Persuasive Writing

How to make a strong and valid argument

General Structure
The general structure of an essay is an introduction, 3 body paragraphs and a conclusion.
The main argument you will make will be within the body paragraphs.

Introduction
Straight off the bat you need to present your argument to your reader. This should come within the first few
sentences.
This punch line can come in many forms, but must address the topic that will be addressed
o Question (Hypophora)
o Statement
o Anecdote
o Quotation
Give a brief overview of the situation stating what the problem is.
You will also need to ensure that you outline to the reader the three main points will be arguing later in the
essay (essentially introducing your body paragraphs),
o By exploring these three areas of concern..

Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs consist of the major information and points of argument you are making.
They are put together in a SEXY structure.
S - Statement
E- Expand/Explain
X - Example
Y - Your opinion
Statement
This is where you introduce the point you will be making. Your statement will only consist of a sentence or
two.
This is your first chance to get the readers attention so your statement should be hard-hitting.
Explain/Expand
This is where you add extra detail to your argument. You explain to the audience what you meant in your
statement.
Example
Here you are required to produce evidence to back up the statement you have made.
If you cannot present evidence there is no reason for the audience to listen to what you are saying. With
evidence the believability of the writing increases
Examples can be statistics, quotes, stories or anything that will add further information to your argument.
Your Opinion
This is the most important part of your essay. Here you are offering your personal opinions about the topic.
If you have presented an issue in your body paragraph this is the point in which you can offer a solution.
If you feel strongly about an issue this is the portion of your writing in which you show that.

Conclusion
This is like the introduction, but make sure that you dont just repeat yourself here.
This should be a quick and direct paragraph restating the basic idea in your introduction, but with the new,
enlightening information youve given the reader throughout the body.
It is also the time when you assert that you have proved your argument.
o ie. By looking at these three issues, we have found that..
This can be an opportunity to really let your own voice and opinion shine through.