Tips for writing a persuasive paper

1. Tips for Writing a
Persuasive Paper
Melinda M. Livas, MS, MLIS, MA
Distance Services Librarian

2. What is a Persuasive Paper?
• FOR or AGAINST an
issue. (Choose your
position).
• Convince readers to
embrace a particular
point-of-view.
• Argument should be
substantiated by
facts, and experts. 2

3. Topic Selection
You choose the topic
• Topic of interest
• Two valid sides
• Narrow topic
Topic Ideas
• Should college athletes be
paid?
• Should every student in the
U.S. learn a foreign
language?
• Should smoking be banned
in all public areas?
• The death penalty should
(or should not) apply to
juveniles.
• Should professors ban
smartphones in classroom?
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4. Time to Brainstorm
Mindomo Bubbl.us
Points about your topic.
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5. Thesis Statement
• Clearly explains what you
are trying to argue.
• Include “should” or
“should not” in your
thesis statement.
• Facts, or background
information.
PURPOSE
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6. Thesis Statement example:
Evidence
Subject
Main
Idea
COMPONENTS
Bike riding is beneficial for children, and should be part
of their daily exercise regimen because it helps them to
develop coordination skills.
Bike riding.
Develops coordination skills.
Bike riding is beneficial for children.
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7. Paper Organization
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• Introduction- thesis statement.
• Body- all points, (including opposing
viewpoint).
• Conclusion- restate thesis statement.

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9. DATABASES
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10. EVALUATING RESOURCES
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CRAAP METHOD

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