How to Organize a Persuasive Paper
Writing an essay requires preparation and outlining. Different essays require different levels of preparation, and the persuasive essay requires a heightened level of factual support. The persuasive essay is attempting to convince the reader that the writer's point is correct and factual. A persuasive paper needs to be organized into one of two styles, the block essay or the point-by-point essay. Both essays will be fact-supported and will attempt to convince the reader to think about the topic in a different or new way.
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Instructions
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Block Style
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Prepare the introduction with both sides of the argument. Present the opponent's view, then present within the first paragraph the view which the paper will be supporting. Avoid reviewing details, as the details will be explained later in the paper.
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Present the opponent's viewpoint after the introduction. Include all points and positions of the opponent's argument. Support the arguments with factual support. This part of the persuasion paper is not to convince, but to state facts and prepare the argument presented in the following section of the presentation.
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3
Argue the paper's point in the next section of the paper. A powerful "turning" word between opponent's and proponent's sections is "however." The opponents have been supported and acknowledged, now the reader needs to know there are alternatives to the discussion. Turn the paper to the supporting argument and use facts to support the argument. This section of the paper will convince the reader to think about the topic in a different or new way.
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Conclude the block style persuasion paper with a strong conclusion. Highlight points in the proponent's argument, comparing the points to the opponent's side when necessary for clarification. Restate the thesis presented in the opening paragraph.
Point-by-Point Style
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Construct an opening paragraph including a thesis statement. Write the thesis as an "although" statement, which places the writer's position in an independent clause. Include reasons why the argument exists, and be sure to explain which side the persuasion paper will take during the course of the paper.
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Discuss opposing viewpoints in order. The paragraph following the introduction will discuss the opponent's first viewpoint, followed by the author's counterpoint and persuasive discussion. Following paragraphs will continue along the same pattern until every point introduced by the opponent is discussed and refuted with solid facts. Use fair language, giving every position credit for being valid.
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Conclude the paper with a summary of the proponent's arguments. The final argument is the last chance for the author to make a point and convince the reader to think about the issue in a different manner. Restate the thesis in the conclusion and finish the essay with a final word regarding the issue.
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References
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