Persuasive Paragraph

• María Celeste Ruiz Vallejos.

• Breydi José Arcia Ruiz.
What is a
persuasive paragraph?
A persuasive paragraph tries to convince the reader
that a particular point of view is worthy of
consideration. It wants you to consider both sides of an
issue, but it reveals a bias in favor of one side over
another. Facts may be presented in support of a
position, but the writer is not being objective. The point
of view is subjective.
 Points For Writing a Persuasive Paragraph.
When teachers assign a persuasive paragraph, they
often link the topic to material from class. If this is the
case, flip through your textbook and notes for ways to
begin. Jot down ideas that relate specifically to the
assigned topic.
Once you specifically know what you will persuade,
make a small outline of your ideas. Your outline should
contain a:
› topic sentence
› two or three supports (or ideas)
› concluding thought
As you research and continue brainstorming,
you can always add to the outline.
› Research

› Organization

› Tone

› Reviewing
Research
Once you have brainstormed and outlined your
paragraph, look at a variety of sources to support your
ideas. Persuasive papers often include several sources,
as they should. If limited to a paragraph, don't use
more than one or two sources. Readers will discredit
you if you are merely reporting information. The bulk of
your paragraph needs to be original content, only
supported with primary sources. Keep track of sources
and document them when finished.
Organization
Look at your outline as you write the paragraph. Gain
your reader's attention with a shocking or little-known
tidbit. Questions (Did you know that…) are fairly
common; think of unique wording for your paragraph.
The interesting information should lead into the topic
sentence, or the map for the paragraph. Consult back
to your outline for the order of points. Add transitions
between your main ideas. End the paragraph with a
concluding punch, or something that will impact your
reader. As you finish, think of what you want the reader
to remember and turn that reflection into your final
sentence.
Tone
When writing in a persuasive tone, it is important to
remain objective. Although writers may feel passion
and emotions concerning the subject, students best
deliver a message when the reader doesn't walk away
feeling belittled or bossed around. Likewise, do not
assume that readers have predisposed ideas or
feelings. Present your argument skillfully and powerfully.
Don't try bullying your readers into agreeing with you,
because they won't. Direct your message in a helpful
and understanding tone instead.
Reviewing
Too often a student places a period at the end of her final
sentence and turns the paper over to the teacher. Doing so
will ultimately result in a lower grade than the student could
actually earn. Read over the paragraph for clarity and ask
yourself, "Does this make sense"?

Look for misspelled words and incorrect punctuation. It

helps to read the paragraph aloud or to have another
person read over it as well. Be sure that your topic sentence
explains what the paragraph will cover. Review your
sources to be sure you attributed information correctly.
Finally, check that you have conveyed the correct tone
and message.
Here's an example of a persuasive
paragraph:
Immigration contributes to the overall health of the
American economy. Despite recent concerns expressed
about illegal and some legal immigration to the United
States, this country has largely benefited from the skills,
talents, and ambition that immigrants bring with them.
American businesses gain from a good source of affordable
labor, while towns and cities are revitalized by immigrant
families who strengthen communities through civic
participation and the generation of new economic activity.
The United States must continue to welcome new arrivals
and help those who are already here; otherwise, the
country will lose the advantages it has over other
industrialized countries that compete against us in the
global marketplace and seek to recruit from a vast pool of
unskilled and skilled global workers.
You may recognize this from the lesson on paragraphs.
The position is supported by facts, but some of it is
hearsay (what the writer has heard), and some of the
ideas are rooted in the writer's subjective viewpoint.
Opposing views are not directly recognized in this
paragraph, however, they may be hinted at. A
paragraph or an essay that is persuasive anticipates an
argument.
Thank you for your attention.