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What is Persuasive Writing?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Persuasive writing is a form of writing in which someone tries to get readers to agree with a position. This type of writing is very common in advertising copy, which is written in an attempt to get consumers to purchase specific products, and persuasive essays are commonly assigned in school to get people to use critical thinking skills. Learning to recognize persuasive writing can be a valuable skill, as can mastering the art.

A well-written persuasive piece is supported with a series of facts that help the author argue his or her point. Many authors also include counterpoint arguments in their pieces which they can debunk, showing readers that they have considered both sides of the argument at hand, and that any arguments that could be raised against the side of the essay could be dismissed. In addition to facts, authors may include anecdotes and hypothetical situations to build a stronger case.

Persuasive writing attempts to convince readers of a particular point.
Persuasive writing attempts to convince readers of a particular point.

It is possible to write a persuasive essay either for or against something, and sometimes people like to argue for the opposite side while they are composing their ideas, so that they have an idea of the kind of arguments that could be used against them. In a way, this writing is like the opening statement in a debate, except that the author hopes to present his or her side so well that people are reluctant to argue with the piece.

An advertisement can be a form of persuasive writing.
An advertisement can be a form of persuasive writing.

As a general rule, persuasive writing has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion, which may vary in length. The introduction almost always includes a thesis statement of some kind to orient the readers, so that they know what to expect, while the body contains the meat of the piece, including facts that support the argument of the paper. In the conclusion, the author restates the major points and tries to leave on a high note, impressing readers with the validity of the ideas in the paper.

Many people find themselves writing a persuasive piece at some point, such as a letter to the editor.
Many people find themselves writing a persuasive piece at some point, such as a letter to the editor.

Learning to write persuasively is important, because it helps to refine written communication and critical thinking skills. Many people find themselves writing a persuasive piece at some point, such as a letter to the editor, or a complaint to a company. These skills can also cross over into speech, helping people build stronger and more coherent oral arguments so that they can hold their own in a discussion.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a LanguageHumanities researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a LanguageHumanities researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

latte31

Sneakers41-When I was in college I took a Constitutional Law class and we often had to brief cases and then write essays as though we were a judge.

We had to use legal precedent in order to explain our rulings. We really had to use prior legal judgments in order to explain our point of view on the case.

Our viewpoint had to be based on specific cases which made our argument more effective. The more historical facts that you can include in your persuasive writing examples the more the reader will be persuaded.

People respond well to statistics and numbers. Offering this information in your essay will solidify your position and make people really understand your point of view. My college class was difficult, but it was intellectually stimulating because we had to stretch our minds to justify our opinions.

There was a lot of research that went into our opinion which made the experience more enjoyable.

sneakers41

Anon53622-Persuasive essay writing really allows the writer to develop their point of view of an issue is a systematic format that educates the reader.

Expository persuasive writing allows the creativity of the writer to flourish because they are writing about something that they are passionate about.

Often persuasive writing in elementary schools will require persuasive writing prompts in order to help the students begin their essay. Persuasive writing lessons need to adhere to standard grammar rules, but the idea behind the persuasive writing essay is to convince the reader that their point of view is justified.

These persuasive writing lessons can also incorporate social studies and historical lessons while introducing the student to ethics and moral dilemmas.

This will allow for rich persuasive writing essays that have context as well as the language to persuade the reader.

anon53622

persuasive writing skill means honorific writing in a creative manner in existential themes and immaculate writing skills coming automatically from one's own imaginative thought, current of avid readership quality. thus the art of persuasiveness is loaded in creative meditation of scholastic forte of inner motivation and rejuvenation of penning ideas which rule the world.

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    • Persuasive writing attempts to convince readers of a particular point.
      By: sergign
      Persuasive writing attempts to convince readers of a particular point.
    • An advertisement can be a form of persuasive writing.
      By: JohnKwan
      An advertisement can be a form of persuasive writing.
    • Many people find themselves writing a persuasive piece at some point, such as a letter to the editor.
      By: michaeljung
      Many people find themselves writing a persuasive piece at some point, such as a letter to the editor.
    • Op-ed articles and letters to the editor of a newspaper are typically considered types of persuasive writing.
      By: Oleksiy Mark
      Op-ed articles and letters to the editor of a newspaper are typically considered types of persuasive writing.
    • The writer should brainstorm for topics she feels strongly about before beginning the essay.
      By: p a w e l
      The writer should brainstorm for topics she feels strongly about before beginning the essay.