Introduction
Persuasive essays are a common assignment in language arts classes at the middle school and high school levels. In a persuasive essay, the writer aims to convince the reader to agree with their perspective or argument on a topic through well-researched facts, logical reasoning, and a convincing tone. While persuasive essays can cover many topics, some common ones assigned include discussing social issues, health and safety, the environment, or literary analysis. In this essay, we will explore actual exemplary persuasive essays written by students to gain insights into their perspectives, arguments, and techniques. Analyzing real student examples can help emerging writers understand what makes an effective persuasive piece.
“Why We Should Limit Social Media use in Teenagers”
In this persuasive essay written by an 8th grade student, the writer argues that social media usage in teenagers should be limited to one hour a day to promote better mental health and learning. The introduction clearly states the contention that excessive social media negatively impacts sleep, self-esteem, and academic performance in middle schoolers. It references statistics from psychology studies on teen social media behaviors and mental health outcomes to establish credibility.
The body paragraphs then explore each negative impact in more depth. For example, one paragraph discusses how 80% of teens check their phones within an hour of going to bed according to the National Sleep Foundation, disrupting sleep cycles critical to memory formation, focus, and well-being. It cites research linking social media-impaired sleep to increased risks of obesity, depression, and anxiety in adolescents. Another body paragraph analyzes how constant social media exposurewarps self-esteem as teens compare curated highlights of peers’ lives to their own realities. It shares statistics on the percentage of teens who feel anxiety or depression from social comparisons online.
The conclusion paragraph reiterates the main contention that middle school-aged children should limit daily social media usage to one hour or less. It reinforces this assertion by emphasizing all the scientific evidence presented demonstrating risks to health, development and education posed by excessive screen time. The conclusion leaves the reader with a final persuasive thought about prioritizing wellness over online activities during formative middle school years. Overall, this student essay effectively makes an argument, supports it comprehensively with research, and maintains a formal, objective tone throughout – key components of strong persuasive writing.
“Why Schools Should Ban Junk Food in Cafeterias”
In another example written by a high school junior, the student argues schools should eliminate junk food from cafeteria menus. The introduction establishes that while junk foods may taste good, they are nutritionally empty calories that negatively impact student health, learning and weight. It acknowledges some counterarguments like freedom of choice but signals these will be addressed.
Similarly to the previous essay, this piece references credible research and statistics to substantiate each point. One body paragraph shares data that frequent junk food diets are linked to higher obesity rates, poorer memory function, and increased risks for diabetes – citing Centers for Disease Control reports. Another body paragraph analyzes budgetary impacts, noting junk foods are cheaper for cafeterias to supply but their associated healthcare costs of obesity drain public resources per USDA studies.
The conclusion ties the evidence together by emphasizing the education system’s duty to promote long-term wellness over short-term taste preferences especially as childhood obesity rises. It also rebuts freedom of choice counterarguments by asserting young students may lack discernment around junk food marketing and need guidance toward prudent decisions. Overall the structure, research citations, and tone lend this student paper effective persuasive power.
“Why Shakespeare Should Remain Part of the High School Curriculum”
In the final example, a high-achieving 11th grader argues keeping Shakespeare in the curriculum improves literacy despite some students’ preference for more modern works. The opening identifies detractors may see Shakespeare as outdated or irrelevant but promises demonstrating classical literature’s continuing educational merits.
One body paragraph explores how close reading of Shakespeare’s elaborate language, metaphors, and themes enhances comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking compared to simpler contemporary books. Another analyzes how Shakespeare transfers universal insights on human nature across centuries while reflecting the eras in which his plays were set through cultural details. Both include concrete examples from Romeo and Juliet to illustrate points.
Rather than accusations, the conclusion takes a diplomatic tone acknowledging change is inevitable but classical works reward those willing to immerse themselves for cognitive growth. It acknowledges counterarguments while politely asserting Shakespeare merits ongoing study. Overall, this persuasive essay exemplifies an measured, intellectual approach suitable for academic debate on literary topics.
Conclusion
These three student essays provide useful models of effective persuasive writing techniques for developing writers to analyze, such as crafting clear contentions; substantiating arguments comprehensively with credible evidence and statistics; anticipating and addressing counterclaims; and maintaining formal, respectful tones suited to academic settings. While topics and sophistication will vary developmentally, exemplary student work demonstrates persuasive writing fundamentals of structure, research and balanced consideration of multiple viewpoints. Analyzing real student persuasive essay examples can help younger writers better understand crafting logical, well-supported written arguments.
Andrew Stroud