Persuasive writing attempts to convince the reader that the point of view or course of action recommended by the writer is valid. To accomplish this, the writer must develop a limited topic which is well defined and debatable, that is has more than one side. It is important that the author understand other sides of the position so that the strongest information to counter the others can be presented. In the essay, only one side of the issue is presented.

     Like all kinds of five paragraph essays, there is a specific format to be followed.

• The topic sentence cannot be a fact as facts cannot be debated. It should be a statement of position. That position must be clear and direct. This statement directs the readers to follow along with your logic towards the specific stated conclusion that you want them to support. Do not make it personal so do not use personal pronouns. Make it definitive.

• Then, in the same introductory paragraph, state the three best reasons that you have to support your position as the remainder of the opening paragraph. These reasons become the topics of each of the three supporting paragraphs. Again, be sure they are able to be supported with additional separate facts.

• In the body of the essay, the writer uses specific evidence, examples, and statistics and not broad generalizations or personal opinions to persuade the reader that the stated position is a valid one. Each topic sentence for the support paragraphs have been introduced in the beginning paragraph. Each additional sentence must closely relate to the topic and the sentence that came before it. This way, the logic of the argument is easy to follow.

• Be sure to use adequate transitions between paragraphs as they make it easy for the reader to follow the logic of the presentation.

• As one closes the essay, it is most important to to clearly redefine the topic and restate the most compelling evidence cited in original form.Remember, this is the last chance to remind the reader and convince him/her to accept the writer's position.

• Do not introduce new material in the conclusion.

Addition:

also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly

Consequence:

accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, 

hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore

Generalizing:

as a rule, as usual, for the most part,

generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually

Exemplifying:

chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, 

particularly,  including, specifically, such as

Illustration:

for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, 

illustrated with, as an example, in this case

Emphasis

above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly

Similarity:

comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, together with

Exception:

aside from, barring, besides, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than,outside of, save

Restatement:

in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, 

in short, in brief, to put it differently

Contrast and Comparison:

contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise,

on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather,

similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast

Sequence:

at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time,

for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on,

meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier,

simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind,

Summarizing:

after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, 

in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, 

in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally

Diversion:

by the way, incidentally

Direction:

here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above,

to the left, to the right, in the distance