Persuasive Essay. A persuasive essay is a short nonfiction work written to influence the opinion or actions of the reader. To write an effective persuasive essay, the writer carefully considers his or her audience, clearly states his or her position on the subject of the essay, and offers a logical argument with strong reasons and examples that support those reasons.
To develop an argument that is truly persuasive, a writer anticipates any opposition the reader might have and offers information to counter that opposition. He or she writes not to persuade those people that already agree with him or her, but to change the minds of readers who don’t. As you read, think about the possible audiences Mathabane is writing for. Do you think you are part of the audience he addresses?
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• Social Studies Connection. Apartheid is a policy of racial segregation and political and economic discrimination. Under apartheid, a person’s race determines what rights he or she has. In South Africa, beginning in 1948, non-whites were forced to endure the conditions of apartheid. During that time, the government forced millions of blacks to live in independent homelands or in separated urban townships. Officials required blacks to carry identification papers and revoked their South African citizenship. Apartheid in South Africa finally ended in 1991.
• “Appearances Are Destructive” by Mark Mathabane is an example of persuasive writing, writing that seeks to influence the reader’s opinion. In this essay, Mathabane—who grew up under apartheid in South Africa—shares with the reader a glimpse of his sisters’ public school experience in America after moving from South Africa. Mathabane uses his sisters’ experiences to introduce his position on school dress codes.
When have you attempted to persuade someone to do something? What methods of persuasion did you use? Were you successful? Why, or why not?
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