Best Writing Persuasive Essay Examples & Expert Tips

Persuasive writing is a crucial skill that empowers students to articulate their opinions and influence others effectively. As educators, guiding students in mastering this form of writing not only enhances their communication abilities but also fosters critical thinking. Writing persuasive essay examples isn’t just about getting kids to state their opinions—it’s about equipping them with the skills to support their ideas with logic, emotion, and credibility. This comprehensive guide delves into the essentials of persuasive writing, offering practical steps, illustrative examples, and valuable tips to enrich your teaching toolkit.​ Let’s dive in!

What is a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is a type of writing that aims to convince readers to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It is structured around a clear argument, supported by logical reasoning, credible evidence, and emotional appeals. Persuasive essays are commonly used in academic settings, debates, and public discussions to influence opinions on various topics.

Definition of persuasive essay

Download this worksheet to introduce students to the concept of persuasive essay!

Key Characteristics of a Persuasive Essay:

• Clear Position: The writer takes a firm stance on an issue and argues in favor of it.
• Logical Reasoning: The argument is built using facts, examples, and expert opinions.
• Emotional Appeal: Writers often use pathos (emotion) to connect with the audience and make their argument more compelling.
• Counterarguments and Rebuttals: Addressing opposing views strengthens the argument by demonstrating an understanding of different perspectives.
• Call to Action: A persuasive essay often encourages the reader to take a specific action or change their mindset.

By understanding and mastering persuasive writing essay, students develop critical thinking skills, improve communication, and learn how to analyze different perspectives—essential skills for academic success and beyond.

Best Writing Persuasive Essay Examples

Examining well-structured persuasive essay examples can help you understand how to craft compelling arguments and present your idea effectively. Below are three persuasive essay examples on different topics, highlighting strong thesis statements, logical arguments, and persuasive techniques.

Example 1: “Why Schools Should Reduce Homework”

Persuasive essay example: Why schools should reduce homework?

Download this worksheet to guide students through writing a persuasive essay on reducing homework.

Introduction:

Did you know that students who receive too much homework experience higher levels of stress and lower academic performance? Schools should reduce homework because it improves students’ mental health, allows more time for family and extracurricular activities, and actually enhances learning efficiency.

Body Paragraph 1 – Mental Health Impact:

Studies show that students who receive excessive homework suffer from anxiety, sleep deprivation, and even depression. According to a Stanford University study, 56% of students consider homework a primary source of stress. Instead of helping students learn better, excessive assignments often lead to burnout.

Body Paragraph 2 – Time for Family & Extracurriculars:

Less homework means more time for hobbies, sports, and family bonding. Research from the American Psychological Association found that students who engage in extracurricular activities develop stronger social skills and leadership abilities. Homework should supplement learning, not replace valuable real-life experiences.

Body Paragraph 3 – Better Learning Efficiency:

Many schools worldwide, like those in Finland, have reduced homework and seen an increase in student performance. Studies show that students learn better when they have more time to rest and process information. Instead of long hours of homework, schools should focus on quality over quantity.

Conclusion:

Homework should help, not harm, students. Schools should reduce unnecessary assignments so students can focus on quality learning, personal development, and mental well-being. It’s time to rethink traditional homework policies for the benefit of all students.

Persuasive Techniques Used:

• Facts & Statistics: Referencing studies for credibility
• Emotional Appeal: Discussing student stress and well-being
• Logical Reasoning: Connecting reduced homework to better learning

Example 2: “Why Schools Should Serve Healthier Lunches”

Persuasive essay example: Why schools should serve healthier lunches?

Use this worksheet to guide students in crafting compelling arguments on nutrition in schools.

Introduction:

Imagine walking into the cafeteria and being greeted with fresh, delicious, and healthy food instead of greasy pizza and sugary drinks. Schools should serve healthier lunches because nutritious meals boost students’ energy, improve concentration, and reduce long-term health risks.

Body Paragraph 1 – Better Energy & Focus:

Healthy food fuels the brain! According to a Harvard study, students who eat nutritious meals perform 17% better on tests. Sugary and processed foods lead to energy crashes, making it harder for students to concentrate in class.

Body Paragraph 2 – Lower Health Risks:

Obesity rates among children have tripled over the past 30 years, and poor diet is a major cause. Schools have a responsibility to provide meals that help prevent obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.

Body Paragraph 3 – Positive Long-Term Habits:

When students eat healthily at school, they develop better eating habits for life. Countries like Japan, where school meals are carefully planned for nutrition, have some of the lowest obesity rates worldwide.

Conclusion:

By serving healthier lunches, schools can boost student focus, improve health, and create lifelong healthy habits. It’s time to prioritize nutrition for a brighter, healthier future!

Persuasive Techniques Used:

• Scientific Evidence: Using research to support claims
• Cause & Effect: Linking poor diet to academic and health outcomes
• Call-to-Action: Urging schools to prioritize healthy meals

Example 3: “Plastic Bags Should Be Banned to Protect the Environment”

Persuasive essay example: Plastic bags should be banned to protect the environment

Use this persuasive essay example to strengthen students’ writing skills and learn how to craft compelling arguments for important environmental issues!

Introduction

Every year, billions of plastic bags end up in landfills and oceans, harming wildlife and polluting ecosystems. Despite their convenience, plastic bags cause long-term environmental damage that cannot be ignored. Governments should ban plastic bags to reduce pollution, protect wildlife, and encourage sustainable alternatives.

Body Paragraph 1 – Plastic Bags Cause Severe Pollution

Plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to land and water pollution. They clog drains, litter public spaces, and release toxic chemicals when they break down. Without intervention, the continued use of plastic bags will worsen environmental degradation.

Body Paragraph 2 – Harm to Marine and Wildlife

Many animals, including sea turtles and birds, mistake plastic bags for food, leading to fatal consequences. Every year, thousands of marine creatures die due to plastic ingestion or entanglement. By banning plastic bags, we can help protect biodiversity and prevent unnecessary animal deaths.

Body Paragraph 3 – Encourages Sustainable Alternatives

A plastic bag ban would push individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as reusable cloth bags. Countries that have already banned plastic bags have seen a significant reduction in waste and pollution. Promoting sustainable habits benefits not only the environment but also public health.

Conclusion

Plastic bags harm the environment, wildlife, and communities, making a government ban necessary. By transitioning to sustainable alternatives, we can significantly reduce plastic waste and protect the planet. The time to act is now—banning plastic bags is a step toward a cleaner, greener future.

Persuasive Techniques Used:

• Cause & Effect: Links plastic bags to pollution, wildlife harm, and ecosystem damage.
• Emotional Appeal: Highlights marine animals suffering from plastic waste.
• Call-to-Action: Encourages banning plastic bags and using reusable alternatives.

Persuasive Speech Writing Examples

Persuasive writing isn’t just about essays—it’s a skill used in speeches, debates, and even everyday conversations. Studying persuasive techniques in famous speeches can help students understand how great speakers influence their audience.

1. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech

Perhaps one of the most iconic speeches in history, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, is a masterclass in persuasion. His words not only captivated the audience at the time but continued to inspire generations.

“I have a dream” of Martin Luther King Jr.

Use this worksheet to inspire students in writing their own persuasive speeches. Analyze the powerful techniques used by Dr. King to engage his audience!

Example:

“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight.”

Persuasive Techniques Used:

• Repetition: The repeated phrase “I have a dream” makes the speech memorable and emotionally powerful.
• Vivid Imagery & Metaphors: Words like “every valley shall be exalted” create a visual image of transformation.
• Emotional & Moral Appeals: By speaking about children and future generations, King taps into the audience’s emotions.

2. Malala Yousafzai’s Speech to the United Nations

Malala Yousafzai delivered her UN speech on July 12, 2013, advocating for girls’ education worldwide. Having survived an attack by the Taliban for attending school, she used her personal story to inspire change.

Persuasive speech of Malala Yousafzai

Use this worksheet to inspire students to craft their own persuasive speeches, emphasizing the importance of education and equality.

Example:

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

Persuasive Techniques Used:

• Parallel Structure & Repetition: The repeated sentence structure (“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen”) makes the message rhythmic and powerful.
• Personal Story for Emotional Appeal: Malala shares her own experience of being denied education, making her speech deeply personal.

3. Barack Obama’s Victory Speech

Barack Obama delivered his victory speech on November 4, 2008, after being elected the first African-American President of the United States. His speech focused on unity, hope, and national progress.

Victory speech of Barack Obama

Use this worksheet to inspire students to create their own persuasive speeches about hope, democracy, and perseverance.

Example:

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

Persuasive Techniques Used:

• Addressing the Audience Directly: Obama speaks to “anyone out there”, making the speech inclusive and engaging.
• Emotional Appeal & Patriotism: Words like “dream of our founders” create a connection to national pride and historical values.
• Anaphora (Repetition at the Beginning of Sentences): Repeating “who still” helps build momentum and strengthen his argument.

Famous speeches demonstrate the power of persuasive writing in real-world situations. By analyzing these speeches, students can learn how to use rhetorical devices, emotional appeal, and strong arguments to enhance their own writing.

Steps to Write a Persuasive Essay

Teaching students how to structure a persuasive essay makes the writing process smoother. Below is a simple step-by-step guide:

Step-by-step to write a persuasive essay

Download this worksheet to help your students master persuasive writing with this clear, step-by-step guide.

1. Choose a Strong Topic

The topic should be interesting, relevant, and debatable. It’s essential to pick a subject where arguments can be supported with facts, logic, or ethical reasoning.

Examples of good persuasive essay topics:

• Should schools require uniforms?
• Is homework necessary for student success?
• Should junk food be banned from school cafeterias?

2. Understand the Audience

Who are they trying to convince? A persuasive essay should be written with the audience in mind. Depending on the reader, students might need to adjust their tone, word choice, and reasoning.

For example:

• If they’re writing to their parents, they might use emotional appeals (“Homework takes away time from family!”).
• If they’re writing to their principal, they may need to use facts and logic (“Studies show that students with less homework perform better.”).

3. Research and Gather Evidence

A strong persuasive essay relies on facts, statistics, and expert opinions rather than personal opinions alone.

• Facts and statistics (e.g., “75% of schools that switched to later start times reported improved student performance.”)
• Expert opinions (e.g., “According to child psychologists, playtime is essential for brain development.”)
• Real-life examples (e.g., “In Finland, students have minimal homework, and their education system ranks among the best in the world.”)

4. Create a Persuasive Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the heart of the essay—it summarizes the student’s main argument in one clear sentence.

• Weak Thesis Example: “Homework is bad.”
• Strong Thesis Example: “Schools should reduce homework because it improves students’ mental health, increases family time, and enhances creativity.”

5. Organize with an Outline

A well-organized essay typically follows this format:

• Introduction: Begin with a hook to grab attention, provide background information, and clearly state the student’s position.
• Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one main argument, including evidence and explanations.​
• Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and refute them with logical reasoning and evidence.​
• Conclusion: Summarize key points, restate the thesis in light of the evidence presented, and end with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement.

6. Revise and Edit

Good writers revise their work! Encourage students to:

• Read their essay out loud to catch awkward sentences.
• Check for strong transitions between paragraphs.
• Replace weak words with powerful vocabulary.
• Ensure arguments are backed by solid evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are 5 writing persuasive essay examples?

• Advertisements: Designed to convince consumers to purchase products or services.​
• Opinion Editorials: Articles expressing viewpoints on current events or issues.​
• Political Speeches: Aimed at persuading voters to support a candidate or policy.​
• Cover Letters: Persuade potential employers to consider a job applicant.​
• Fundraising Letters: Encourage donations to causes or organizations.

2. How do you start a persuasive essay?

Begin with a hook that grabs attention—such as a startling statistic, a rhetorical question, or a compelling quote. Provide background information on the topic to set the context, and conclude the introduction with a clear thesis statement outlining your main argument.

3. What are the 5 parts of a persuasive essay?

• Introduction: Introduces the topic and presents the thesis statement.​
• Narration: Provides background information and context.​
• Confirmation: Presents arguments supporting the thesis
• Refutation: Acknowledges counterarguments and refutes them with logical reasoning.
• Conclusion: Summarizes key points and reinforces the thesis, often ending with a call to action.

Remember!

Mastering persuasive writing is essential for effective communication, whether in academics or real-world discussions. By analyzing writing persuasive essay examples, students can better understand argument structure, refine their reasoning, and improve their ability to convince others. Strong persuasive writing not only enhances critical thinking but also prepares students for future debates, presentations, and professional communication.

If you’re looking for engaging, ready-to-use persuasive writing worksheets, visit Worksheetzone for fun and interactive exercises that help students refine their writing skills!