The most important thing about writing a persuasive essay is that you are not simply presenting information; you are trying to convince the reader to agree with your position. It is also not an argumentative essay. In a persuasive essay, it is not only permissible to use opinions and emotion, but in an argumentative essay the writer needs to rely solely on logic. The idea that secondary or high school students should be required to do community service as a condition for graduation is one that many people have discussed. People give many different reasons for this position, but they generally focus on the positive impacts that volunteers have on the community and the positive impact that volunteering has on those who volunteer.
To structure a persuasive essay on this topic, we would follow this basic outline:
I. Introduction
A. Volunteering has positive benefits for volunteers.
B. Volunteering can give students work experience.
C. Volunteering benefits the community.
D. Thesis: Every secondary school student should be required to do community service as a condition for graduation.
II. Volunteering has positive benefits for volunteers.
A. Reduce stress
B. Provide a sense of purpose
C. Combat depression
III. Volunteering can give students work experience.
A. Learn valuable skills
B. Make contacts with people in the business world
C. Teach students how to interact in a professional environment
IV. Volunteering benefits the community.
A. There is a lack of paid social services.
B. Volunteer organizations fill in the gaps.
C. Volunteer organizations need volunteers in order to continue to provide services.
V. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis
B. Benefits for volunteers
C. Work experience
D. Benefits to the community