Overview

To influence a reader to accept an idea, adopt a point of view, or act in a particular way, a writer uses persuasion.

Persuasive writing presents an argument supported by evidence. Keep in mind, however, that facts and opinions are open to interpretation. Knowing your audience is the essence of persuasive writing. It is the audience whom you are trying to persuade to reconsider their opinions and sometimes even to change their actions. Your success depends upon how clearly you state your case. Introduce the issue you are discussing and state your opinion. Then, support your position with facts, statistics, observations, or examples before drawing your conclusion.

One form of persuasive writing is a product evaluation. You evaluate a product by considering its price, features, quality, and design. When evaluating, you provide your opinion about whether the product is worth buying. A book review is a type of product evaluation.

An effective advertisement is designed to sway by attracting your attention, inducing your interest, and arousing your desire so that you will take action. Another example of persuasive writing is a letter of complaint written to identify a problem and a solution.

After you practice the skills involved in persuasive writing, you will be able to take a stand in your writing, support your position, and possibly influence your readers.