Traditional Structure of a
Persuasive Essay and Functions of the Different Parts of the Persuasive Essay
I. Introduction
A. In
the beginning words of your essay, catch the reader's attention and make the
reader want to keep reading. Create
interest in your issue. You
could use statistics, an anecdote, or some interesting fact you discovered
in
your research as an attention grabber.
B. Provide
enough background information about your topic. Why
is your topic an issue and what are the controversies?
C. State
your thesis (make your claim). Your thesis must be arguable.
II. Body (for detailed possible
outlines for the body of your essay, click here.)
A. Provide
evidence (supporting points for your thesis) with concrete and specific details. Use
evidence that you found in your research, such as quotations of other people's
viewpoints, facts, and data. For each new point, start a new paragraph. Remember
to try to establish common ground without using "you."
B. Acknowledge
opposing views. Use evidence and specific details to describe and logically
refute the opposing views. You can also discuss the opposing views point
by point as you did with your points of support.
III. Conclusion
A. You
should NOT simply summarize your paper.
You may summarize your main points if you feel it's necessary; however,
you should end with something to make your readers think-- a call to action,
a
look ahead to the future, a solution, or an ultimatum.
B. Another
way to conclude might be with a reiteration of the significance of your issue
to you and also to your readers' lives.