The persuasion paper assumes the audience is an antagonistic reader.  The writer knows he faces disagreement.  If the writer cannot assume that the reader will disagree with his or her idea, then the writer has no basis for a persuasive paper.

  The thesis statement of a persuasion paper indicates the purpose of the paper.  This sentence cannot be proved with research, experimentation, or statistics; on the other hand, research, experimentation, and statistics can help offer proof for the writer’s logical reasoning. 

  To convince the reader that the author is dealing with the subject objectively, the writer must acknowledge the opposing points of view and point out – logically – the writer’s oppositions to those points.

  The supporting details in a persuasion paper must assume reader opposition.  By thinking through and presenting the opposition’s probable point of view, the writer can best provide logical reasoning and support for the strength of his or her own argument.   Facts, statistics, anecdotes, examples, and expert testimony must support the author’s positions.

  Supporting details must be logical, not emotional.

§         Weak support:  Soccer will replace football as a favorite contact sport because soccer is a much better game.

§         Strong support:  Soccer may replace football as a favorite contact sport because soccer has fewer physical limitations and results in fewer injuries.

  Organization of a persuasion paper generally follows a typical pattern.

o       The persuasion paper usually begins with an attention gainer related to the thesis statement, followed by the thesis statement and a preview of the author’s main points.  It will have a controversial subject and will clearly show the writer’s attitude.

o       When opposing arguments are strong, the author must acknowledge the opposition’s point of view and deal with it.  The paper’s organization may follow the below format

§         Point One:  While some people firmly believe…

(strongest argument from the opposing position acknowledged)

On the other hand…

(the author’s rebuttal to the opposing point)

§         Point Two:  Furthermore, although there is concern that…

(second strongest argument form the opposing position acknowledged)

One must also consider that….

(the author’s rebuttal)

o       This pattern continues until the author has answered (or rebutted) all of the opposition’s arguments and presented his or her own. 

o       Because the persuasion paper assumes an antagonistic reader, it should build to its most important argument.  To hit the reader with the most overwhelming argument at the beginning may catch the reader unprepared to accept it.  To build the arguments a step at a time is to bring the reader step by step to writer’s conclusion.

Hints to improve your chances of persuading your reader:

  At the beginning of the persuasion paper, the writer should acknowledge the opposing arguments and refute those arguments.  He should refute them in order of importance, most important first.

  By midpoint in the paper, the writer should concentrate only on his own arguments and persuasive details.

By the conclusion of the paper, the writer should hit the reader with his or her strongest argument and know that the reader has no alternative but to accept the position because it is the strongest and most logical position.