What is Persuasive Writing?

Persuasive Writing is often called editorials, opinion pieces, or personal essays. Persuasive writing expresses an author's opinion about a topic. Many newspapers have a section called "letters to the editor." Newspaper readers publish their opinions about problems or controversial subjects. Some magazines also carry opinion pieces. The authors of these pieces often try to persuade readers to adopt a particular view on an issue.

When teaching students to write persuasively, you must first explain and show examples of persuasive writing. Make sure that students understand that persuasive pieces of writing follow the basic structure of introduction, body, and conclusion. As students read persuasive pieces, have them underline or circle the parts of the text in different colors. The students could also use highlighters. 

Show students that the introduction contains a strong opening sentence that hooks the reader. The author wants to get the reader's attention right away. The author mentions the problem or issue in the first paragraph.

In the body, the author develops his or her position. Authors use facts, examples, and explanations to support main ideas. Depending on the complexity of the topic, the body may be one or several paragraphs long.

In the conclusion, the author offers suggestions of what should be done about the problem. Often the author will call on readers to become involved or take personal action. A strong ending sentence emphasizes the main point of the piece.