Writing a persuasive essay is about presenting a strong stance that you have to satisfy by the end of the essay. You have to influence your audience by your argument using strong supportive evidence. Your stance can either be for the topic or against the given topic. To convince your audience you need to do thorough research on the topic and understand both sides of the argument. You would need to support your side with good evidence while also refuting the other side. Persuasive essay writing is a part of contemporary writing as it is often used in advertising, blogs, editorials, and speeches. it allows the writer to convince the audience regarding a certain stance.
Your essay should clearly indicate why your argument is right with evidence and also prove the inaccuracy of the opposing argument. Here I would share a stepwise essay writing strategy, so you can write like an expert persuasive speech. So let’s get started!
Research and prewriting
The first step before you start writing your essay is to prepare for it. Some considerations for your prewriting would include;
- You would need to clearly decide your stance or perspective that would be argued in the whole essay
- The next step is to understand your audience and determine how you can convince them. You should know if they are neutral or inclined towards one ideology so you can persuade them accordingly.
- You need to research logical and authentic evidence to support your arguments. Use variables and multiple sources for getting evidence so any bias can be prevented. Avoid using a singular source or unauthentic sources.
- Start making notes of the important points found in your research material. Noting this information separately would help you organize your evidence material.
- Carefully identify the most important key points in your supportive arguments and for the opposing arguments as well.
- You can make a mind map of your ideas and thoughts after the research
Outline and essay structure
Now that you have gathered the evidence you can start organizing the information in the order of its significance. If you are still wondering how I will write my essay, even having the information, I will provide step-wise instructions to clarify your confusion via scholarship essay. Keep in mind that you have to structure the essay in 5 or 6 paragraphs or according to the specifications of your teacher.
Write the first draft
- The introduction should catch the attention of the reader and convey the purpose of the essay. The opening line or hook would serve to catch attention. You can use facts, statistics, quotations, or rhetorical questions for this part.
- The introductory paragraph should end with a thesis statement that clarifies your stance on the topic. It should be a comprehensive and concise statement that makes a clear argument.
- The body paragraphs would then reinforce the thesis statement with evidence such as examples and statistics. Each body paragraph would start with a topic sentence that explores only one idea and justifies that idea in the whole paragraph in sufficient detail.
- Add an opposing view body paragraph that challenges your claims. This would help address the readers who disagree with your stance. Now you can refute this opposing stance with strong evidence which will solidify your argument.
- Each idea would be supported with examples and evidence. This can include statistics from government sources, authentic publications, ideas of famous leaders, and quotations. You might use the sources as specified by your instructor.
- You can also use literary devices to make your arguments such as analogies, comparisons, and hypothetical situations to prove a point.
- Ensure to provide requisite background information on the topic and make it easy to understand for the audience.
- The last or concluding paragraph should summarize all impart arguments and evidence while omitting unnecessary details. This aims to move the reader to action or influence their perceptions.
- You can use a question at the end of the concluding paragraph for dramatic effect. It can also include a prediction or a plea directed to move the readers. It can also make recommendations to give ideas to the audience on their course of action.
Proofreading and revising
After you have completed the first draft you have to proofread and make necessary alterations to the essay. You can also get your essay checked and proofread by an essay writing service. While proofreading make sure to address the following
- Ensure that the essay has a strong argumentation supported by evidence and examples
- Ensure that the essay has a hook and topic sentences.
- Ensure the thesis statement is concise and comprehensive
- ensure the opposing points are properly refuted
- ensure good quality of words, variation of sentence types, and grammatical accuracy
- ensure a concise and moving concluding paragraph
After all of this is ensured, check for other grammatical and clarity errors that can be addressed. I would suggest that you should wait for a few hours or a day before reading your work again with a fresh mind. You can get your essay proofread by a family member or a friend before submitting it to your school.
Final draft
After you have proofread the document and noted all necessary changes, incorporate them into your writing to form the final draft of your essay.
