©2006 Go-essays® All Rights Reserved

Formatting a Persuasive Essay

Know Your Subject:  As a writer, you are claiming to be an authority on the topic about which you must write.  It is your responsibility to inform the reader on this subject in a way that is well-researched, accurate and logically-presented.  In preparation for composing a persuasive essay, you should conduct a thorough process of source gathering and evaluation.

Clearly Present Your Argument:  Your thesis statement should be a statement of purpose.  In a standard five-paragraph argumentative essay, the thesis will typically conclude the introductory paragraph.  The introductory paragraph should guide the reader logically to the argument which you are about to make, funneling concisely from a general topical overview to a specific concept.  The thesis is an opportunity for you, as the writer, to take a position based on the research subject and then to clearly communicate this position to the reader.

Defend Your Argument Rationally:  Once you have articulated your thesis, you must defend it with relevant textual support.  Using the materials gathered for your research, you should be prepared to construct a case in support of your thesis which is based in verifiable information and your own logical analysis.

Cite All Sources:  A good persuasive essay will demonstrate both the quality of your research and the effectiveness of your analysis.  In order for your argument to bear any legitimacy, it should be backed by clear documentation of the sources which you had used to arrive at the position asserted in the thesis.  There are a multitude of traditionally accepted in-text citation formats which you may be expected to use in a formal academic setting.  For more information on APA, MLA and other commonly accepted citation formats, there are a wide range of style guide sources available both in print and online.

Tie Your Argument Together:  The conclusion of a persuasive essay should briefly review the construction of your argument.  Drawing the explicit connection between your supporting case and the original thesis, use the conclusion to reinforce the strength of your argument.