Caleb S.
Caleb S.

Learn How to Create a Persuasive Essay Outline

9 min read

Published on: Jul 21, 2018

Last updated on: Feb 22, 2023

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Persuasive writing is an important task assigned to students of all academic levels. It is an interesting type of writing that creates a debate. 

A persuasive essay requires a writer to take a clear stance on a topic. Convincing arguments are used to persuade the reader that the author’s viewpoint is correct. 

But you need to follow proper steps in order to create an impactful essay. And not every student knows how to do it. However, there’s no need to worry!

Read on this blog to get a detailed outline structure to help you write your persuasive essay.

What is a Persuasive Essay Outline?

A persuasive essay outline is a mind map that students follow throughout the entire essay writing process. Writing a well-structured outline is a crucial step for drafting persuasive essays. It helps to make the process simpler and easier.

Similarly, it is hard for readers to follow unorganized material. Thus, piling up your ideas in a logical outline is the best choice to support your claims.

The main goals of a persuasive paper outline are as follows:

  • Organize the thoughts about a topic
  • Thinking the best ways to address the audience
  • Determine the arguments that you will use to persuade readers
  • Discusses the critical elements and future headings of the essay

Read on to learn how to create one!

Persuasive Essay Outline Format

A standard outline of a good persuasive essay is similar to a five-paragraph outline structure. However, the number of paragraphs can vary according to the chosen topic.

A persuasive essay format usually follows the below outline.

Introduction (3-5 sentences)

  • Hook: A famous quotation, question, description in 1-2 sentences
  • Thesis Statement - A strong argument in 1 sentence
  • Background Information

Body Paragraphs (3 paragraphs)

  • Argument 1 with supporting evidence
  • Argument 2 with supporting evidence
  • Argument 3 with supporting evidence

Conclusion (3-5 sentences)

  • Summarize
  • Restate thesis statement
  • Make a closing statement
  • Call to action

Font: Times New Roman, Georgia, or Arial.

Font Size: 16pt for the headlines and 12pt for the rest of the text.

Line Spacing: Double line spacing.

Alignment: Left or Justified.

Word Count: Varies between 500-2000 words, depending on the professor’s instructions.

Persuasive Essay Outline Writing Steps

To write a persuasive essay outline for your middle school, high school, or college essay, follow the below steps.

Persuasive Essay Introduction

The outline for a persuasive essay starts with an introduction paragraph. It serves as the first chance for the writer to grab the reader’s attention. Thus, it must be compelling and interesting enough to attract the audience.

Here are some of the strategies that you should follow to write an engaging introduction.

  • Think About Your Topic

    The first step while writing your introduction is to decide your essay topic carefully. It will help you understand and decide what stance you will state. Similarly, you will also get aware of the arguments and the research questions of your essay.

  • Determine Your Target Audience

    A persuasive essay aims to persuade the readers, which can’t be possible without knowing them. Thus, it is better to determine your target audience before starting writing. This technique will help you compose the statements that best suit the audience’s needs.

    For example, writing for kids and adults is different. Similarly, some groups are also sensitive to specific issues. Thus, determining the audience beforehand will assist in addressing a topic effectively.

  • Begin With A Hook Statement

    Begin your essay by stating a hook statement related to your topic. It creates interest regarding the topic by demonstrating your knowledge. Similarly, it also provides concrete proof of the writer’s viewpoint.

    The best types of hooks for writing a persuasive essay include quotations, anecdotes, questions, and statistical facts and figures. However, it will become difficult to choose the most relevant one if you have not clarified the thesis.

For Example:

  • Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales in Canada.
  • Elbert Hubbard once said, "Truth is stronger than fiction."
  • Provide Background Information

    Present some background information to inform the readers about the topic. You can also make your essay’s hook a part of your background. It will provide the context of your writing by building the audience’s interest.

  • Develop A Thesis Statement

    thesis statement comes at the end of your introduction paragraph. It is the sentence of one to two lines that presents the central claim of your essay. Moreover, it further discusses the purpose of choosing a specific essay topic. Thus, a good thesis must be brief, informative, and logical.

For Example:

  • Access to public restrooms should be given to homeless people for improving their living standards.
  • Celebrities should not be considered as a role models because of their engagement in illegal activities.

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Persuasive Essay Body Paragraphs

Structure the body paragraphs of your college persuasive essay to discuss the main argument. However, the number of paragraphs depends on the essay’s topic, its complexity, and scope.

Below are the elements that each body paragraph should include.

  • A Topic Sentence - It focuses on a specific point to persuade the readers.
  • A Single Idea - Focus on a single idea in one paragraph as multiple ideas may confuse the readers.
  • Supporting Details - Credible evidence that is used to convince the readers of your point of view. It can be in the form of facts, statistics, real-life examples, quotations, and anecdotes.
  • Counter-Arguments - Each paragraph must include opposing viewpoints and counter-arguments along with the central idea. It is used to acknowledge the opponent's arguments as valid and provides an ethical background of your research.

    Similarly, it also shows that you are well prepared and have looked at the issue from all perspectives.

  • Transitions - Add transition words to connect all the ideas in an essay logically. Use words like similarly, in contrast, therefore, thus, however, nevertheless, etc.
  • Concluding Sentence - End your body paragraphs with a concluding sentence to tie the ideas together. It will also discuss how the details are supporting your main persuasive point.

Persuasive Essay Antithesis Paragraph

Here, a writer will discuss the other side of the issue and prove it wrong by using strong evidence. Also, assert your stance on the topic and explain why you still choose the side you choose. This way, you can persuade the audience to believe and understand your point of view on the chosen topic.

Persuasive Essay Conclusion

Persuasive writing usually ends by summarizing the important details of your essay. It is written to give closure to the main arguments.

Start a persuasive essay’s conclusion by restating the thesis statement. Do not add any new information and only discuss the already mentioned ideas in your essay.

Watch the video below to get some tips on making outlines:

Persuasive Essay Outline Template

Here is a persuasive outline template that will help you make your essay outline. Simply fill in the blanks after identifying your main arguments and evidence.

I. Introduction

 a. Hook_______________________________________________________


b. Thesis statement______________________________________________


II. Body Paragraph #1

   a. Argument #1_________________________________________________

   b. Evidence #1____________________________________________

   c. Evidence #2____________________________________________

   d. Evidence #3____________________________________________

   e. Transition_____________________________________________


   Body Paragraph #2

   a. Argument #2_________________________________________________

   b. Evidence #1____________________________________________

   c. Evidence #2____________________________________________

   d. Evidence #3____________________________________________

   e. Transition_____________________________________________

   

Body Paragraph #3

   a. Argument #3_________________________________________________

   b. Evidence #1____________________________________________

   c. Evidence #2____________________________________________

   d. Evidence #3____________________________________________

   e. Transition_____________________________________________


III. Conclusion

a. Restate Your Main Point__________________________________

b. Summarize Your Arguments________________________________

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Persuasive Essay Outline Examples

Below are the persuasive essay outline samples and examples to get a better idea of writing this type of essay.

Expert Tip

Check out our blog to get more interesting persuasive essay examples.

Hire An Expert Persuasive Essay Writer

Students prefer to organize their information with the help of a well-structured outline. The above guide will help you in writing a persuasive essay outline perfectly.

However, even after this, some students lack good writing and research skills. Therefore, to avoid the risk of getting a low grade, they prefer to hire a persuasive essay writing service.

If you are also looking for a reliable writing company, you have come to the right place. MyPerfectWords.com provides the best writing services that offers real help with your academic essays. 

Our persuasive essay writers have advanced degrees from US-based institutes. Moreover, they also have years to experience to produce top-quality and 100% original persuasive essays. We further guarantee to follow a proper persuasive essay structure and format.

Place your order now and get a well-written essay according to your specified outline format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to structure my body paragraphs?

Each body paragraph should focus on one major point and provide evidence to support it. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the point, followed by explanations, examples, statistics and other evidence. End each body paragraph with a concluding sentence that ties your points together.

What are the 3 parts of a persuasive essay?

The three main parts of a formal persuasive essay are:

  • Issue - the point of argument
  • Side - the stance you take
  • Argument - your argument behind your stance on the issue
Caleb S.

WRITTEN BY

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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