An essay is “a piece of writing on a particular subject done by students as a part of the work for a course.” Most scholars and students will agree that this definition limits the array and scope, essays have. All articles have a standard structure made of the introduction, body, and conclusion.
However, the intent, approach, and style of each determine the category of an essay. An essay written in a casual tone is an informal essay, while most articles written for a course submission are formal essays. The intent and approach determine whether a piece is descriptive, expository, or argumentative.
This article focuses on Persuasive essays, a type of essay, which many scholars consider as a form of an argumentative essay. In contrast, many find them having a category of their own, as they are different from argumentative essays.
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Remember any fiery article in any leading daily that tried to convince the reader (you) or tried to sway your opinion about a primarily political agenda. Or any essay you wrote in your school, passionately expressing your opinion and stand ‘for’ or ‘against’ any given topic, that was closer to your heart.
These articles and essays are examples of persuasive writing or persuasive essays.
Like all essays, the basic structure of persuasive essays is the same. However, the approach towards the subject differs. The writer, while introducing the issue in a compelling essay, loses no words to highlight one’s stand on the matter.
Read More: How To Write A Conclusion For An Essay?
The writer next devotes the entire body of the article to carefully lay the foundation and strengthen his stance by putting down the facts, figures, or personal experiences that seamlessly leads the reader to the conclusion of the essay.
The end, unlike other articles, is not a summary of the entire piece with a line or two, thrown in, to conclude the essay. It can be an emphatic consolidation of the writer’s beliefs and stance with a call to action.
A persuasive essay has all the ingredients of an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay acknowledges both sides of the topic and formally tries to support views by concrete facts and figures.
However, while in a persuasive essay, the writer takes a clear stand and proceeds to sway the reader’s opinion through ‘passionate’ expressions of facts and experiences.
Many scholars agree that an argumentative essay is dependent entirely on the concrete circumstances, figures, and data to validate the arguments. In contrast, a persuasive piece can be useful even in the absence of solid facts and studies. An argumentative essay aims at the head of the reader, and the persuasive essay tries to sway the heart.
The role of Social media, in the present world, is vital. Social media platforms have provided the world with a powerful and useful tool to find expression and creativity. While the list of advantages of Social media is long, the ill effects of social media are longer.
From interpersonal relationships and social responsibilities to privacy, social media platforms have invaded our lives. This essay will outline the ill effects of social media.
Social media in today’s world plays a vital role in our lives. Social media has changed the way we express ourselves and has, to a great extent, invaded our private lives. Social media has adversely affected our lives.
Both essays, while introducing the ill effects of social media, have used different approaches. While the plan is less formal in Example B devoid of any acknowledgement of the advantages of social media, Example A, has a formal tone and approach, acknowledges both sides of the topic and lays the list of the essay.
Here are the keys to writing a great persuasive essay.
Think, think, and think. Before diving into writing the essay, take some time off to study the subject and form a definite opinion. Take a stand and do some research.
A question well researched, from a clear perspective, will give you ample facts and figures, to lay your opinion entirely. Try and identify your audience and decide on the style of writing and the events that will best appeal to them.
Read More: What Are the Hooks for Essays?
A persuasive essay, like any essay, must be structured. It must have a clear introduction, followed by the body and the conclusion. Choose your words carefully and keep your sentences short and straightforward.
Longer sentences often confuse the reader and fail in effectively delivering the message. Back each statement with facts or experiences. Sequence your data to conclude. Choose words and phrases that highlight your conviction about the subject.
Read, re-read, and revise. Make sure that all sentences are grammatically correct and do not have any spelling or typing errors. Make the necessary edits.
A well written persuasive essay, along with adherence to the necessary structure and guidelines of essay writing, must reflect the knowledge and conviction of the writer. Remember the time you successfully persuaded your friends to agree with your opinion?
To help you further, here are the best persuasive essay examples:
Cats or dogs are a much-debated topic, and most pet lovers and owners differ when it comes to the question of the best pet. Dogs might be faithful, but cats make the perfect pets. A cat snuggling to gain affection can be the best touch for any human.
The kneading behaviour of the cat is considered the best form of display of the bonding between the owner and the pet. The soft furry touch is soothing and can make one feel wanted, loved, and cared. Cats are the best companions.
No worries about grooming a ca, one can save the visits to the grooming centres for cats take care of themselves. They are one of the few rare species that are particular about hygiene—no lice infections or litters. Cats are well behaved and use the litter box. Thus they are worried about free pets.
A few exciting and intriguing toys for the pet is all that is required to keep it busy and engaged. They can be alone for hours without chewing the rug or that odd bathroom slipper. They don’t need chains and collars to keep them behaved. One can be at peace even with the furry friend locked inside, alone.
A pet that snuggles up to you to be loved, grooms itself, uses the litter box without supervision, and can be left alone for hours is no doubt the best pet one can have.
Television, the most powerful tool of mass media, has entertained the world for decades and is a trusted source of information and family entertainment. However, excessive use of television in every household has earned it the notorious knick name of ‘The Idiot box.’ It cannot be denied that like all things, too much television affects our lives adversely.
The twenty-four hours broadcast of programs, is one of the significant causes of sleeplessness, in most adults in the age group of 40-50 years in the U.S. The habit of switching on the television after a hard day’s work can be appealing. However, when it takes up your essential sleep time, it causes serious lifestyle issues.
Most people who watch television for long hours are prone to health complications. 80% of people who watch T.V. for more than 8 hours a day are obese, have high blood pressure, and suffer from heart ailments. Lack of physical activity and exercise and sitting for long hours in from of the T.V. sets are causes of these health complications.
Television is a powerful mass media tool that affects our daily lives. Too much information and lack of adequate means of expression often make one anxious and affect mental health.
In a survey, 87% of respondents in the age group of 18-28 years agreed that repeated telecasts of any T.V. news involving violence had affected their mental and emotional health.
Television can be a source of knowledge and entertainment when used wisely. One must avoid being a ‘couch potato’ with physical, mental, and emotional disorders sitting in front of the ‘idiot box’ for long hours.
Below we’ve listed some of the “Best Essay Writing Scholarships” which will be a great way to pay for your financial needs.
Highly motivated aspirants from all over the globe are invited to apply for the Student Scholarship Essay Contest in Canada. Organized by Fraser Institute, the program is designated just for high school students. Winning essays may be published in Fraser Institute journals and authors will have the opportunity to experience the peer-review process.
Provided By: Fraser Institute
Course: Any degree
Award: $9,000-$3,000
Application Deadline: June 1, 2020
Apply Now
The Royal Commonwealth Society is inviting applicants to take part in the scholarship essay competition. The QCEC is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under. Entries can be submitted in several different formats: for example, a poem, letter, article, story, essay or a short play/script.
Provided By: Royal Commonwealth Society
Course: Any degree
Award: Varies
Application Deadline: June 30, 2020
Apply Now
The Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) have open entries for Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest for the year 2020 from grade 12, college undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world. It offers various educational programs to enable students at all levels of knowledge. Candidates will get 1 winner receives $ 3,000, 2nd place: 2 winners receive $ 1,000 and 3rd place: 10 winners receive $ 500.
Provided By: Ayn Rand Institute (ARI)
Course: Undergraduate and graduate
Award: $ 3,000, $ 1,000 and $ 500
Application Deadline: April 30, 2020
Apply Now
Waiting for an opportunity to get a scholarship? If yes, then go ahead and apply for the EssayPro Writing Contest Scholarship for international aspirants having excellent writing skills. To apply for this opportunity, applicants need to demonstrate academic excellence. Top three winners will get the cash prizes. The first place holding applicant will receive $500, and the second and third place, winning candidates will receive $250 each!
Provided By: Essaypro
Course: Any degree
Award: $500, $250
Application Deadline: June 1, 2020
Apply Now
The American Indian College Fund is providing scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees at tribal colleges, nonprofit, and accredited schools. U.S. citizen or Canadian citizens are eligible to attend college in the U.S. under provisions of the Jay Treaty.
Provided By: The American Indian College Fund
Course: Undergraduate and graduate
Award: Fund
Application Deadline: August 1, 2020
Apply Now
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