Persuasive writing could be referred to as a creative writing or an argument, in which the

speaker uses words to convince the reader of a writers view(s) regarding an issue. Persuasive
writing involves convincing the reader to perform an action, or it may simply consist of an
argument(s) convincing the reader of the writers point of view. Persuasive writing is one of the
most used writing types in the world. Persuasive writers employ many techniques to improve their
argument and show support for their claim. Another definition is "an essay that offers and
supports an opinion".

In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position FOR or AGAINST an issue and

writes to convince the reader to believe or do something.
Persuasive writing is often used in advertisements to get the reader to buy a product.
It is also used in essays and other types of writing to get the reader to accept a point
of view. In order to convince the reader you need more than opinion; you need facts
or examples to back your opinion. So, be sure to do the research!
It consists of:

Introduction:
It should explain the importance of the subject youre asked to write about and put
forward your opinion. We can use:
a) Time fixers: Nowadays, these days, recently, in the past, in the last five
years, twenty years ago.
b) Generalization: Nearly all, many, a large number of, several.
c) Opinion phrases: I think, I believe, as far as I am concerned.
The introduction has a "hook or grabber" to catch the reader's attention. Some
"grabbers" include:
1. Opening with an unusual detail: (Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not
thought of as a great place to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal
congregation of garter snakes in the world!)
2. Opening with a strong statement: (Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter
sales in Canada!)
3. Opening with a Quotation: (Elbert Hubbard once said , "Truth is stronger than
fiction.")
4. Opening with an Anecdote: An anecdote can provide an amusing and attentiongetting opening if it is short and to the point.
5. Opening with a Statistic or Fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis
or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the item's authoritative source.
6. Opening with a Question. (Have you ever considered how many books we'd read
if it were not for television?)

7. Opening with an Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement. (The whole world

watched as the comet flew overhead.)
The introduction should also include a thesis or focus statement.
There are three objectives of a thesis statement:
1. It tells the reader the specific topic of your essay.
2. It imposes manageable limits on that topic.
3. It suggests the organization of your paper.
Example Introduction:
[GRABBER-OPENING WITH A STRONG STATEMENT] Of all the problems
facing the environment today, the one that bothers me the most is global warming.
Some scientists say that the earth is getting warmer because of the greenhouse
effect. [THESIS STATEMENT] In this paper I will describe the greenhouse effect
and whether the earth's atmosphere is actually getting warmer.
The Body:
The writer then provides evidence to support the opinion offered in the thesis
statement in the introduction. The body should consist of at least three paragraphs.
Each paragraph is based on a solid reason to back your thesis statement. Since
almost all issues have sound arguments on both sides of the question, a good
persuasive writer tries to anticipate opposing viewpoints and provide counterarguments along with the main points in the essay. One of the three paragraphs
should be used to discuss opposing viewpoints and your counter-argument.
a) Introduce the first reason for your opinion by using: Firstly, in the first place,
first of all.
b) Explain the second reason with a phrase like: Another reason
The Conclusion:
A piece of persuasive writing usually ends by summarizing the most important
details of the argument and stating once again what the reader is to believe or do.
1. Restate your thesis or focus statement.
2. Summarize the main points: The conclusion enables your reader to recall the
main points of your position. In order to do this you can paraphrase the main
points of your argument.
3. Write a personal comment or call for action. You can do this:
o With a Prediction: This can be used with a narrative or a cause and
effect discussion. The conclusion may suggest or predict what the
results may or may not be in the situation discussed or in similar
situations.
o With a Question: Closing with a question lets your readers make their
own predictions, draw their own conclusions.

o
o

With Recommendations: A recommendations closing is one that

stresses the actions or remedies that should be taken.
With a Quotation: Since a quotation may summarize, predict, question,
or call for action, you may use a quotation within a conclusion for
nearly any kind of paper.

You can use phrases like:

To sum up/ in conclusion/ Personally/ In my view/ Im very much in
favour of/ Im against
You can also put forward some suggestions.
As a general guideline, when writing a persuasive essay:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Have a firm opinion that you want your reader to accept.

Begin with a grabber or hook to get the reader's attention.
Offer evidence to support your opinion.
Conclude with a restatement of what you want the reader to do or believe.

The following are different ways to support your argument:

Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your
reading, observation, or personal experience.
Note: Do not confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is an idea
believed by many people, but it cannot be proven.
Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your
statistics come from responsible sources. Always cite your
sources.
Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your
position are invaluable.
Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your
ideas concrete. They are the proof.
Language features:

Use mainly the present tense.

Use logical and cause and effect connectives.
Use emotive language.
Use technical language.
Use rhetorical questions.
Dare the reader to disagree.
Try to make opinions sound like facts.
Use powerful verbs and strong adjectives

Task
Read the following text, looking for the elements of persuasive writing which we
have outlined.

Calling All Sleepyheads

Sleep is important. Nobody fully understands why we need it, but scientists think
that the body uses the time to recover and to repair damage. When we fall asleep
our heart and breathing rates slow down, muscles relax and our senses rest. If this is
the case, are you giving your body enough rest?
Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly. If you dont go
to bed at a reasonable time, you will be sleepy in class and not learn so much.
Tiredness means you may not be able to think clearly, and you may also be a danger
to other people. Accidents can happen. You will lack energy, and even playing
becomes too much of an effort. Is staying up late really worth it?
There is some truth in the old saying, Early to bed and early to rise, makes us
healthy, wealthy and wise. Next time you start to argue about your bedtime,
remember your body needs a break.
Calling All Sleepyheads
Sleep is important. Nobody fully understands why we need it, but scientists think
that the body uses the time to recover and to repair damage. When we fall asleep
our heart and breathing rates slow down, muscles relax and our senses rest. If this is
the case, are you giving your body enough rest?

Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly. If you dont go
to bed at a reasonable time, you will be sleepy in class and not learn so much.
Tiredness means you may not be able to think clearly, and you may also be a danger
to other people. Accidents can happen. You will lack energy, and even playing
becomes too much of an effort. Is staying up late really worth it?
There is some truth in the old saying, Early to bed and early to rise, makes us
healthy, wealthy and wise. Next time you start to argue about your bedtime,
remember your body needs a break.

Calling All Sleepyheads

Sleep is important. Nobody fully understands why we need it, but scientists think
that the body uses the time to recover and to repair damage. When we fall asleep
our heart and breathing rates slow down, muscles relax and our senses rest. If
this is the case, are you giving your body enough rest?
Lack of sleep means that the body and brain do not work properly. If you
dont go to bed at a reasonable time, you will be sleepy in class and not learn so
much. Tiredness means you may not be able to think clearly, and you may also
be a danger to other people. Accidents can happen. You will lack energy, and
even playing becomes too much of an effort. Is staying up late really worth it?
There is some truth in the old saying, Early to bed and early to rise, makes us healthy,
wealthy and wise. Next time you start to argue about your bedtime, remember your body needs
a break.
By appealing to credibility, clarity, logic and emotions, you can win over an audience!

Persuasive writing techniques

1) Repetition: it is crucial and its also critical in persuasive writing, since a person cant agree
with you if they dont truly get what youre saying. Of course, theres good repetition and bad. To
stay on the good side, make your point in several different ways, such as directly, using an
example, in a story, via a quote from a famous person, and once more in your summary.
2) Reasons: Remember the power of the word because. Psychological studies have shown that
people are more likely to comply with a request if you simply give them a reason why even if
that reason makes no sense.The strategy itself does make sense if you think about it. We dont like
to be told things or asked to take action without a reasonable explanation. When you need people
to be receptive to your line of thinking, always give reasons why.
3) Consistency (being the same): We dont want to appear inconsistent, since, whether fair or
not, that characteristic is associated with instability and flightiness, while consistency is

associated with integrity and rational behaviour. Use this in your writing by getting the reader to
agree with something up front that most people would have a hard time disagreeing with. Then
rigorously make your case, with plenty of supporting evidence, all while relating your ultimate
point back to the opening scenario thats already been accepted.
4) Social proof: Looking for guidance from others as to what to do and what to accept is one of
the most powerful psychological forces in our lives.
5) Comparisons: Metaphors and similes are the persuasive writers best friends. When you can
relate your scenario to something that the reader already accepts as true, youre well on your way
to convincing someone to see things your way.
6) Agitate (make less calm/angry/anxious) and solve: This is a persuasion theme that works as
an overall approach to making your case. First, you identify the problem and qualify your
audience. Then you agitate the readers pain before offering your solution as the answer that will
make it all better. The agitation phase is not about being sadistic; its about empathy. You want the
reader to know unequivocally that you understand his problem because youve dealt with it and/or
are experienced at eliminating it. The credibility of your solution goes way up if you demonstrate
that you truly feel the prospects pain.
7) Prognosticate: Another persuasion theme involves providing your readers with a glimpse into
the future. This entire strategy is built on credibility. If you have no idea what youre talking
about, youll end up looking foolish. But if you can back up your claims with your credentials or
your obvious grasp of the subject matter, this is an extremely persuasive technique.

8) Go tribal: Despite our attempts to be sophisticated, evolved beings, we humans are

exclusionary by nature. Give someone a chance to be a part of a group that they
want to be inwhether that be wealthy, or hip, or green, or even contrarian
and theyll hop on board whatever train youre driving. This is the technique
used in the greatest sales letter ever written. Find out what group people want
to be in, and offer them an invitation to join while seemingly excluding others.
9) Address objections: If you present your case and someone is left thinking yeah, but, well,
youve lost. This is why direct marketers use long copyits not that they want you to read it all,
its that they want you to read enough until you buy.
Addressing all the potential objections of at least the majority of your readers can be tough, but if
you really know your subject the arguments against you should be fairly obvious. If you think
there are no reasonable objections to your position, youre in for a shock if you have comments
enabled.
10) Storytelling: Storytelling is really a catch-all techniqueyou can and should use it in
combination with any and all of the previous nine strategies. But the reason why storytelling
works so well lies at the heart of what persuasion really is. Stories allow people to persuade
themselves, and thats what its really all about. You might say that we never convince anyone of
anythingwe simply help others independently decide that were right. Do everything you can to
tell better stories, and youll find that you are a terribly persuasive person.

Here are some of the useful phrases you may use to write an effective
persuasive essay. Use these phrases to complete the following exercise.
I believe, for example, Firstly, All in all, It is argued that, In my opinion, the way I see it,
Furthermore, it appears to me that, especially, Moreover, To my mind, as far as I am
concerned, Opponents of this view say that.., On the other hand, I am totally against,
Contrary to what most people believe, for instance, To sum up, I couldnt agree more
with.., In the first place, All things considered, I strongly disagree that.., in particular,
However, To begin with, In addition to that.., not to mention the fact that, There are people
who oppose, such as, Taking everything into account.
To express opinion:
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To list points:
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To add more points:
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To introduce contrasting viewpoints:
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To introduce examples:
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To conclude:
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