How to Write a Fantastic Persuasive or Argumentative Essay

#1 Be Direct You cant write about everything in 1000 to 2000 words, which is about the normal length for a persuasive or argumentative essay. As a result, focus in on a solid thesis. Develop a really strong statement, such as this: Electrocution is the most unjust (or just) form of capital punishment . Heres another good one. China has taken over the United States as the worlds superpower. See what I mean? Why bother to write if you dont hold a strong position? You are a voice in the debate, and you have to demand others attention from the very beginning. Be direct and have confidence. #2 Do Your Homework Research! Would a prosecution lawyer ever take an alleged criminal to trial without facts? Obviously not. Youve got no case without evidence, aka facts. So organize your facts. Take the time for the tedious process of listing every single point you can come up with that supports your thesis. If you have no facts to support your thesis , you may not have an argument at all or it will be very weak. #3 Your Audience Disagrees With You Convert Them! Most people are skeptical of you and your argumentprobably because they have been burned before by people who are misleading. Therefore, they often refuse to believe even concrete, supported, absolute facts that in some way conflict with their own beliefs. You have to want to convert them to your viewpoint. #4 The Conflict Between Understanding and Ignorance Simply presenting what you know to be factsno matter how solid they are and how much support you offer for themwill not convince an audience that been brainwashed or otherwise convinced that their views are, themselves, factseven though you know youre right and theyre plain wrong. Its partly simple ignorance, partly internal stubbornness, partly embarrassment at being proven wrong, and partly a competitive attitude. You know these type of people. We all do. #5 Look in the Mirror - What Do You Know? Now that weve put the reader in their place, so to say, lets look in the mirror and do the same. Even as writers, we arent know-it-alls. I guarantee that there is someone who knows more than you. Its important to remember this humility. If you think you know it all, youll write an essay that exposes your arrogant and conceited attitude. Consequently, youll fail to develop a good argument as well as to persuade your audience.

#6 Be Introspective and Critical of Yourself Continually review your thoughts and opinions. Rip apart your thesis. Tear into yourself as if youre the opposition. Why do you feel your thesis is the correct position? Have you considered the opposing view? Why do you possess your opinions? From where do they originate? Really investigate your own foundational assumptions, values, and beliefs. Analyze your reasoning. Try to find flaws in your own logic and holes in your facts and evidence. #7 Get Smart! Remove your blinders and open up your perspective to the full array of viewpoints on the topic. Read everything you can locate. Try to get outside your own world and evaluate the various positions as objectively as possible. Play the devils advocate. Dont become complacent or self-satisfied. Really know not just what youre discussing, but why. #8 Create Your Argument With Logic, Honesty, and Emotion Be logical in supporting your thesis clearly and directly. Talk to the most basic of understandings. Likewise, be honest and authoritative. Create your credibility by being fair to the opposition. Build relationships with the audience by indicating common values. Dont exaggerate. Finally, speak to the emotional element. Put a human face on the issue. Provide the reader and paper editor a reason for caring. Let the reader know whats in it for them. #9 Organization is Paramount Lead from the front. State your thesis in the first paragraph. Next, provide the reader whatever necessary background information that they need to understand the topic. Continue by presenting your case, your facts, either starting with the most compelling or ending with the most compelling. Let your writing flow naturally. #10 Address Opposing Views, But Assert Why They Are Wrong When you can mention and quickly refute viewpoints which are in opposition to yours, its a sign of strength. Determine what elements of the counterargument do not need to be addressed, which ones to touch on briefly and refute by illustrating their weaknesses, and which ones, if any, to recognize as being valid. At all times, be fair and honest about the opposing viewpoints. The top place for discussing these conflicting points is in the second paragraph before you dive into your reasoning. You want to end on your viewpoint not the oppositions. #11 Its a Conclusion, So Conclude! Its often the case that people write a conclusion, but fail to do just that. Conclude. In your conclusion, you should state a conclusion, not just a summary of what youve already written. You might explain why this is such an important issue, by noting its broader implications and potential consequences.

Perhaps you could relate it to other or larger issues, indicating the effects for humanity or the future of the world. Be dramatic, but always form your statements in facts and truth. Best of luck in your essay.