summarize: see state ■
trace: similar to narrate; describe the chronology of an event to reveal its
meaning
PERSUASIVE In a persuasive, or argument, essay, you choose one idea and show why it is more legitimate
or worthy than another. Your purpose is not to merely show your side, but convince your
reader why it is best. In order to convince effectively, you must base your argument on rea-
soning and logic. The most important strategy for the persuasive essay is to choose the side
that has the best, or most, evidence. If you believe in that side, your argument will most
likely be even stronger (although you don’t have to believe in it to write a good essay).
An important component of a persuasive essay is the inclusion of other points of
view.They are presented in order to be refuted or weakened, thereby strengthening the case
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