Essays Cover Image

Essays

by eNotes

Start Free Trial

Editor's Choice

How do I write a persuasive essay arguing that both parents should share equal child-raising responsibility?

Quick answer:

To write a persuasive essay arguing for equal child-raising responsibilities, consider your audience and establish your credibility. Research expert opinions and use specific examples to illustrate the benefits of shared parenting. Structure your essay with three to five strong points, supported by credible data, and address counterarguments. Conclude by summarizing your main points and reinforcing your position. This approach ensures a compelling argument that engages readers emotionally and logically.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

A good persuasive essay always takes into account your audience (the person or persons you are trying to persuade) and your own unique qualifications to make the argument (in other words, you should think about why your audience should believe what you say about this topic). In this case it makes sense to do some research on the topic—find a few experts who agree with your premise, and paraphrase their reasoning.

At the same time, it’s also a good idea to try to show your reader why the question is important, or what is at stake with the question. So, in addition to being able to argue from a place of authority (e.g., what the experts say), you should also be able to use some specific examples of kids who either have benefited from this approach or who have suffered because they didn’t have two engaged parents. This sort of...

Unlock
This Answer Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

argument is effective because it shows how the issue affects real people (it makes it concrete) and engages the emotions of the reader. These examples can be people you’ve read about, or friends, or even yourself. The more you are able to show that you have a direct connection to the topic, the greater your credibility will be, which will make your piece more persuasive.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Introduction

A persuasive essay is also known as an argument essay. In composing this type of essay, you have to come up with points that prove why one argument is better than the other. The main purpose of this essay is to convince the reader to support your viewpoint or implement an action that will lead to a favorable outcome.

How You Can Go About Writing About Your Topic

Here are a few pointers that you can use to support your claim that both parents should be equally involved in raising their children:

1. Look for data that proves raising children is more successful when both parents are involved. Ensure that you get them from credible sources, most preferably peer-reviewed journals.

2. Depending on the required number of words needed, discuss three to five points that support your claim. Present the arguments in ascending order—from the least favorable to the strongest points. That way you'll become more convincing as you go.

3. Before the conclusion, you could mention an argument that refutes your claim and explain why it's wrong.

4. Include a conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates your claim.

Conclusion

The above pointers will assist you in writing a persuasive essay that captivates your readers. Take your time to think about the main points and do your research thoroughly so that you don't miss anything.

Approved by eNotes Editorial