However, some students may choose to explore both sides of an issue and then offer a compromise, a third position, or some other satisfactorily persuasive closure. Effective writers use evidence such as examples or anecdotes to support their arguments.
Persuasive writers establish themselves as informed, knowledgeable individuals.
They orient readers by describing the subject, giving background information to focus the writing. More than any other kind of writing, argument requires writers to consider their audience. Writers continue to be aware of readers throughout the piece, perhaps referring to them directly, acknowledging their objections and reservations, or trying to enlist their support. The best persuasive writers systematically develop arguments with a strong sense of coherence and movement throughout the piece. Teachers can build on elementary students many strong opinions and natural propensity for arguing their points of view by encouraging them to present arguments orally in class, as well as write letters, editorials, and articles on any controversial issue currently being discussed in class.