As a student, you will be asked to write a variety of essays, including the persuasive essay. Even beyond high school, you will need these persuasive skills in diverse situations. That is why learning the skills of persuasive writing is important now and for your future.

The foundation of a persuasive essay is a good argument, and the foundation of a good argument is a solid, arguable claim. The claim tells the reader your topic, your position on the topic, and the scope, or limit, of your argument. The claim also outlines the major points you will use to support, or prove, your position. Utilizing appeals to logic, authority, and emotion adequately will enhance your argument and help convince your reader.