The first step in writing a persuasive essay is choosing a topic and picking a side. If the topic is something you believe in, it will make the entire experience of researching, writing, and arguing your perspective more personal. Choosing a topic that appeals to you on an emotional or sentimental level will See more. Every argument has a counterargumentthis is one of the staples of rhetoric. To convince your reader to agree with you, you must be knowledgeable of the opposing side. As important as it is to See more. One of the most important elements of your persuasive essay is your thesis statement, which should tell readers exactly what your stance encompasses. Without a forceful thesis, you wont be able to deliver an effective See more. The most successful rhetorical arguments draw on three main elements ethos ethical reasoning, logos logical reasoning, and pathos passionate reasoning. If amassed perfectly, these three components See more. Outliningyour paper will give you a clear view of your argumen