The Structure of a Persuasive Essay

Writing a Persuasive Essay

You first need to choose a topic that you feel passionate about. If your instructor requires you to write about a specific topic, approach the subject from an angle that interests you. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction. Your thesis should typically appear somewhere in your introduction.

Next, you must acknowledge and explain points of view that may conflict with your own to build credibility and trust with your audience. You should also state the limits of your argument. This helps you sound more reasonable and honest to those who may naturally be inclined to disagree with your view. By respectfully acknowledging opposing arguments and conceding limitations to your own view, you set a measured and responsible tone for the essay.

Be sure to make your appeals in support of your thesis by using sound, credible evidence. Use a balance of facts and opinions from a wide range of sources, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and personal anecdotes. Each piece of evidence should be fully explained and clearly stated. Also, write in a style and tone that is appropriate for your subject and audience. Tailor your language and word choice to these two factors, while still being true to your own voice. Finally, write a conclusion that effectively summarizes the main argument and reinforces your thesis.

Structuring a Persuasive Essay

You may already be familiar with the formula below for organizing a persuasive essay. It will present a convincing argument to your reader because your discussion is well rounded and thorough, and you leave your audience with your point of view at the end. Remember to consider each of these components in this formula sections instead of paragraphs because you will probably want to discuss multiple ideas backing up your point of view to make it more convincing.

When writing a persuasive essay, it is best to begin with the most important point because it immediately captivates your readers and compels them to continue reading. For example, if you were supporting your thesis that homework is detrimental to the education of high school students, you would want to present your most convincing argument first, and then move on to the less important points for your case.

Some key transitional words you should use with this method of organization are: most importantly, almost as importantly, just as importantly, and finally.

The Formula

You will need to come up with objection points, but you will also need to think of direct rebuttals to each of those ideas. Remember to consult your outline as you are writing because you may need to double-check that you have countered each of the possible opposing ideas you presented.

Section 1: Introduction

• Attention-getter
• Thesis (showing main and controlling ideas)
• Background
• Signposts (make sure you outline the structure your argument will follow)

Section 2: (Multiple) Ideas in Support of Claim

• Give a topic sentence introducing the point (showing main and controlling ideas)
• Give explanations and evidence on the first point
• Make a concluding statement summarizing the point discussion (possibly transitioning to the next supporting idea)
• Repeat with multiple ideas in separate paragraphs

Section 3: Summary of (Some) Opposing Views

• Give a topic sentence explaining that this paragraph will present opposing points of view as part of providing a thorough, convincing argument
• Present a general summary of some opposing ideas
• Present some generalized evidence
• Provide a brief concluding sentence for the paragraph—transitioning into the next rebuttal paragraph

Section 4: Response to Opposing Views

• Give a topic sentence explaining/indicating how this paragraph/section connects to or expands on the previous paragraph
• [Here, you may recognize the validity of some of the points; then you need to] Present how your ideas are stronger
• Present evidence directly countering/refuting ideas mentioned in the previous section
• Give a concluding statement summarizing the countering arguments

Section 5: Conclusion

• Restate your thesis
• Summarize your discussion points
• Leave the reader with a strong impression; do not waiver here
• May provide a “call for action”

Attribution & References

Except where otherwise noted, this chapter is adapted from “10.2 The Structure of a Persuasive Essay” In  Writing for Success – 1st Canadian H5P Edition by Tara Horkoff, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. / Adaptations include the addition of the How to Write an Argumentative Argument Essay with example video.