create interesting written work that demands the individual be receptive and focused on finding new sources of information, inspiration, and insight . I’ve read books, listened to podcasts/radio, and watched videos I may have normally put off in order to learn something interesting that I might write about later.

Simply being a curator of good ideas encourages deeper thinking, research, and “heading down the rabbit hole” in order to find unique takes on topics that matter to you.

Committing to creating a volume of work also allows you to tackle big ideas more effectively.

From humble beginnings, writing around a certain topic for some time will allow you to build off of older thoughts, utilizing what you’ve already written down to develop ideas on a grander scale (I’m sure many writers have had a paragraph lead to an essay, which lead to a series of articles, which lead to a book).

Writing is leadership at scale

Despite the fact that the world is now being suffocated by ‘new media,’ there are obviously a lot of interesting opportunities that an “anyone can publish” world brings about.

We’re doomed…

The ability to leave an impact at scale through your words alone is a pretty amazing concept.

The emails I’ve personally received, both for my personal work and my writing at Help Scout have been truly humbling. There’s a bit of a “creative shock” the first time someone emails you thanking you for the work you’ve put how, and how it has helped them.

Without a doubt, the positive feedback for this “ leadership at scale” leads to a feeling of gratitude and happiness for the writer.

Even in the face of criticism ( a guarantee online ), writers learn to build thick skin like few others. Criticism, even unwarranted criticism, is the breakfast of champions.

What will you write today?

This was just a small sampling of the research on writing, but I hope it was interesting. It is a habit that I hope researchers will explore much further.

Whether it is recording a small moment of insight in a journal, or sitting down to spill yourself onto the page… I’d love to hear about what you plan to write today.

Gregory Ciotti writes at SparringMind.com , where he explores the intersection of creative work and human behavior. To get his best writing (featured on NYTimes, DiscoveryNews, PsychCentral and Forbes) sign up for the free newsletter .

Gregory Ciotti writes about the intersection of creative work and human behavior.

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Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing is a form of nonfiction writing that encourages careful word choice, the development of logical arguments, and a cohesive summary. Young children can be guided through a series of simple steps in an effort to develop their persuasive writing skills.

Key Information

Appropriate group size, why teach persuasive writing.

As children mature as writers, it’s important to give them the opportunity to write using a variety of formats. Persuasive writing helps students formulate specific reasons for their opinions, and provides an opportunity to research facts related to their opinions. As students develop an understanding of how writing can influence or change another’s thoughts or actions, they can begin to understand the persuasive nature of the marketing they are exposed to through television, the Internet, and other media.

How to teach persuasive writing

• Have students listen to or read examples of persuasive writing. Together, listen and look for words, phrases and techniques that helped the writer persuade the listener.
• Brainstorm something that is important to an individual child or the group. Is it extra recess? Another chapter of the read aloud? The potential closing of a library? The more authentic the issue, the more passionately your students will write.
• Once the important privilege is chosen, have the child (or class) start to list reasons why they should be allowed this privilege. “Just because,” and “because I like it” should not be considered valid reasons. Students can work together to generate at least three good reasons to support an argument. This list of persuasive words and phrases from the site Teaching Ideas may help get students started.
• Have students do some research to gather facts or examples that support their reasons.
• Have students summarize their position.

Here’s a persuasive letter written by an elementary school student from Crozet, VA:

Watch: Bubble gum letters

Create an authentic writing opportunity that motivates students to write persuasive letters to a target audience. (From the Balanced Literacy Diet : Putting Research into Practice in the Classroom)

Collect resources

Language arts.

This persuasive writing lesson (opens in a new window) from ReadWriteThink uses the Beverly Cleary book Emily’s Runaway Imagination as the springboard for kids to write letters to a librarian urging the addition of certain titles to the library. A Persuasion Map Planning Sheet guides students through steps similar to what is described above.

This resource shows the lifecycle of writing a persuasive letter to a child’s parents about where to vacation for the summer. The PDF begins with the brainstorming, moves through drafting, editing, and publishing of the final letter.

Health/Science

From Writing Fix, here’s a speech writing lesson (opens in a new window) that uses the mentor text Otto Runs for President in conjunction with the RAFT strategy. In this lesson, students assume to the role of a talking fruit or vegetable. Pretending that there’s a “Fruit/Vegetable of the Year” election, the students will create a campaign speech that explains why their fruit/veggie is the best candidate for the job.

Differentiated instruction

For second language learners, students of varying reading skill, and younger learners.

• Have students work in small groups to generate their ideas and do the research.
• Offer various suggestions for how students can share their argument: e.g., a debate format, a “soapbox” in the classroom, or letters to the editor of the newspaper.

See the research that supports this strategy

Wollman-Bonilla, J. (2000). Family message journals: Teaching writing through family involvement . Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English.

Children’s books to use with this strategy

Martin Luther King Jr. grew up fascinated by big words. He would later go on to use these words to inspire a nation and call people to action. In this award-winning book, powerful portraits of King show how he used words, not weapons, to fight injustice.

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Farmer Brown has his hands full when the cows on his farm get a typewriter. Duck, however, negotiates successfully for all parties in this very funny farm story of very clever animals. Be prepared to talk about typewriters or take a trip to a museum to see one!

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type

This is the story of librarian Pura Belpré, told through the eyes of two young children who are introduced to the library and its treasures just before Christmas. Lulu Delacre’s lovely illustrations evoke New York City at the time of the Great Depression, as well as the close-knit and vibrant Puerto Rican community that was thriving in El Barrio during this time. Bilingual Spanish-English text.

The Storyteller’s Candle

How Oliver Olsen Changed the World

Otto Runs for President

Emily Bartlett lives in an old farmhouse in Pitchfork, Oregon at a time when automobiles are brand-new inventions and libraries are a rare luxury. Can Emily use her lively mind to help bring a library to Pitchfork? ReadWriteThink (opens in a new window) offers a persuasive writing lesson plan featuring this book.

Emily’s Runaway Imagination

Liked it share it, topics this strategy is especially helpful for.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 perfect persuasive essay topics for any assignment.

General Education

Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

• Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
• Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
• Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
• Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
• Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

• Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
• Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
• Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
• With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
• Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
• Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
• What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
• Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
• Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
• Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
• Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
• Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
• Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
• Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
• Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
• Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
• Should students learn cursive writing in school?
• Which is more important: PE class or music class?
• Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
• Should class rank be abolished in schools?
• Should students be taught sex education in school?
• Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
• What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
• Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
• Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
• Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
• Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
• Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
• Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
• What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
• Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
• Should there be limits to free speech?
• Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
• Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
• Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
• Should recycling be made mandatory?
• Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
• Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
• Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
• Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
• Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
• Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
• Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
• Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

• Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
• Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
• Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
• Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
• Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
• Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
• Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
• Is national security more important than individual privacy?
• What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
• Should the electoral college be abolished?
• Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
• Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
• Who was the most/least effective US president?
• Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

• What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
• Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
• Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
• Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
• Is eating genetically modified food safe?
• What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
• What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
• Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
• Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
• Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
• Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
• Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
• Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
• Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
• What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
• What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
• Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
• What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
• Should nuclear power be banned?
• Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
• Do zoos help or harm animals?
• Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
• Should animals in circuses be banned?
• Should fracking be legal?
• Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
• What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
• What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
• Should euthanasia be legalized?
• Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
• Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
• Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
• Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
• Is solar energy worth the cost?
• Should stem cells be used in medicine?
• Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
• Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
• Should college athletes receive a salary?
• Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
• Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
• Should horse racing be banned?
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
• Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
• Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
• Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
• Should facial recognition technology be banned?
• Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
• Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
• Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
• Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
• Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
• Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
• Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
• Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

• Do your research
• Make your thesis perfect
• Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well?   Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you. 

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Persuasive Writing Techniques You Can Implement Today

Rule 1: Hit Them With The Hook

A-hem alright. Here it goes…

Good copywriting is essential for a successful marketing campaign. But what, exactly, makes good copy persuasive? And how can you use those techniques to achieve your goals?  

Don’t you wish everyone would just think what you want and agree with you?

Do you ever feel like persuasion is an art form that’s impossible to master?

Before we begin, you should know the two hard truths about the art of persuasion: 

• Some people are inherently more persuasive.  
• Mastery comes from practice and experience. 

Some say the pen is mightier than the sword, and there’s a lot of truth to that. So, we’re sharing the persuasive writing techniques we use at SpacebarCollective with you. Here, you’ll learn how to write copy that influences action and blog content that drives conversions .

What Is Persuasive Writing?

Unlike styles of writing meant to share information, entertain or describe a subject, persuasive writing is a form of argumentative writing that delivers logical arguments with emotional appeal and influences the audience to agree with a particular point of view. In persuasive writing, the language and tone tend to be conversational—a strategic tactic intended to build a more personal relationship between the author and reader. 

Persuasive writing techniques focus on experiences that appeal to emotions. From beauty magazines raving about the latest and greatest anti-aging regimes to fitness publications pushing 14-day diets, persuasive writing is omnipresent.  

Modes Of Persuasion

There are three modes of persuasion, according to Aristotle’s Rhetoric: ethos, logos, and pathos.

Ethos (ἦθος) is the persuasive appeal to the character or credibility of the speaker.

Logos (λόγος) is the persuasive appeal to reason or logic.

Pathos (πάθος) is the persuasive appeal to emotion 

Ethos 

Ethos is one of the three main modes of persuasion, pathos, and logos. In rhetoric, ethos is the persuasive quality of a speaker or narrator that makes them trustworthy or credible to an audience. 

Anyone can write something persuasive, but not everyone can exude ethos. Simply put, ethos is the credibility of the writer. To have ethos as a writer, you must first build credibility with your audience by proving that you’re an expert on the subject matter at hand. Once you have established yourself as an authority, your readers will be more likely to trust your opinion and be persuaded by your argument. 

An author or speaker’s use of ethos can involve emphasizing their own good character (e.g., saying that they are honest, ethical, etc.), expertise on the topic at hand, or good intentions (e.g., saying that they only want to help the audience). When used well, ethos can be a potent tool for persuasion; it can decrease an audience’s trust in a speaker or writer when used poorly. 

Logos 

There are many different ways to think about logos in persuasive writing. On a basic level, logos uses logic and reason to make your case. This approach could involve referencing facts, data, statistics, expert opinions, etc., to support your argument.

Logos can also be thought of as the internal consistency of your argument. In other words, all the various components of your proclamation need to fit together logically for it to be effective. If there are weak links or contradictory statements, your argument will likely fall apart. 

Logos also has to do with the clarity and structure of your writing. Of course, sometimes people aren’t open to persuasion, no matter how logical your argument is. There’s not much you can do in those cases but stand your ground. 

Pathos 

Pathos is a rhetorical device that relies on emotional draws to persuade an audience and create an emotional connection to them to get them to agree with your point of view.

Pathos can be used in several ways, but some common strategies include evoking intense emotions (fear, love, anger, sadness), using personal stories or anecdotes, and playing on people’s sympathies. When used correctly, pathos can be a powerful tool for persuading an audience. 

Let’s Talk About Tone

Tone in persuasive writing is essential when trying to express a point of view. It allows the writer to connect with the reader and create a shared understanding. Tone in persuasive writing is key to getting your readers on your side. You want to sound like you understand and relate to their point of view because you share the same concerns. 

The tone of a piece of writing is typically determined by diction or choice of words. Diction can be formal, informal, objective, or subjective. The level of formality is usually decided based on the audience for whom it’s intended. ie: A letter to a friend would have a different tone than a letter to a boss. 

The tone can also be affected by its purpose. Writing meant to inform will have a different style than a piece planned to entertain. Tone can also be affected by the author’s point of view. For example, an author trying to persuade readers to take action on an issue will likely use a different tone than an author providing clear-cut information.

The tone should be appropriate for the audience and the purpose of the writing. 

Tone can mean the difference between your words being interpreted as an order rather than a plea for help. So it’s crucial to find the right balance.

For example, a persuasive essay about human rights violations might use a tone of distress and urgency, while a notice about recycling might use a more conversational, laid-back projection. It’s essential to match the tone of your words to the topic at hand and be consistent throughout the entire piece.

Persuasive Writing Practices: The Basics 

Persuasive writing will make a point and persuade readers to take action. These timeless writing methods can help you create compelling copy that elicits a response by appealing to the human senses.

Start Strong  

A hook is a sentence in your introduction that captures your reader’s attention and makes them want to keep reading. The persuasive writer should present their opinion with a declarative statement that clearly expresses the point of view. Start with facts, research findings, or other evidence to support your thesis.  

To write a persuasive hook, you’ll need to think about what interests your particular audience and find a way to make that enjoyable to them. You might highlight an unusual or surprising statistic, share an emotional story, or pose a provocative question. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s relevant to your topic and catches your readers’ attention.

Directly Address The Reader 

When you’re trying to persuade someone of something, it’s best to speak directly to them. After all, you want your argument to resonate with your audience and convince them of your point of view. By addressing the reader directly, you make them feel like you’re speaking specifically to them, which can help increase the effectiveness of your argument.

When you address the reader as “you,” it also creates a sense of connection and shared experience. You’re no longer some anonymous person on the other side of the screen – you’re a real human being with thoughts, feelings, and experiences relevant to this particular issue. And that makes your argument feel more important and worth paying attention to.

Vocabulary Matters

The words we choose can significantly impact whether or not we can persuade others to see things our way. 

Think about it this way: if you’re trying to convince someone to vote for a particular candidate in an election, you will want to use language that evokes positive feelings and paints a picture of a bright future. 

It’s usually a good idea to use positive language when trying to persuade someone of something because it makes the argument sound more optimistic and less confrontational. For example, suppose we want to argue that something is good for us. In that case, it’s more persuasive to highlight what’s “healthy” or “beneficial” instead of focusing on negative aspects with words like “unhealthy” or “detrimental.”

Similarly, using concrete and specific details instead of abstract generalizations or absolutes will help make your argument more believable. You want to use clear, concise, and direct language in persuasive writing. That means avoiding jargon, clichés, and flowery language. Jargon is a specialized language that a particular group of people only understands. Clichés are phrases that are used so often that they have lost their impact.

Active Vs. Passive Voice 

Writing in an active voice is usually more persuasive than in a passive voice. 

Here’s an easy example:

Active voice: “I am writing an article on persuasive writing.” 

Passive voice: “The article on persuasive writing is being written by me.” 

Frequently, passive voice can make your writing sound vague and confusing. Using an active voice is direct and clear; readers can easily follow what you say. 

An active voice can help create a sense of urgency or excitement around the topic of discussion. Often, this technique can compel people to take action. There are times when using passive voice is appropriate. When you want to soft-pedal the subject of the sentence, or when the person or thing doing the action isn’t known.  

Aim To Show An Understanding (of both sides!) 

Showing you understand both sides of an argument shows that you’ve done your homework and are committed to finding the best solution. It also makes your argument more believable. This should go without saying, but, whatever your position is on a particular topic, research both sides of the debate before forming an opinion. It’ll make your writing dynamic and, in turn, more compelling. It’s necessary the audience feels more like you’re offering credible information and assistance than trying to push an agenda. 

When taking a position on a controversial issue, be respectful of different viewpoints. You don’t have to agree with other people’s opinions necessarily, but you should be courteous in how you express your own beliefs. Asserting your opinion while insulting those who disagree will alienate potential readers and make your argument less effective. 

If you can find common ground with the other side, your argument will have a more meaningful influence. For example, if you’re debating the merits of a new law, you could discuss how it would benefit the people in favor while also acknowledging the concerns of those who don’t support the legislation. This balance shows an equitable interest, making your argument sound (way more) credible. 

Persuasive Writing Techniques: Sales Tips

Persuasive writing for sales is all about having a conversation with your readers that guides them to see the value in what you’re selling, then persuades them to take action and buy it (or hire you, etc).  Not sure if your writing skills are pitch-perfect? Stick around, this section is for you.

Resonating With Emotional Problems

Everyone has problems they are trying to solve. Your goal as a salesperson is to assist people in overcoming one or more of those difficulties. After all., “there has to be a better way !”

Remember pathos? The most effective persuasion strategy is to start by connecting with your audience emotionally about their difficulties. When a writer empathetically describes a challenge the reader is going through, it pulls them in and prompts them to buy into the solution. People want to feel like you sympathize with their troubles.

For instance, let’s say you’re trying to sell a car to someone who doesn’t have a car. Hypothetically, you could tap into the reader’s emotions by highlighting and relating to the inconvenience of taking public transportation or walking in the rain. Then you state your solution, in this case, a car. Reminding readers of the difficulties they face without your product will likely influence someone to pay attention to your pitch.

Social Proof

When you’re trying to persuade someone, giving them social proof can be a powerful way to increase the chances that they’ll listen to you. In other words, citing examples of how your idea has worked for other people can make it more believable to your reader. This simply means citing external sources or examples to back up your argument.

For example, imagine you’re trying to sell a product on Amazon. You might include customer reviews on your page to show potential buyers that other people have been satisfied with the product. This is an effective form of social proof.

There are many different types of social proof you can use. You can cite experts, customer testimonials, statistics(more on that in a sec), or any other type of evidence that will support your argument.

By using social proof, you can help convince your reader that your argument is valid but it also allows readers to rationalize their behavior by giving them evidence that others have done the same thing. So next time you’re stuck at a key juncture in your writing, consider using social proof as a way to persuade your readers to take the next step.

Statistics 

There’s no denying that statistics can strengthen a statement by providing concrete evidence. When you include statistics in your writing, it makes your argument more convincing by lending credibility to your position. Additionally, statistics can help to illustrate the magnitude of the problem or issue that you are addressing.

However, before you go off and start throwing around compelling-sounding statistics left and right, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

When using stats to back up your claims make sure that the statistics you’re using are actually accurate. A lot of people try to fudge the numbers or cite sources that aren’t reliable in order to make their declarations sound more convincing. Don’t be that person. And, remember that numbers don’t lie, but people often do. Make sure to check your sources and make sure that the statistics you’re using are backed up by solid evidence.

Beware of using statistics out of context and interpret the data you’re using correctly. Just because a statistic looks good on paper doesn’t mean it actually supports your argument. Be sure to put the numbers into perspective and explain why they matter before using them in your argument. You need to be able to understand what the numbers are actually saying in order to use them effectively.

Focus On Benefits Not Features 

When you’re writing to persuade someone, particularly in sales, it’s important to focus on your unique selling proposition (USP). This is the one thing that makes you different from all the other options out there.

For example, maybe you have an unbeatable customer service record, or perhaps you’re the only company in your industry that offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re a food truck, you might highlight how your food is made from fresh, local ingredients. If you’re a consultant, you might talk about your unique approach to problem-solving. Whatever your unique selling proposition may be, make sure to focus on the benefits it offers readers. 

Rhetorical Questions 

Including rhetorical questions in your writing can help to improve the quality and clarity of your argument. When you ask rhetorical questions, you engage your reader’s minds by prompting them to think critically about the suggestion. Asking questions might also help explain vague points and ensure the audience follows. 

Including questions in your writing also benefits the development of writing skills by forcing you, the writer, to be more rigorous in your thinking. So, 

What questions do you want to answer in your writing? 

What conclusions do you want the reader to draw from your statement? 

What questions do you need to ask to lead the reader to the intended conclusion? Answering those questions should help you understand how asking rhetorical questions can improve your writing. 

Still with me? 

Another way asking questions is used to persuade readers can frequently be seen in advertising. Take the P.A.S (Pain, Agitate, Solve) framework, for example. 

The PAS framework suggests that ads should initially focus on the pain points or needs of a customer, agitate those pain points, and then provide a solution in the form of the product or service. Often questions to direct the consumer. 

In the infomercial-esqe example below, the questions focus on the fact that a customer isn’t getting enough sleep. Additional questions agitate that stress. Then a solution is provided in the form of a handy dandy nostril separator that promises rest and relaxation to the now agitated, sleep-deprived partner. You know the script:

Does your partner snore? 

Does your partner’s snoring prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep?

Do you often find yourself exhausted? 

Don’t you wish there was a simple solution? (Of course, you do!) 

Try the Snore No More!

… you get the idea. While exaggerated (see “hyperbole” below) examples are pretty cringe, P.A.S is one of the most persuasive frameworks in copywriting, which explains its popularity. 

Aside from adding levity to written communication, hyperbole can also be used to emphasize a point or convey emotion. In persuasive writing drawing attention to the magnitude of a problem can help galvanize readers into taking action. Hyperbole can also be useful in communicating the strength of the sentiments; by exaggerating how we feel, we can more effectively communicate the depth and leverage the power of our emotions. 

Of course, as with anything, there is a downside to overusing hyperbole; if everything is superlative, then eventually nothing will seem noteworthy. So while exaggeration can be a helpful tool in communication, it’s important not to rely on it too heavily.

Repetition 

Repetition can be a very effective literary device, particularly when trying to make an argument or persuade someone of something. Because repetition adds emphasis and convinces the reader or listener of a particular point, repetition embeds a message in the mind, making it more likely to stick. 

Studies have shown that repeating information can help increase short-term and long-term memory recall, especially when information is presented positively. When we hear something multiple times, it starts to feel familiar, and we’re more likely to believe it. This psychology is why advertisers use repetition in their commercials, and politicians often use it in their speeches. So, the next time you need to use the art of persuasion in your writing, don’t be afraid to use repetition to your advantage—it might just be the key to success.

Repetition (example) 

Persuasive writing techniques will influence people to take action, whether you’re looking to drive sales, increase brand awareness, or get more people to sign up for your email list. These timeless methods for persuasive writing will help you make your point and get the response you want from your readers. 

If you’re looking for more tips on how to write persuasively or would like some help putting together a winning content strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to chat with you about how we can help!  

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What are the best and easy Persuasive Writing Techniques?

Table of Contents

One skill that students often suffers from persuasive writing is how to acknowledge opposing viewpoints. It is important for each student to be aware of different writing styles. In addition to this, a student must be aware of the formats and techniques of writing. Besides the format and style, a student should know how to convince a reader. They should be able to convince that whatever they are saying is true. As a result, this will reflect that you are an expert in your niche. Due to this, the readers will follow your instructions. Thus, we will discuss the persuasive writing techniques along with the examples. This will provide you with extensive knowledge of the persuasive style of assignment writing .

What is persuasive writing technique?

Persuasive techniques definition

It is a written form of an oral debate.  Persuasive writing technique is an interesting style of writing for the students.

Especially relevant, using this technique a writer can convince a reader that his opinion of a topic is correct. Furthermore, the selection of words is the most important factor while writing persuasively. The reader should understand what the writer wants to say. Besides that, they should write logical arguments and create a strong close argument. Most noteworthy for a student is to know the different techniques of persuasive writing.

Besides that, they should write logical arguments and create a strong close argument. It is important for a student to know the different techniques of persuasive writing.

A writer uses different ways to persuade people . There are different techniques in persuasive writing. Let’s discuss in detail the techniques of persuasive writing and  why it is important to write persuasively .

Why is the persuasive technique important for the students?

First of all, it is important for a student to know different forms of writing styles.  For a student persuasive technique can be a wonderful way to express their views on a topic. Furthermore, it is a way to understand a student’s passion. In addition, the student gets the opportunity to research subjects that they are interested in.

Moreover engaging in persuasive writing technique helps the students to improve different styles of writing. They can improve their writing structure and research style. Moreover, it will help them forming evidence-based logical conclusions, opinions, and arguments.

How should a teacher teach persuasive writing techniques in the classroom?

There are a number of techniques to persuade . At first, teachers should start with the fundamental of persuasive writing techniques. They can give examples of persuasive writing techniques such as passages from newspapers or audio clips of speeches or lectures. Besides, they can encourage students to engage in debates or speeches. In addition to this, the teachers should teach the key elements and the format of persuasive technique such as

• Usage of persuasive words
• Including the elements of persuasive writing technique

How to use Persuasive language Words?

There are a number of persuasive language words and phrases used for persuading the reader. A writer attracts the reader’s attention by using different ways to persuade in writing . It is important for a student to know how they should use persuasive language words.

The writer uses a number of persuasive language words to attract the reader’s attention.

Some of the examples include – for this reason, because, I believe, as evidence shows etc.

The teachers can display a list of these words and phrases. This will help the student to easily use them when writing persuasive essays.

In addition, the teachers can display a list of these words and phrases. Therefore, this will help the student to easily use them when writing persuasive essays.

How to include the Elements of Persuasive Writing?

The basic elements of the persuasive writing techniques include:

Introduction

This is the primary stage of the persuasive technique writing. The introduction of a persuasive essay or paper must be attractive. While reading the introduction part, the reader should get a clear idea of the author’s purpose in writing.

The introduction is the main stage from where the reader understands the basis of the thesis. Therefore, it should be simple and catchy.

This forms the volume of the persuasion. It includes an argument along with at least three evidence supporting each argument.

In this segment, the writer tries to prove his thesis by providing examples. Here you will get all the information of the article.

The conclusion of the essay should repeat the main points. It should never introduce new ideas or things not discussed in the body of the paper. It is the only element which justifies your thesis. In addition to this, the writer may use some strong point to convince the readers.

As a result, it is the only element which justifies your thesis. In addition to this, the writer may use some strong point to convince the readers.

Techniques used in persuasive writing

The persuasive writing technique plays an important role for a writer. He can use a variety of techniques to persuade their readers.

While writing it is important how you convince people or how do you persuade them ?  Thus the major part in the selection of the words. While reading or writing a topic, the persuasion should reflect in the article.

While reading or writing a topic, the persuasion should reflect in the article. Most noteworthy is the use of persuasive writing techniques in the essay.

Here are the examples of persuasive writing techniques , which will help you understand it more deeply.

The writer attacks an opponent or an idea. He puts down persuasion techniques against the opponent or idea. Attacks can attempt to embarrass or insult an opponent.

Anyone who judges other people based on race is unfair and foolish.

It is a term that has been overused to the extent that they are commonly understood by society.

It is not the destination that matters most, but the journey along the way.

3. Colloquial Language

It is a word or phrase used in informal language. In the case of a formal situation, we do not use these words and phrases. It is a language typically used in everyday speech. It is easily understandable.

”That totally grossed me out” vs. “That really disgusted me.

4. Emotive language

These are the words used to create an emotional impact or response from the audience purposely. The writer uses Emotive language in order to have a great emotional impact on their audience.

This disastrous situation will not only get worse unless we do something about it.

5. Exclusive Language

This technique excludes somebody else through the words they use.

you can recognize them by the use of pronouns ‘they’, ‘them,’ and ‘those.’

“It’s all their fault because they are the ones who made the decision.’’

6. Inclusive Language

When the writer makes a statement that claims to agree with the audience is Inclusive language.

It can also make the audience deeply engaged thus making them agree with the writer. The example of Inclusive words are us, we, you, and ours.

It is time for us to show our belief in friendship and treat people equally.

7. Evidence

There are three main types of evidence: Anecdotal, Expert Opinion, and Statistical evidence.

Anecdotal evidence

Collecting the evidence in an informal manner and relying entirely on personal testimony is termed as Anecdotal evidence. A writer often uses personal anecdotes.

Hence, it helps the writer to support an argument and to make themselves appear more credible.

You know, when I was a kid, my dog was my best friend. My childhood was better because of him.

Expert opinion

To make a writer’s position seem more credible, they may quote the opinions of experts that correspond with their own.

Teenagers are becoming more rebellious as they enter childhood, says child psychologist Jean Marie.

Statistical evidence

Statistics evidence are the numerical proof of an argument. It is showed through the bar diagram, graphs, and statistics.

A recent survey found that 90% of students favored no school uniforms at all.

8. Formal language

The formal language can make the author sound knowledgeable while removing emotion from the issue. Formal language is more extensive and sophisticated use of language.

There is widespread use of formal language in persuasive writing techniques .

The girl whom I met in Singapore was interested in working in Australia.

9. Emphasis

There are three types of emphasis that writers use to draw the reader’s attention: Repetition, Cumulation, and Alliteration.

Repeating a single word a number of times over is repetition.

We will all suffer years to come unless we stop this government, stop them in the workplace, stop them in the polls, and stop them on Election Day.

Using many similar words in a short space is Cumulation.

This task requires guts, determination, grit, and willpower.

Alliteration

Repetition of the first sound in consecutive words is alliteration.

To rip people off so blatantly shows Mr Craven to be cruel, calculating and crooked.

10.  Rhetorical question

These are types of question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer. The idea here is not to receive an answer but to give stress on a point.

Do we want our children growing up in a world where people threaten them with violence on every street corner?

11. Exaggerations or Hyperbole

A Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to make a point for emphasis or humour. Exaggerating the scale of an issue can draw an emotional response from a reader.

• “I am so hungry I could eat a horse.”
• “Her brain is the size of a pea’’.

12. Generalizations

It goes hand in hand with stereotypes. They are a statement or concept obtained from specific cases. Generalizations are the most common persuasive writing technique.

A store manager might see one or two teenagers shoplifting, and write a letter to the editor claiming all teenagers steal and can’t be trusted.

13. Hypothetical evidence

Hypothetical Evidence is based on claims typically based on a “what if” statement.

“What if the world ends tomorrow.”

14. Logic and reasoning

The use of a valid argument developed step by step with reasoning and evidence. There is justification to support each main point, to influence an audience.

‘If we don’t have the resources to support an increased population, we can’t sustain this level of immigration. It’s that simple’.

15. Metaphors and Similes

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. There is a direct comparison between the two things- one becomes the other.

‘He was on a roller coaster of emotions.’

A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.

‘He is as funny as a barrel of monkeys.’

16. Repetition

An act of saying and writing something already said or written more than once. Repetition is like using a word or phrase several times.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

“Oh, woeful, oh woeful, woeful, woeful day!

17. Sensationalism

Sensationalism presents stories in a way that intends to provoke public interest or excitement, at the expense of accuracy. It leads the audience to believe it is important, dramatic and extreme than it really is.

One exciting news headline from the newspaper; “Aspirin May Kill You,” in giant, bold, and black letters. Yet in the article, we find that the word “may” shows that aspirin “may kill you…if you take 400 tons of it in one gulp.

A joke is exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings.

“The cartoon animator felt imprisoned by his job. He could not free himself from his cell”.

19. Graphs and Diagrams

The presentation of the persuasive writing techniques is in a visual form. With the help of graphs and diagrams, you can see the evidence.

Jargons are special words or expressions used by profession or group that are difficult for others to understand.

• I need a script in order to pick up the medicine. (medical jargon for “prescription”)
• Your objection is  overruled . (legal jargon)

It is the quality of being amused or comic, especially as expressed in literature or speech.

Humour, such as puns, irony, sarcasm, satire, and jokes can be persuasive by dismissing opposing views, providing a more engaging and friendly tone, and sway an audience by having them enter into the joke.

‘Totally Artraged’ as a pun on ‘Totally Outraged’ when talking about controversial art.

22. Analogy

An analogy is a form of reasoning which compares one thing with another in order to make a particular point.

A school is like a prison, and the students are like prisoners.

23. Connotations

The emotional meanings associated with the word are connotations.  While writing the authors often choose their words carefully so that the connotation can suit their purpose.

Kill and slaughter both mean the same thing, but the word slaughter causes the audience to imagine the act.

24. Cause and effect

First of all, start with the cause and then add the effect or effects afterwards. This is particularly concerned with words in a single sentence, although the logic applies if spread across sentences.

If I help you, you will be more successful.

25. Appeals

A writer uses this persuasive technique to appeal to the reader’s sense of logic, emotion, and ethics. The main objective is to persuade the reader to get agree with the writer’s point of view.

The persuasive appeal is composed of three main components: logos, pathos, and ethos. They are also known as the modes of persuasion.

  There are three basic modes of persuasion:

  Logos (Logic)

A logical appeal is one that appeals to the mind. A logical appeal is the strategic use of claim, evidence, and warrant to convince an audience to do or believe something. Logos is an appeal to logic and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.

“History has shown time and again that absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Ethos (Ethics)

Ethos is an appeal to ethics, and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader. It establishes the writer as fair, unbiased, open-minded, ethical, and honest. The writer creates a sense of him or herself as trustworthy, honourable, and credible.

“As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results.”

Pathos (Emotion)

Pathos is an appeal to emotion and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response. Emotional appeals target the emotions of the reader to create some kind of connection with the writer and his or her claim.

Since humans are in many ways emotional creatures, pathos can be a very powerful strategy in an argument. However, emotional appeals can be transparently manipulative.

“If we don’t move soon, we’re all going to die! Can’t you see how dangerous it would be to stay?”

Ten Common Persuasive Appeals

Till here we discussed the modes of appeals. Now we will discuss the ten common persuasive appeals. This will guide you with a different format of assignment writing service .

1. Added Value 

Target audiences.

Adults, collectors, persons with limited resources

This is an appeal to our economical side. We are looking for a good deal and savings.  The desire is to obtain the things we want for as little as possible.

It also relates to the desire to collect and maintain things we value — including money, art objects, stamps and baseball cards.

Buy one, get one free.

Twenty per cent off if you order before midnight.

Be sure to collect the entire set before supplies run out.

2. Adventure/Challenge

Target audiences.

Younger people, males

A writer uses this appeal to justify or prove his statement. His challenges the reader that his thesis is correct. It attracts the reader’s attention.

Join the Navy and see the world.

Go for the gusto.

3. Argument/Comparison

Confronted people, people who like to compete, comparison shoppers.

This can take an intellectual approach, appeal to one’s emotions, or a combination of both.  It is a way to address forces that threaten us.  It also used in comparison with another product.

Fight back against high prices.

4. Companionship/Attraction

Single people, camp followers

Humans are social creatures.  We tend to enjoy the company of others.  In the basic sense, we are looking for love.  In a much broader sense, people enjoy being a part of a bigger group.

Sometimes the focus is on becoming a member of an elite organization.  The appeal can be intellectual or emotional.  Images of happy people interacting with one another are widely used.

The Few.  The Proud.  The Marines.

Wouldn’t you like to be Pepper too?

5. Fear/Safety

Fear or safety appeals keep us from doing things that can bring us danger. It also motivates us to take action that can protect us from a potential threat.   The use of this appeal is highly dependent upon the action feared.  Children who have not experienced serious illness are not likely to respond to that kind of appeal.  However, they are more likely to respond to the fear of the dark and the unknown.  The fear of losing one’s job may be more real than losing one’s life.

Seat belts save lives.

Know the seven warning signs of cancer — before it is too late.

Help take a bite out of crime.

The argument attempts to persuade by making the person feel guilty for not accepting the position.

The effectiveness of this appeal is highly dependent upon the targeted audiences.  Various people have social instilled guilt in different ways. The key is knowledge of the specific public.

Don’t buy life insurance for yourself.  Buy it for those left behind.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Voting is not a privilege.  It is a responsibility.

This is a very broad category for a wide range of appeals.  People are loyal to many things: family, friends, social groups, and nation.

Buy American.

Give to the United Way.

Look for the union label.

8. Empowerment/Independence

Young people, women, disadvantaged, free spirits

In these increasingly complex times, more and more people want to take greater control of their own lives.  This appeal works well with those who see themselves as being on the outside looking in.

It is also an effective appeal among those who fashion themselves as rugged individualists.

You’ve come a long way, baby.

Be all that you can be.

Take charge of your future.  Enrol in night classes.

9. Pride/Vanity

Social climbers. Teenagers, young, and adults.

This appeal can be very powerful.  It takes several forms: reputation, self-respect, prestige, and vanity.  It drives by how we view ourselves and how we want others to see us.

The appeal is particularly effective among teenagers and young adults trying to establish their identities.  Persons concerned about their standing within their social circles also respond.

The ownership of certain products, such as luxury cars, can be an example of a statement of social standing.

Be the first on your block to own one.

You deserve the best.

Why would you want to own anything less?

10. Reverence/Worship

Source credibility is the key to the effectiveness of this appeal. Most importantly, we hold certain people, institutions, and values above all others.  We often hear testimonials from specific individuals, such as actors or athletes.

We also pay attention to their roles, as a parent or as a doctor.  A popular tactic is to associate a product with valued traditions or institutions.  At its highest level, this appeal takes form in a statement of religious belief.

However, the use of religion in support of a product or cause is a sensitive issue and can backfire.

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet.

I want to be like Mike.

Nine out of ten hospitals give Tylenol to their patients.

After reading all the persuasive language examples , now you must have got extensive knowledge. It will help you understand  how a writer persuades . In addition to all the definition, the examples will give you an extensive and detailed knowledge.

Moreover, this  persuasive writing technique list will be helpful in custom assignment writing and essay drafting. In addition to this, you can write your essay in a different format. Learn the persuasive writing techniques in a different yet interesting way and implement in your studies now.

By Susan White

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