You’ve just read about discursive essays, which give both sides to an argument. A persuasive essay is also about some sort of topic of debate – BUT – the writer is trying to persuade you to agreee with their opinion. Here is some more information:

What is a persuasive essay?

• It is an essay that argues one point of view about a topic.
• It tries to persuade the reader to agree with you.
• It is NOT an essay that presents both points of view. You need to present only your own point of view.
• You are given a topic, and you need to agree with it or disagree with it.
• The topic can also be written as a question, like in the fourth example below.

Some persuasive essay topics are:

• I agree with corporal punishment. It should be reintroduced to school to solve the discipline problems that many schools experience.
• School uniforms should be scrapped, as they serve no useful purpose.
• It is wrong that girls as young as 14 can get birth control without their parents knowing.
• Should the government provide all school learners with free computers?
• Cigarettes should be banned.

What are some of the features of a persuasive essay?

A persuasive essay needs to include your own opinion very clearly, so you will state that using “I” or “my”. For example: I believe that cigarettes should be banned. OR My opinion is that cigarettes should be banned.

However, although you are giving your opinion, most of the essay will be presenting arguments. Present your ideas in factual and formal sentences with correct grammar.

Check on the length of essays for your grade. Most essay lengths are about 250 words.

How to plan a persuasive essay

You could plan a persuasive essay like this:

Introductory paragraph: State clearly what your opinion is.

Paragraph 2: Give your first reason. You could start with a sentence like this: First, smokers are likely to become ill as a result of smoking. Then the rest of your sentences will present more information and evidence about the health effects.

Paragraph 3: Give your second reason. You could start with a sentence like this: Another reason to ban smoking is that there is lots of medical evidence that second-hand smoke affects people who are around smokers. Then the rest of the paragraph doesn’t introduce anything new – it just gives evidence for what you are saying.

Paragraph 4: Think of a third reason.

Paragraph 5: Think about a reason that goes against what you believe. Then write a paragraph explaining why that thinking is wrong. You could start like this: Some people will argue that smokers should have the right to choose for themselves. However, …

Concluding paragraph: End by bringing the different parts of your essay together. Do not simply restate your opinion.

Should you choose a persuasive essay in an exam?

Yes, if the topic is something you have thought about. Test whether you can think of three different ideas to support your stand, and one opposing idea that you can disprove. Look at the notes on how to plan a persuasive essay. So, if you have enough ideas to use that plan, then you can write a persuasive essay.

Do not choose a persuasive topic if you have never thought about the topic before. So if the topic is about whether all citizens should have to do one or two years of compulsory national service, do not choose it if you have never thought about this! The examiner will soon see that you do not have reasonable knowledge, and therefore you do not have clear opinions.