Persuasive Essay Guidelines
Your assignment is to create a 750-1250 word persuasive essay that will encourage readers to change their behavior or take action on a social issue – a controversial issue that involve peoples’ personal lives. Choose a topic about which you feel strongly. Note that broad topics may need to be narrowed to fit with the assignment’s word guideline.
Get the reader’s attention in the opening paragraph where you will introduce the topic and make a meaningful claim in your thesis statement. A claim is a debatable statement. It is arguable, defendable, responsible, and interesting. It is distinct from fact or personal feeling and must be supported with sound evidence and logical reasoning in the body of the essay. Claims of truth, value and policy are typical assertions.
The writer should note that qualified claims, as opposed to extreme claims, may be easier to support. Also, the writer should consider the possible viewpoints of the audience. Some readers may already agree with the stated claim, and they need encouragement. Other readers may approach the essay with a contrary viewpoint. Remember that a simple persuasive argument may sound like an explanation as opposed to an attack or emotional quarrel.
Following the introductory paragraph, state and discuss three arguments in support of your claim. Think of those arguments as reasons why you think the way you do about the issue. Save the strongest argument for last where it has most impact on the reader’s memory. Also, discuss and rebut a common argument counter to the author’s claim. In the conclusion of the essay, sum up the argument and reinforce the claim. The following outline may be used as a guide
