Persuasive Essay Outline Example

Persuasive essays follow an outline and are structured similarly, particularly for research papers. Following this outline when writing a persuasive essay is important so the audience knows what to expect and your arguments are clearly explained. To make an essay persuasive, you need to state your thesis, communicate the supporting points and come to a conclusion.

Persuasive Essay Outline Template

The structure of your persuasive essay may vary depending on the topic and purpose of the essay. A research paper writer will need to spend a portion of the essay going into detail about the tests they carried out. As a general rule of thumb, the persuasive essay outline should follow the below format. 

  • Introduction 
    • Hook
    • Thesis
    • Summary of Essay
  • Argument 1 
    • Explanation 
    • Examples & Evidence
  • Argument 2
    • Explanation 
    • Examples & Evidence
  • Argument 3
    • Explanation 
    • Examples & Evidence
  • Conclusion
    • Summary of Arguments
    • Concluding Thoughts

How To Write A Persuasive Essay Outline

When writing a persuasive essay outline, plan each section following the template. 

Headings 

Make use of headings and subheadings to structure your persuasive essay. This signals to the reader what section of the essay they are in and what they can expect from the contents of it. For example, use a heading for your introduction and a subheading for your thesis statement.

Introduction

The essay should start with an introduction with a hook to draw the reader’s attention. Introduce the reasons why someone will want to keep reading the essay. Then briefly explain what the essay is about and include your thesis statement. The thesis statement should clearly and concisely describe your essay in a nutshell. Your persuasive essay needs to draw out more detail from this overarching idea presented in the thesis statement. Finally, end the introduction with a summary of what will be discussed. 

Arguments 

The main body of your persuasive essay will comprise your arguments supporting your thesis. Try to choose 3 arguments that discuss different areas of the topic and separate these into 3 paragraphs. Explain each argument in detail, then support it with evidence, facts and examples to help strengthen your point. At the end of the paragraph, use a few words to transition to the next paragraph.

Persuasive Essay Outline Example 1 Persuasive Essay Outline Example 2

Persuasive Essay Conclusion Outline

Your persuasive essay should end with a conclusion. This is an essential section that ties everything together at the end. You should begin your conclusion by revisiting your thesis statement. Then summarise your arguments and the key points. Finally, end with a concluding thought that finalizes your argument and answers any questions from the beginning of the essay.

When writing a persuasive essay, consider following an outline to demonstrate and explain your arguments clearly. First, write an introduction that contains your thesis statement and a sentence that encapsulates what your essay is all about. This should follow with your arguments that are supported with examples and evidence. Finally, the essay should end with a conclusion, revisit the initial thesis statement, bring everything together and provide a closing thought.