How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Step-by-Step Guide
Welcome to your definitive guide on mastering the art of persuasive essay writing! Whether you're a high school student tackling your first argumentative assignment or a college student aiming to refine your rhetorical skills, understanding how to write persuasive essay assignments effectively is crucial for academic success and beyond. Persuasive writing isn't just about winning an argument; it's about presenting a well-reasoned, compelling case that convinces your reader to adopt your viewpoint or take a specific action.
This comprehensive step-by-step guide, brought to you by Write-My-Essay-Now.com, will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the fundamentals to polishing your final draft. We'll cover everything you need to craft an essay that not only earns you top grades but also hones your critical thinking and communication abilities. Let's unlock the secrets to writing winning persuasive essays!
Understanding the Persuasive Essay
Before diving into the writing process, it's essential to grasp what a persuasive essay entails and why it's such a significant academic task.
What is a Persuasive Essay?
A persuasive essay, also known as an argumentative essay (though with subtle differences), is a piece of academic writing where you use logic, reason, and evidence to convince the reader to accept your particular point of view on a debatable topic. The primary goal is to sway the audience. This requires more than just stating your opinion; it demands a structured argument supported by credible facts, examples, and expert insights.
Key elements of a successful persuasive essay include:
- A Clear Position (Thesis Statement): You must take a definitive stance on the issue.
- Logical Reasoning: Your arguments must be coherent and make sense.
- Strong Evidence: Support your claims with verifiable facts, statistics, examples, or expert testimony.
- Addressing Counterarguments: Acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints to strengthen your own position.
- A Persuasive Tone: Your language should be confident and convincing.
- A Clear Structure: A logical organization that guides the reader through your argument.
While often used interchangeably, a persuasive essay might lean more on emotional appeals (pathos) alongside logic (logos) and credibility (ethos), whereas a purely argumentative essay might prioritize logos and ethos more strictly. However, both require robust evidence and clear reasoning.
Why is Persuasive Writing Important?
The ability to write persuasively is a valuable skill that extends far beyond the classroom.
- Academic Success: Persuasive essays are common assignments across various disciplines, helping to assess your critical thinking, research skills, and ability to articulate a coherent argument. Mastering this form of writing directly impacts your grades.
- Real-World Application: In your future career and personal life, you'll often need to persuade others. This could be in a job interview, a business proposal, a marketing campaign, a legal argument, or advocating for a cause you believe in.
- Critical Thinking Development: The process of crafting a persuasive essay forces you to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives, evaluate evidence, and construct logical arguments. This sharpens your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Improved Communication: Learning how to write persuasive essay assignments effectively enhances your overall communication skills, teaching you to express your ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly.
- Civic Engagement: Persuasion is at the heart of public discourse and democratic participation. Understanding how to form and articulate persuasive arguments allows you to engage more effectively in discussions about important societal issues.
Pre-Writing Stage: Laying the Foundation
The success of your persuasive essay heavily depends on the groundwork you lay before you even start writing the first sentence. This pre-writing stage is crucial for developing a focused, well-supported, and compelling argument.
Understanding the Prompt
Carefully dissecting the essay prompt is your first step. Don't just skim it; analyze it.
- Identify Keywords: Look for directive words like "argue," "persuade," "discuss," "evaluate," "defend," or "propose." These indicate the type of response required.
- Determine the Scope: What are the boundaries of the topic? Are there specific aspects you must address or avoid?
- Note Requirements: Pay close attention to the required length (word count or page count), formatting style (MLA, APA, Chicago), citation method, and deadline.
- Clarify Doubts: If any part of the prompt is unclear, don't hesitate to ask your instructor for clarification. Misinterpreting the prompt is a common reason for a lower grade.
Choosing a Compelling Topic
If your instructor hasn't assigned a specific topic, you'll need to choose one. This is a critical decision.
- Interest and Passion: Select a topic that genuinely interests you or that you feel strongly about. Your enthusiasm (or lack thereof) will often show in your writing.
- Debatability: The topic must have at least two clear, arguable sides. If everyone agrees on it, there's nothing to persuade. For example, "Smoking is bad for health" is a fact, not a debatable topic for a persuasive essay. A better angle might be "Should smoking be banned in all public places?"
- Researchability: Ensure there's enough credible information and evidence available to support your chosen stance. A quick preliminary search can save you a lot of trouble later.
- Specificity: Broad topics are hard to cover effectively. Narrow your focus. Instead of "environmental pollution," try "The effectiveness of carbon taxes in reducing industrial pollution in developed countries."
- Relevance: Consider topics that are current, relevant, or have significant implications.
Examples of potentially good persuasive essay topics:
- Should college tuition be free?
- Is social media more harmful than beneficial for teenagers?
- Should animal testing be banned for all products?
- Is universal basic income a viable solution to poverty?
- Should voting be mandatory?
Defining Your Stance
Once you have a topic, you need to decide which side of the argument you will take. This isn't about choosing the "easiest" side, but the one you can most effectively support with evidence and reasoning. Your stance will become the core of your thesis statement. Be clear and unambiguous about your position from the outset of your planning.
Thorough Research
A persuasive essay without solid evidence is just an opinion piece. Robust research is non-negotiable.
- Gathering Evidence: Look for various types of support:
- Facts and Statistics: Quantifiable data can be very persuasive.
- Expert Opinions: Quotes or summaries from recognized authorities in the field.
- Examples and Case Studies: Real-world instances that illustrate your points.
- Anecdotes: Short personal stories (use sparingly and ensure they are relevant and impactful, not just emotional fluff).
- Identifying Credible Sources: Prioritize academic and authoritative sources:
- Scholarly journals and articles (e.g., via JSTOR, Google Scholar).
- Reputable news organizations with a history of journalistic integrity.
- Government publications and reports.
- Books written by experts on the subject.
- University websites (.edu) and reputable organizational websites (.org).
- Be wary of personal blogs, forums, or websites with clear bias or no clear authorship.
- Evaluating Sources: Use criteria like the CRAAP test:
- Currency: How recent is the information? Is it up-to-date for your topic?
- Relevance: Does it directly relate to your topic and argument?
- Authority: Who is the author/publisher? What are their credentials?
- Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence? Can it be verified? Is it free of bias?
- Purpose: Why was this information created? Is it meant to inform, persuade, sell, or entertain?
- Taking Effective Notes: As you research, take detailed notes. Record the source information (author, title, publication, date, page numbers) for every piece of evidence you gather. This will be crucial for citations and avoiding plagiarism. Organize your notes by argument or theme.
Brainstorming Arguments and Counterarguments
With a solid base of research, start brainstorming.
- Supporting Arguments: List all the reasons and pieces of evidence that support your stance. For each argument, identify the strongest evidence you have.
- Anticipating Counterarguments: Think critically about your position. What are the most significant arguments someone on the opposing side would make? Acknowledging and addressing these shows that you have considered the issue thoroughly and strengthens your credibility.
- Developing Rebuttals: For each counterargument you identify, brainstorm how you can refute it. Can you challenge its assumptions, provide contradictory evidence, or show that its implications are undesirable? This is a key part of learning how to write persuasive essay assignments that truly convince.
Developing a Strong Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It's a clear, concise, and arguable sentence (or two) that presents your main claim and often previews the main points of your argument.
- Characteristics:
- Debatable: It must be a claim that people could reasonably disagree with.
- Specific: It should focus on a particular aspect of the topic.
- Clear: It should be easy to understand and unambiguous.
- Arguable: It presents your position, not just a fact.
- Placement: Typically, the thesis statement appears at the end of your introductory paragraph.
- Evolution: Your thesis might evolve as you research and write. It's okay to refine it as your understanding deepens.
For example, a weak thesis: "Social media has an impact on society." (This is too broad and not debatable.)
A stronger thesis: "While social media offers connectivity, its pervasive use among adolescents contributes significantly to increased rates of anxiety and depression due to social comparison and cyberbullying, necessitating greater parental guidance and platform regulation."
For more in-depth guidance, consider exploring resources on "Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement". This skill is fundamental to most academic writing.
Creating an Outline
An outline is your essay's roadmap. It organizes your thoughts, arguments, and evidence logically before you start writing full paragraphs. A well-structured outline ensures a coherent and focused essay.
A standard persuasive essay outline looks like this:
I. Introduction
A. Hook (Engage the reader)
B. Background Information (Brief context on the topic)
C. Thesis Statement (Your main argument)
II. Body Paragraph 1: First Supporting Argument
A. Topic Sentence (Main point of this paragraph, supporting the thesis)
B. Explanation of the point
C. Evidence (Fact, statistic, quote, example)
D. Analysis (Explain how the evidence supports the point and links to the thesis)
E. Transition to the next paragraph
III. Body Paragraph 2: Second Supporting Argument
A. Topic Sentence
B. Explanation
C. Evidence
D. Analysis
E. Transition
IV. Body Paragraph 3 (and so on): Additional Supporting Arguments
A. Topic Sentence
B. Explanation
C. Evidence
D. Analysis
E. Transition
V. Counterargument and Rebuttal Paragraph
A. Acknowledge a valid counterargument (fairly and accurately)
B. Explain the counterargument
C. Provide your rebuttal (Refute the counterargument with evidence and reasoning, or show why your position is still stronger)
D. Transition
VI. Conclusion
A. Restate Thesis (in different words)
B. Summarize Main Arguments (Briefly recap key points)
C. Broader Implication / Call to Action / Final Thought (Leave a lasting impression)
This structured approach is vital when learning how to write persuasive essay assignments that are both comprehensive and easy to follow.
Writing the Persuasive Essay: Step-by-Step
With your outline in hand, you're ready to start drafting your essay. Focus on expressing your ideas clearly and persuasively, following the structure you've planned.
Crafting a Captivating Introduction
The introduction is your first impression. It needs to grab the reader's attention, provide necessary context, and clearly state your position.
- The Hook: Start with something engaging to draw the reader in.
- A startling statistic: "Globally, over 800 million people still lack access to clean water, a crisis demanding immediate and innovative solutions."
- A thought-provoking rhetorical question: "In an age of unprecedented technological advancement, why do we still grapple with fundamental issues like educational inequality?"
- A relevant anecdote (brief): "Sarah, a single mother of two, works 60 hours a week but still struggles to afford basic healthcare for her children. Her story is not unique, highlighting a systemic issue..."
- A bold statement: "The future of our planet hinges on our collective willingness to abandon fossil fuels immediately."
- A relevant quotation: "As Nelson Mandela said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' Yet, access to this weapon remains unequal..."
- Background Information: Briefly provide context for your topic. Assume your reader has some general knowledge but might not be an expert. Explain any essential terms or historical context needed to understand your argument. Keep this concise – just enough to set the stage.
- Thesis Statement: End your introduction with your clear, concise, and arguable thesis statement. This is the most important sentence in your introduction and sets the direction for the entire essay.
Developing Persuasive Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should focus on a single supporting argument for your thesis. The goal is to develop each point thoroughly and convincingly.
- Topic Sentence: Begin each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence. This sentence should state the main idea of the paragraph and directly relate to and support your overall thesis statement. It acts as a mini-thesis for the paragraph.
- Explanation: After the topic sentence, elaborate on your point. Explain what you mean in more detail, providing context or clarifying the argument.
- Evidence (The PIE/PEEL/TEEL Method): This is where you support your claim.
- Point: Your topic sentence.
- Illustration / Evidence / Example: Provide specific evidence from your research – facts, statistics, quotes from experts, examples, case studies. Make sure to cite your sources correctly according to the required style guide.
- Explanation / Elaboration / Analysis: This is crucial. Don't just drop evidence and move on. Explain how the evidence supports your point. Analyze its significance and explicitly connect it back to your topic sentence and your main thesis. This shows your critical thinking.
- Link: Conclude the paragraph by summarizing its main point and/or providing a smooth transition to the idea in the next paragraph.
- Logical Connectors (Transition Words and Phrases): Use transition words and phrases to create a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs. Examples include:
- To add information: furthermore, moreover, in addition, also
- To show contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, conversely
- To show cause and effect: consequently, therefore, as a result, thus
- To give examples: for example, for instance, specifically, to illustrate
- To conclude or summarize: in conclusion, in summary, therefore, thus
- Unity and Coherence: Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single main idea (unity) and that the ideas within the paragraph and between paragraphs flow logically (coherence).
Incorporating Persuasive Techniques
To make your essay truly persuasive, you need to appeal to your audience in various ways. The classical rhetorical appeals are highly effective:
- Logos (Logical Appeal): This is the appeal to reason and logic.
- Use clear, well-structured arguments.
- Support claims with credible evidence: facts, statistics, data, research findings.
- Employ logical reasoning (e.g., deductive reasoning – from general principle to specific conclusion; inductive reasoning – from specific observations to general conclusion).
- Avoid logical fallacies (flaws in reasoning).
- Pathos (Emotional Appeal): This is the appeal to the reader's emotions.
- Use vivid language, imagery, and storytelling to evoke feelings like empathy, sympathy, anger, fear, hope, or pride.
- Share relatable anecdotes or examples that humanize the issue.
- Pathos should be used ethically and to complement, not replace, logical arguments. Over-reliance on emotion without factual backing can make your argument seem manipulative or weak.
- Ethos (Ethical Appeal/Credibility): This is about establishing your trustworthiness and authority as a writer.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the subject through well-researched content.
- Cite credible, authoritative sources correctly.
- Use fair, balanced, and respectful language, even when discussing opposing views.
- Maintain a professional tone and ensure your writing is free of errors.
- Acknowledge the complexity of the issue.
- Other Persuasive Devices:
- Rhetorical Questions: Questions posed not to elicit an answer but to make the reader think or to emphasize a point. (e.g., "Can we truly stand by while such injustices continue?")
- Repetition: Repeating key words or phrases for emphasis. Use sparingly to avoid monotony. (e.g., "We must act now. We must act decisively. We must act together.")
- Figurative Language: Metaphors, similes, and analogies can make abstract ideas more concrete and relatable, adding depth and interest. (e.g., "Ignoring climate change is like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.")
Addressing Counterarguments and Providing Rebuttals
A strong persuasive essay doesn't shy away from opposing viewpoints. Instead, it addresses them directly and refutes them. This demonstrates that you have a deep understanding of the issue and that your position can withstand scrutiny.
- Why It's Important:
- Shows fairness and objectivity.
- Builds your ethos (credibility) by demonstrating you've considered all sides.
- Strengthens your own argument by proactively dismantling potential objections.
- How to Do It Effectively:
- Acknowledge: Clearly and fairly state a significant counterargument. Don't misrepresent or weaken the opposing view (this is a "straw man" fallacy). You might say, "Some may argue that..." or "Opponents of this policy contend that..."
- Explain: Briefly explain the reasoning behind the counterargument.
- Refute/Rebut: This is where you challenge the counterargument. You can:
- Provide evidence that contradicts it.
- Point out flaws in its logic or assumptions.
- Show that its negative consequences outweigh its benefits.
- Concede a minor point if it's valid ("While it's true that X, this does not negate the overall importance of Y because...").
- Placement: You can dedicate one or more paragraphs to addressing counterarguments, often placed after your main supporting arguments and before the conclusion. Alternatively, you can integrate rebuttals within your body paragraphs as you discuss each point.
Writing a Powerful Conclusion
The conclusion is your final opportunity to persuade the reader and leave a lasting impression. It should not introduce new arguments or evidence.
- Restate Your Thesis (in different words): Begin by reminding the reader of your main argument, but use fresh language. Don't simply copy-paste it from the introduction.
- Summarize Your Main Arguments: Briefly recap the key supporting points you made in your body paragraphs. This reinforces your reasoning. Avoid just listing them; synthesize them.
- Provide a Sense of Closure and Finality:
- Call to Action (if appropriate): If your essay aims to motivate action, clearly state what you want the reader to do (e.g., "Therefore, it is imperative that we contact our representatives and demand change.").
- Offer a Solution or Recommendation: If you've been discussing a problem, you might suggest a way forward.
- Broader Implications/So What? Factor: Explain the wider significance of your argument. Why does this issue matter? What are the larger consequences or benefits?
- Final Thought-Provoking Statement: End with a powerful statement, a relevant quote, or a compelling image that resonates with the reader.
- Avoid:
- Introducing new information or arguments.
- Apologizing for your view ("I may not be an expert, but...").
- Using clichés ("In conclusion," "To sum up," – try for more sophisticated phrasing if possible, though clarity is key).
Post-Writing Stage: Polishing Your Masterpiece
Writing the first draft is a significant achievement, but the process isn't over. Revision, editing, and proofreading are essential steps to transform a good draft into an excellent persuasive essay. This is a critical part of understanding how to write persuasive essay assignments that earn high marks.
Revision
Revision focuses on the "big picture" elements of your essay. Set your draft aside for a day or two if possible, then come back to it with fresh eyes.
- Clarity and Strength of Argument:
- Is your thesis statement clear, strong, and consistently supported throughout the essay?
- Are your supporting arguments logical, well-developed, and directly relevant to the thesis?
- Evidence and Support:
- Is your evidence credible, sufficient, and effectively integrated?
- Have you explained how your evidence supports your claims?
- Organization and Structure:
- Does the essay flow logically from one point to the next?
- Are the introduction and conclusion effective?
- Are paragraphs well-structured with clear topic sentences?
- Are transitions smooth and effective?
- Addressing Counterarguments:
- Have you acknowledged and adequately refuted significant counterarguments?
- Persuasiveness:
- Does the essay effectively appeal to logos, pathos, and ethos?
- Is the tone confident and convincing?
- Will the essay persuade your target audience?
- Read Aloud: Reading your essay aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing, clunky sentences, and areas where the logic might falter.
- Seek Feedback: If possible, ask a peer, a writing tutor, or even a friend to read your essay and provide constructive criticism. They might catch issues you've overlooked.
Editing
Editing focuses on sentence-level improvements after you're satisfied with the overall content and structure.
- Clarity and Conciseness:
- Are your sentences clear and easy to understand?
- Can you eliminate wordiness or jargon?
- Are there any ambiguous phrases?
- Sentence Structure:
- Vary your sentence length and structure to make your writing more engaging. Avoid too many short, choppy sentences or overly long, convoluted ones.
- Word Choice (Diction):
- Have you used precise and impactful language?
- Are there stronger verbs or more descriptive adjectives you could use?
- Is the tone appropriate for an academic persuasive essay? Avoid overly casual or overly aggressive language.
- Grammar and Mechanics:
- Check for correct grammar, subject-verb agreement, pronoun agreement, tense consistency, and proper use of articles and prepositions.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final check for surface errors. This should be the very last step before submission.
- Spelling Errors: Use a spell checker, but also proofread manually, as spell checkers don't catch correctly spelled but misused words (e.g., "their" vs. "there" vs. "they're").
- Punctuation Errors: Check for correct use of commas, periods, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, quotation marks, etc.
- Typos: Look for any typographical errors.
- Formatting: Double-check that your essay adheres to all formatting requirements (margins, font, spacing, title page, page numbers, citation style).
- Tips for Effective Proofreading:
- Read your essay slowly, word by word.
- Read it backward (from the last sentence to the first) to focus on individual sentences without being caught up in the flow of argument.
- Print it out; sometimes errors are easier to spot on paper.
- Change the font or background color temporarily to make it look unfamiliar.
Formatting
Ensure your essay adheres to the specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard). This includes:
- Margins, font type and size, line spacing.
- Title page (if required).
- Page numbers.
- In-text citations for all borrowed ideas, quotes, and data.
- A correctly formatted bibliography or works cited page.
Failing to format correctly can result in lost marks, even if the content is excellent.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Persuasive Essays
Even with a good understanding of how to write persuasive essay assignments, students can fall into common traps. Being aware of these can help you avoid them:
- Weak or Unclear Thesis Statement: If your central argument isn't strong, specific, and arguable, the entire essay will suffer.
- Lack of Credible Evidence or Over-reliance on Opinion: Persuasion requires proof. Personal opinions, beliefs, or anecdotal evidence alone are not sufficient. Back up your claims with facts, statistics, and expert testimony.
- Over-reliance on Emotion (Pathos) without Logical Backing (Logos): While emotional appeals can be effective, they must be supported by reason. An essay that is purely emotional and lacks substance will not be convincing to a critical reader.
- Ignoring or Poorly Addressing Counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge opposing views makes your argument seem one-sided and less credible. A weak rebuttal can also undermine your position.
- Logical Fallacies: These are errors in reasoning that can invalidate your argument. Common fallacies include:
- Ad Hominem: Attacking the person making an argument instead of the argument itself.
- Straw Man: Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.
- Hasty Generalization: Drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence.
- False Dichotomy (Either/Or Fallacy): Presenting only two options when more exist.
- Appeal to Ignorance: Arguing that something is true because it hasn't been proven false, or vice versa.
- Poor Organization and Structure: A disorganized essay is confusing and difficult to follow. Use a clear outline and effective transitions.
- Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation Errors: Numerous errors can distract the reader and undermine your credibility (ethos).
- Plagiarism: Presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own is a serious academic offense. Always cite your sources properly.
- Not Adhering to the Prompt: Ensure your essay directly addresses the question or task given by your instructor.
Tips for Enhancing Persuasiveness
Beyond the basic structure, here are some additional tips to make your persuasive essay even more impactful:
- Use Strong, Active Voice: Active voice ("The committee approved the proposal") is generally more direct and forceful than passive voice ("The proposal was approved by the committee").
- Employ Vivid and Descriptive Language: Engage the reader's senses and make your points more memorable with well-chosen words.
- Maintain a Confident and Authoritative Tone: Believe in your argument and convey that confidence through your writing. Avoid hesitant language like "I think maybe" or "it seems like."
- Know Your Audience: Consider who you are trying to persuade. Tailor your language, evidence, and appeals to be most effective for that specific audience. What are their existing beliefs, values, and concerns?
- Use Transitions Effectively: Smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas are crucial for guiding the reader through your argument logically.
- Vary Sentence Structure: Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones to keep your writing engaging and rhythmic.
- Tell a Story (When Appropriate): A well-chosen, brief narrative or anecdote can humanize an issue and make it more relatable, enhancing pathos.
- For more general advice applicable to many essay types, check out these "Top 10 Tips for Writing a Great Essay".
When You Need Expert Help
Learning how to write persuasive essay assignments is a process that takes practice and refinement. While this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap, sometimes students face challenges that require more personalized assistance.
You might find yourself:
- Struggling to choose a compelling topic or formulate a strong thesis.
- Overwhelmed by the research process or finding credible sources.
- Having difficulty organizing your arguments coherently.
- Unsure how to effectively address counterarguments.
- Facing a tight deadline with too many other commitments.
- Needing a professional eye to review and polish your work for clarity, grammar, and persuasiveness.
In such situations, Write-My-Essay-Now.com is here to help. We offer professional academic writing services, including custom-written persuasive essays crafted by expert writers. Our team understands the nuances of persuasive writing and can help you develop a compelling, well-supported, and original essay tailored to your specific requirements.
If you need a helping hand, consider exploring our "Get Expert Help: Persuasive Essay Writing Service". We are dedicated to helping you achieve academic success with high-quality, plagiarism-free work delivered on time.
Conclusion: Your Path to Persuasive Prowess
Mastering how to write persuasive essay assignments is an invaluable skill that will serve you well throughout your academic journey and into your professional life. By understanding the core principles of persuasion, diligently following the pre-writing and writing steps, and meticulously polishing your work, you can craft essays that not only earn excellent grades but also effectively communicate your ideas and influence your readers.
Remember, persuasive writing is a blend of art and science – it requires logical structure and credible evidence, but also a touch of rhetorical finesse and an understanding of your audience. The steps outlined in this guide provide a solid foundation. Practice consistently, seek feedback, and don't be afraid to tackle challenging topics.
Should you ever need expert guidance or a custom-written essay to navigate complex assignments, Write-My-Essay-Now.com is always ready to provide professional assistance. We believe in empowering students with the tools and support they need to succeed. Now, go forth and persuade!