How do you develop your argument in a persuasive essay?

Answer 1

First, you start brainstorming. Brainstorming helps you think out of the box. A good brainstorm outline for persuasive writing is PERSUADE THEM:

Pride

Education

Responsibility

Safety

Unfairness

Appearance

Duty

Environment

Time

Health

Efficiency

Money.

You can brainstorm on each of these for each side. It really helps.

Now, you start with your introductory paragraph:

An introductory paragraph consists of 3 things: A hook, lead, and a thesis. A hook draws the readers attention. It can be a quote, riddle, question, bold statement or a short story. A thesis is is a sentence that basically summarizes the whole essay. For example: Schools should serve peanut butter Sandwiches.

Next is the body paragraph. A good essay usually has 3 body paragraphs. A body paragraph consists of the following:

-topic sentence

-evidence to back up your point

-explanation

-one sentence summary of how the reason supports your thesis/topic sentence.

-transition

Here is an example of a persuasive paragraph:

Soda machines should not be allowed in schools because it is unhealthy for the students. Dr. Nestle said that the relationship between drinking soda and our bodies is really strong. Researchers calculate that for each soda consumed, the risk of obesity increases 1.6 times. In addition, teenagers who drink soda display a higher risk of bone fractures. Soda contains high levels of phosphorous which leaches calcium from your bones. Without calcium, your bones grow weak, which is a leading factor to osteoporosis. Therefore, because soda contributes to the risk of obesity and weaker bones, it is unhealthy for our adolescent bodies.

Following, you will add a 5th paragraph (a 4th body paragraph). This paragraph is called the counterargument. In a counterargument, you choose a a strong point from the side you are against. For example, in an essay where you're trying to persuade your school to add recess time, a strong point from the opposite side may be that the school will have to hire aids to supervise us. However, you can argue that saying that we have a willing staff. For example:

Many adults in our school say that if we add recess time to our school, they will have to hire aids to supervise during our break. However, they are wrong because we have many teachers and adults in our school that can supervise us. If there are teachers that supervise us during lunch, can't they supervise us during recess?

Writing a counterargument helps prove to the reader why they are wrong.

Lastly, you will need a strong conclusion. In a conclusion, you start with a transition (ex: in conclusion, therefore, thus, all in all, etc. ). Following that you will restate/reword your thesis (you should give the me the grand privilege of giving me a cell phone). Remind your reader of what the whole essay was about. Then you emphasize on your reason (i will be able to communicate with you so that you know what's happening with me). Next you will call the reader to action (I suggest that we go to Verizon Wireless this weekend....) Then leave the reader thinking (Just imagine what would happen if something terrible happened to me and I couldn't communicate with you guys to help me....)

Have fun writing your essay!

FROM A 13 YEAR OLD! REALLY!

Answer 2

In a persuasive essay, you develop your argument by clearly stating your position or claim, providing evidence to support it, and addressing counterarguments to strengthen your case. Use logical reasoning, examples, statistics, and expert opinions to persuade your audience of the validity of your argument. Organize your essay in a coherent structure with a strong introduction, body paragraphs that present evidence and analysis, and a compelling conclusion that reinforces your main points.