A persuasive essay, also known as the argumentative essay, is the writing piece that presents the evidence supporting one of the sides of the argument. The essay has to be convincing enough to make the reader take the same side or take certain action. The arguments presented by the writer have to be solid and credible, so it is crucial to base them on facts, expert opinions, research data, etc. If you want your essay to accomplish its objectives, it is important to learn these tips.

• Look for the evidence. If you have chosen a debatable question you want to write about, you have to pick a side and find the ways to defend it. Therefore, it is necessary to look for the relevant information in trustworthy sources. Read books, articles, and journals that give more in-depth info on the issue, and find the data that can help you prove your side right.
• Think of the outline. Essays, in general, have a pretty clear structure, which means you can look for the template to see the best way of outlining the paper. Also, check the guidelines your teacher has given you, and make sure you adhere to them while writing.
• Create the introduction. Find an interesting fact or make a claim that can hook the readers and make them keep reading your essay, even if your teacher will be the only person doing it. In the end, present a thesis statement, which should show the kind of issue you will discuss and the facts you will use to support your side.
• Write the body of the paper. Your persuasive essay should have at least tree body paragraphs with evidence that prove your position to be correct, and at least one paragraph that proves that another side is completely wrong or not right enough. Make sure you separate the supporting points, using just one per paragraph, and your evidence is good enough for the reader to believe in it.
• Prepare the conclusion. This last paragraph of your paper should make it absolutely clear that your side is worth taking. Mention the thesis and the points you have presented in the body, but make sure not to provide readers with new evidence on points. You can now review the topic in the broad context and make your viewpoint look more logical and persuasive. Finish with an effective sentence that would appeal to readers’ emotions and feelings to make a stronger connection with them, and call them to the specific action.
• Mind the last sentence. Even though each of the body paragraphs defends a different point, they should relate to each other somehow. You can use the final sentence of each paragraph to make a transition and let the info flow smoothly.
• Do not forget to refute the opposing point. If you want the persuasive essay to have a more powerful effect, it is important to refute on of the strongest points the reader can present against your idea. This way, the reader will see that you know what you are writing about, and have a substantial knowledge of the issue. Also, you will get rid of doubts, and it will be easier to convince the reader you are right.
• Think broad while writing a conclusion. The conclusion of the essay is not just a summary of the info you have previously presented. It should say a lot more than that. Aside from thinking about the issue in the broader context, you can also think what it means to you or how it makes you feel. Also, you need to consider another issues or questions the info you presented in the essay may raise.
• Give yourself a break before revising. Leave the essay for a while and get back to it with a fresh and rested mind. This way you will spot more mistakes you have made and will be able to assess own writing skills adequately. If you have enough time and see that there is something wrong with the essay, do not be afraid to make serious changes, as it will only help you get a better grade.