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.

The guidelines for writing persuasively:

* When deciding how to begin, always consider the audience. Remember, you are addressing an audience whose views may differ from yours.

* Your first concern is to get your audiences to “listen.” You might use humor, a rhetorical question, an anecdote or any other attention-getting device to accomplish this.

* However you begin, you need to concisely state your purpose for writing. Develop your position, or thesis statement. This will help you to focus on your issue as you draft your essay.

* You need to support your position with valid evidence and logical arguments. For evidence, you might use any combination of facts, statistics, expert opinions, and reasons and make responsible appeals to emotion.

* Anticipate opposing arguments.

* End with the re-emphasis of your strong points and in a way that prompts your audience to change their thinking or to take a certain course of action.

Some Persuasive Essay Prompts:

TWA Prompt: C1
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Everyone has taken a risk at some time in his or her life. Write about a risk you have taken.
Discuss why you took this risk and whether it was worth taking.

TWA Prompt: C2
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Think of a book you have read at some point in your academic career that had a significant impact on you. In what ways did it influence your life?

TWA Prompt: C3
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Reflect back on an incident in your life or in the life of someone you know that required a courageous action? Describe the incident and explain how it involved courage.

TWA Prompt: C4
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
If you had the opportunity to meet a person (living or dead) from any point in history, who would it be and why would you choose him/her?

TWA Prompt: C5
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
We have all walked away from situations in our lives--work, school, family matters--that we have regretted. Have you ever walked away from a situation under less than ideal circumstances then later regretted your actions? Discuss the situation, and then explain how you could have
handled things differently.

TWA Prompt: C6
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Many of the lessons we learn in life are the result of unforeseen circumstances. Describe something you learned quite unexpectedly, and discuss its importance in your life.

TWA Prompt: C7
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Mistakes can often become valuable opportunities. Have there been any mistakes in your life that you have turned into valuable experiences? Describe one mistake you have made recently. Explain how you changed it into a valuable experience and discuss what you learned.

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TWA Prompt: A1
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
“Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Cite an incident that explains your point of view.

TWA Prompt: A2
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
“You don’t just luck into things as much as you think. In reality, luck is generated step by step, whether it involves friendships, opportunities, or personal growth.” Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Explain your point of view using examples from history, literature, the media or your own experience.

TWA Prompt: A3
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt. Some have suggested that the legal drinking age in California be lowered to 18 years of age. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

TWA Prompt: A4
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Some experts say that legalizing drugs will end most drug addictions and will allow more terminally ill patients to use them to ease their pain. Others think legalizing drugs would simply increase drug addiction. Should the United States legalize drugs? Why?

TWA Prompt: A5
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Recently, parent groups have argued that certain books should be banned from school libraries because of their potentially harmful effect on children. What do you think? Should certain books be banned, or should children have the right to read what they want?

TWA Prompt: A6
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
A famous football coach once said, “Winning isn’t everything . . . it’s the only thing.” Consider this quote in light of your circumstances (e.g., school challenges, personal struggles, the over all sentiment in today’s society, etc.). Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain your
point of view.

TWA Prompt: A7
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Some students believe that the level of education is better at a small college/university than a large college/university. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

TWA Prompt: A8
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
“Loneliness is the anxiety that you do not matter at all.” Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Explain your point of view using examples from history, literature, the media, or your own personal experience.

TWA Prompt: A9
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Gun control is a continuing controversy in the United States. Many argue that it is their right to own guns for protection of life, liberty and property, while others feel that guns in the hands of Americans lead to more violence. Which of these viewpoints do you agree with and why?

Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Write a letter to your future grandchildren. Choose a major event that has occurred during your lifetime that you believe would be important enough to pass along to your grandchildren and explain its importance.

TWA Prompt: A11
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Do you remember a song from the past that still has a significant impact on you? Or can you recall a more recent song that generates some response? What kind of memories does this song remind you of and why?

TWA Prompt: A12
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Do you agree or disagree? Cite an example from history, the media, or personal experience.

TWA Prompt: A13
Directions: Write an essay that responds to the following prompt.
Some parents and college-aged students are firm believers in the single sex college as more conducive to focused study. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your stance.