Persuasive Essay

What is a Persuasive/Argument Essay?
When writing a persuasive essay, remember that you are either for or against a certain issue. Your goal would then be to persuade, or convince, the readers to believe or do something using good examples of facts or reasonings to support your idea or belief. Persuasive essays are normally called argument essays as well for you are arguing why your point of view is more legitimate than another point of view.

Audience
It is important to know who you will be writing for in a persuasive essay. The writer must understand the reader's perspective and use ethos, pathos, and logos to grab the reader's full attention and go with your side of the argument. Also, be respectful when persuading to the readers and use trustworthy facts and information.

Emotional, Ethical, and Logical Appeals
Persuasive essays should always contain the thee basic kinds of appeals:Emotional appeals (to the heart), ethical appeals (about credibility or character), and logical appeals (to the mind).

Ethical Appeals - Evoke the credibility and good character of whoever is making the argument. Make sure you are aware of what you are talking about and use trustworthy information.
Logical Appeals -This is by far the most important appeal. When making an argument you need to provide reasons and evidence to support the claims. This includes facts and statistics, personal experiences, surveys, and more.

Stasis Theory
The stasis theory is a simple system for identifying the crux of an argument. When writing a persuasive essay remember to ask yourself
 * 1) What are the facts?
 * 2) How can the issue be defined?
 * 3) How much doe sit matter, and why?
 * 4) What actions should be taken as a result?

Medium
Keep in mind that the medium you're going to use affects the kind of evidence you choose and the way you present it.