Unlike debate, the Toulmin model, or the Rogerian model, a persuasive essay is not an argument between two or more options. The persuasive essay is a call to action, a challenge to take action. The presumption of the persuasive essay is that the reader currently is not taking this action. Like the Toulmin model, the persuasive essay provides evidence and backing for its claims, and like the Rogerian model, the persuasive essay recognizes the need for communication and sensitivity to the viewpoints of the readers.

Examples of topics that lend themselves to persuasion might include essays calling for readers to donate blood, become an organ donor, stop smoking, or support some charity. In these types of arguments, the emphasis is on the need for action and the value gained by acting. At the same time, the writer must be sensitive to the reasons why people do not respond and must answer those objections in a non-confrontational manner.

In persuasive essays, emotional arguments are more important, but, as in the other approaches to argument, emotional arguments do not replace logical arguments. At the same time, writers of persuasive essays recognize that readers often know what they should do, but do not act because they lack the motivation. What American above the age of ten is not aware of the hazards of even occasionally smoking? Yet Americans continue to smoke, despite the health hazards. Despite the logic, most people only stop smoking after a significant trauma or emotional motivation. Persuasive essays, then, are more passionate than argumentative, but, in order for that passion to be effective, it must be grounded in logic and evidence.

Call to action

Often serving as the introduction to the essay, the call to action may include a brief narrative or anecdote illustrating the need or may offer a few brief statistics that illustrate the need. Typically, enough information is given in the call to action to establish a sense of urgency.

Another method that can be employed effectively is to begin an anecdote in the call to action (introduction) which is then resolved in final section, the necessity to act (conclusion).

Need for action established

This section constitutes the bulk of the essay. The emphasis is on rational and empirical (scientific) evidence that establishes the need for action. At the same time, the writer must not bury the reader in facts and information. The sense of urgency established in the call to action must be maintained. Typically, this is accomplished by supporting the rational and empirical evidence with short narratives or anecdotes that emphasize the need for action. These anecdotes can introduce a particular piece of evidence or be blended into the evidence as supporting examples.

Consequences of failing to act

In this section, it is important that the writer not "overplay his hand"; that is, the writer must not press the issue beyond what is supported by the evidence. The danger to the writer is in falling into oversentimentality, which would alienate his or her audience. Consequences relate to cause and effect relationships, so the writer might project the probable consequences of failing to act. However, the writer must avoid the "slippery slope" fallacy. Consequences should be probable and credible. The writer can also provide examples based on analogy to similar situations. However, writers should avoid overextending the analogy, and must make sure that the analogy offered actually does parallel the situation being argued.

Necessity to act

Often this serves as the conclusion to the essay. The writer may emphasize the primary reasons that action is needed. This is often, also, the place for an extended narrative that illustrates the necessity for action. Ending with a narrative or anecdotal example can personalize and humanize the argument, and serve as a final plea to action.