You should have at least three points or reasons that support your point of view, argument or opinion.
You should have a few examples to support each point. Make sure you use facts to support your points- don't use opinions.
When you begin to write your letter, each point should be developed into a paragraph. State your point or opinion clearly in the topic sentence. The following sentences will be your examples that support the point you wrote in your topic sentence.
Decide the best order to present your reasons. In persuasive writing they should be ordered by importance – either least to most important or most to least important. Many times it is best to present your most important point last so it is fresh in the readers mind. To decide which reason is most important, you must consider your audience.
Here are some strategies used in persuasive writing.
Citing precedents A precedent is an earlier action that can be used as an example for an an action that happens later.
Example: When Mark's family went to Big Bluff Park there was something to interest everyone, even his little sister.
Anticipating objections Think of possible objections to your argument. Answer these objections before they are mentioned.
Example: It may seem like a lot of money to spend, but the price of admission includes all our rides for the whole day.
Exploring consequences Consider what might happen if your audience supports your opinion and what might happen if they don't.
Example: If you give skiing a chance, you can decide whether you like it or not. If you don't try, you'll never know.
Using persuasive language
Persuasive language should be polite and clear with exact words and specific examples. Avoid weak phrases that do not tell your reader anything. Extreme words such as dumb, horrible, etc. insult rather than persuade.
See p. 357 in the blue English Book for some example paragraphs.
ideas taken from: Houghton Mifflin English Level 7.Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 1990.