[header] How to write a persuasive essay [title] Choose a strong, defendable stance for your thesis statement. [step] The thesis statement is your argument boiled down to one sentence. For a persuasive essay, this statement needs to take a strong, active stance on the issue. 
Don't try and play both sides and be wishy-washy--it won't persuade anyone. [substeps] Good: " affirmative action relegates minorities to " helpless " status, keeps the best minds from the best positions, and should be eliminated.