About Persuasive Essays
The goal of the persuasive essay, sometimes called an argumentative essay, is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or recommendation about some kind of information. The writer must build a case using facts and logic, as well as examples, expert opinion, and sound reasoning. The writer should present all sides of the argument, but must be able to communicate clearly why a certain position is correct.
Persuasive writing is also called argumentative writing. This is the type of writing asked for on the HSE writing test. For a lot more information on the essay portion of the HSE test, click here.
Writing Practice
The goal of this type of writing is to convince the reader to accept your point of view. Your case can be built on facts and logic, as well as examples, expert opinion, and sound reasoning. An important part of a persuasive essay is to talk not only about your opinion, but to show that you understand the opinions of others and to counter them, or present counter arguments.
Here is an interesting tool to help you prepare for writing a HiSET essay. You can draw this shape on your note paper, and take notes in each “section”. Then you’ll have an overview of the ideas, opinions, experiences and facts you can include in your essay.