Persuasive Writing is also called Argumentative Writing.
At WAMS, 7th and 8th Grade use a program called ThinkCERCA.
In ThinkCERCA, they read and write argumentative papers.
(The link takes you to my ThinkCERCA page that has a nice overview with examples.)
Why is this important? It improves their critical thinking skills allowing them to be more persuasive
and increases their ability to spot when someone is trying to convince them of something with faulty logic.
(Purdue University's Online Writing Lab is the BEST and most often referenced source for writing help. Just click the image.)
The University of Nevada, Reno, has several nice pages on argumentative writing
which I have referenced below.
This page will provide more specific details on writing argumentative essays
than my ThinkCERCA page.
Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and a Conclusion.
Generally, most introductions in academic writing aim to invite readers into a discussion by presenting the necessary context. Additionally, introductions serve to frame the larger conversation/topic of the paper for the reader and to present a “road map” of important points. The strength of an introduction can determine whether your target audience will want to continue reading or if they will set your paper aside in favor of more engaging material and analysis. Continue reading at the University of Nevada website.
This sample introduction provides a broad lead, a narrowing transition, and a two-sentence claim (thesis).
Students Who Study Abroad Achieve Greater Success*
Much of our learning takes place outside the classroom. We learn how to maintain budgets, forge friendships, develop business relationships, and more. Imagine extending those skills on a global level. We would immediately cease to believe the world only contains the people and things we can see but, rather, a wide variety of opinions, customs, beliefs, and ethics. This is why every college-level student must study abroad during their undergraduate years. They will learn more in that semester abroad than in any other academic year.
Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph on ONE reason that supports your argument.
Paragraphs are the building blocks writers use to construct their writing... Just as paragraphs are the building blocks of a whole text, paragraphs are made up of different elements that should be arranged in a manner relevant to their content. Take a look at this University of Nevada page, especially the MEAL plan.
In this first body paragraph, the writer argues that travelling abroad will increase your chances of getting a job.
Imagine walking into an interview and being able to discuss preparing the most popular dish in India or organizing the best route to take from Sydney, Australia to Perth. Not only does this strike up a memorable conversation, but it also demonstrates a student’s fierce independence and determination. All this makes someone who has studied abroad a more desirable candidate for their dream job. As if IES Abroad’s statistic above was not astounding enough, it has been proven that 97% of students who study abroad find employment within 12 months of graduation (Smith, 2019, p. 17).
In the second body paragraph, the writer continue is "employment" argument stating that students who travel abroad will be more successful in their jobs and will get paid more. Notice that in both paragraphs, the writers is using facts and statistics.
Beyond college, students who study abroad will be better equipped to succeed in the workplace. Their broadened worldview will help them relate to their co-workers, especially in a worldwide organization. This increased scope of knowledge allows 25% of students who study abroad to receive higher starting salaries. That is clear evidence that their experiences and views are valued by employers.
Counter Argument / Rebuttal
A counterargument involves acknowledging standpoints that go against your argument and then re-affirming your argument. This is typically done by stating the opposing side's argument, and then ultimately presenting your argument as the most logical solution. Take a look at this University of Nevada page.
In spite of all these benefits, some parents simply will not allow their children to study abroad. A portion will argue that it is not safe. Others will argue that studying abroad costs too much money. In these cases, it is important to take a look at one semester’s financial aid statement. How much does it cost to be a student at a local university? When tuition, housing, textbooks, transportation, and meal plans are considered, it becomes difficult to argue that there’s a stark difference in the cost of a semester at home versus a semester abroad.
Conclusion
When drafting an effective... paper, how the paper ends is often just as important as how the paper opens.
Since an introduction serves to set the stage for a paper and provide readers with a “roadmap” of what to expect in the paper and the overall thesis or research question, an effective conclusion provides resolution to your paper. Though there is no one definitive way to approach a conclusion, several tips are presented [at the University of Nevada site].
Studying abroad will have long-lasting, positive implications on a student’s future as an academic and a professional. New windows of opportunity will be flung open the moment an undergraduate boards a plane. Why not make an appointment with the study abroad center at your university? You have nothing to lose by starting a conversation today.
(Travel Abroad Essay from YourDictionary.com) <-- not MLA format