Persuasive Essay Writing Steps
Students should adopt a systematic approach while writing their persuasive essays using the following steps:
- Selection of the topic for writing a persuasive essay – first, list all the facts according to their relevance and decide the most interesting topic.
- Write down all the possible reactions to the topic – whether the topic is controversial, the likely response from your audience, the existing prejudices and perceptions and the things you would like to change with the help of your persuasive essay.
- Create a draft or skeleton outline – this is one of the most basic steps which will serve as a roadmap for the persuasive essay.
- Introductory Paragraph – write an effective and impressive introduction, one which clearly provides the background of your persuasive essay. This paragraph will also inform your reader of your view point and will include the main thesis statement of your persuasive essay, which will be the basis for the rest of your essay.
- Write the main body paragraphs – develop three main points related to the thesis statement. Use transition statements to establish a flow – do not jump from one theme to another.
- Develop your arguments to suit your claims – Use rational arguments to support your claims. Do not go off topic and stick to the main thesis. Use factual data and information to prove your claims and effectively persuade your readers to be convinced that your outlook and approach is the best one.
- Conclude persuasively and rationally – do not summarise. Sum up all your main points and prove your point. Write a conclusion to prove that your opinion is the most viable and logical one. When writing the conclusion of your persuasive essay, ensure that you refer to the main thesis of the introductory paragraph. Remind your reader of all the main points and the logical arguments. Conclude with by asserting your proofs and claims.
- Revise and edit – after you have completed your persuasive essay, revise it thoroughly and edit it. Don’t do this immediately after you have finished writing it and let it stand for a day or two.
- Read your paper aloud – be your own judge and read your persuasive essay aloud to yourself. Ask yourself whether you are convinced and whether it makes sense to you. Check for any instances of prejudice and subjectivity and support all claims with facts and logical arguments.
- Grammar and spell check – check the persuasive essay thoroughly for any grammatical or spelling errors. Your persuasive essay should be perfect from all aspects.