Persuasion is a constant in each of our lives. No matter where we look, what we read, what we see, or whom we interact with, we inevitably encounter some form of persuasion. Advertisements want us to buy things. Media outlets sometimes want to convince us of how we should feel about events. We are put into positions where we must defend our thoughts and beliefs to others, and the process we apply is typically some form of persuasion. Persuasive writing is a powerful form of writing-it can influence thoughts and has the ability to change minds about an issue. The persuasive essay is an ideal tool for supporting an opinion on an issue using researched facts and information. It also gives you, as the writer, the chance to recognize an opposing viewpoint and refute it, noting that many of those people who hold that opposing viewpoint are the intended audience of the piece. Directions For this essay, you will identify an issue in your area of study or the field you want to work in someday. You will then establish an argument and support that argument with research and relevant evidence. Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria: 1. Introduction: The introduction is where readers will have a chance to get an idea of what your essay will be about and what you will prove throughout. Do not go into too much detail here but give readers a preview of what is to come. Remember to review your writing plan to ensure that you are briefly hitting the key points you planned to cover while also stating your claim. A. Provide an overview of the issue you have selected by briefly describing the main points and your argument. B. Compose a thesis that states the argument that you will attempt to prove and support throughout your essay. This statement will give direction to your essay and should be well thought out. 2. Body: The body is your opportunity to describe and support your argument in depth. Make certain your thoughts and evidence are clear and organized in a way that is easy for readers to follow and understand. A. Ensure that you write multiple focused paragraphs, clearly state their main idea, and move logically from one to the next, building the thesis argument as the essay progresses. B. Your body paragraphs should support your argument by purposefully combining ideas with evidence from sources. The key to a persuasive essay is how well it is supported with quality evidence. C. Address and refute at least one opposing viewpoint to your argument, which is your chance to discredit a significant opposing view and strengthen your argument in the process. 3. Conclusion: Think of the conclusion as a review of your argument. Use this section to restate your argument and remind readers of your supporting evidence. This paragraph is your last chance to persuade readers to agree with you. A. Briefly summarize the main points of your essay. This section should consist of a brief review of your main ideas. B. Draw conclusions based on your evidence. i. Use evidence that you have found to wrap up the essay in a meaningful way that makes a connection to your audience.