Examples of Persuasive Writing Techniques: 3 Powerful Examples

Let’s skip the dry definitions and go straight to how persuasive writing actually sounds in the wild. Below are three real-world style examples of persuasive writing techniques: 3 examples that show how writers influence readers every day.

Example 1: A school uniform debate (student essay)

“Every morning, students across our district spend up to 20 minutes choosing an outfit. That’s 100 minutes a week—almost two full class periods—lost to something that has nothing to do with learning. School uniforms would give that time back. Instead of worrying about brands or fitting in, students could focus on what actually matters: their education.”

What’s happening here?

This short paragraph quietly stacks several persuasive writing techniques at once:

• Appeal to logic (logos): The writer uses a rough time calculation (20 minutes a day, 100 minutes a week) to make the problem feel measurable.
• Appeal to values: Phrases like “what actually matters: their education” tap into a shared belief that school should prioritize learning.
• Framing the issue: Clothing isn’t presented as self-expression; it’s framed as a distraction from learning.

Later in the same essay, the writer might add:

“According to a 2022 report from the National Center for Education Statistics, schools that adopted uniforms reported fewer discipline problems and fewer reports of bullying."
(See NCES data: https://nces.ed.gov)

Now we’ve added evidence from an authoritative source, which strengthens the argument and shows the reader this isn’t just opinion.

Example 2: A public health message (social media campaign)

Imagine a short post from a health department encouraging flu shots:

“Last year, the flu sent over 300,000 Americans to the hospital. You don’t have to be one of them. A flu shot takes about 10 minutes and can cut your risk of serious illness in half. Protect yourself—and the people you love—by getting vaccinated this week. Find a clinic near you at Vaccines.gov.”

This example of persuasive writing is packed with techniques:

• Use of statistics: “Over 300,000 Americans” and “cut your risk…in half” give the message weight. The CDC regularly publishes data like this in its flu reports (CDC).
• Direct address: The word “you” pulls the reader in and makes the message feel personal.
• Call to action: “Get vaccinated this week” and “Find a clinic near you” clearly tell the reader what to do next.
• Appeal to emotion (pathos): “Protect…the people you love” taps into care and responsibility.

This is one of the best examples of persuasive writing techniques used in real life: short, specific, and action-focused.

Example 3: A climate change petition (activist writing)

“Right now, our city is experiencing more days over 95°F than ever before. Elderly residents and young children are ending up in emergency rooms with heat-related illnesses that could be prevented. By planting 5,000 new trees in the next three years, we can lower neighborhood temperatures, reduce energy bills, and protect our most vulnerable neighbors. Join thousands of residents who have already signed the petition to fund this plan.”

Here, multiple persuasive writing techniques work together:

• Problem–solution structure: The writer names a problem (extreme heat, health impacts) and immediately offers a concrete solution (planting 5,000 trees).
• Appeal to community values: Phrases like “our city” and “our most vulnerable neighbors” build a sense of shared responsibility.
• Bandwagon appeal: “Join thousands of residents who have already signed” suggests that many people agree, making it easier for others to join.
• Specific, measurable goal: “5,000 new trees in the next three years” sounds planned and realistic.

These three best examples of persuasive writing techniques show a pattern: strong persuasive writing doesn’t rely on one trick. It stacks several techniques at once.

Breaking down the 3 main persuasive writing techniques

Now that you’ve seen those real examples, let’s name the three core persuasive writing techniques behind them. When people search for “examples of persuasive writing techniques: 3 examples,” they’re usually talking about these classic trio: ethos, pathos, and logos.

1. Ethos: Building trust and credibility

Ethos is all about why anyone should listen to you.

Writers use ethos when they:

• Show they’ve done their homework (citing studies, experts, or data)
• Mention relevant experience (“As a nurse with 10 years in emergency care…”)
• Use a fair, reasonable tone instead of attacking the other side

Real-world example of ethos:

“Harvard University researchers found that students who set specific, written goals were significantly more likely to report academic success than those who did not."
(See research summaries at Harvard Graduate School of Education)

If you’re writing a persuasive essay about study habits, referencing Harvard research instantly boosts your credibility.

Another example of persuasive writing technique using ethos:

“As a parent of two teenagers and a middle school counselor for 15 years, I’ve seen how late-night screen time affects sleep, mood, and grades. That’s why I support a district-wide policy limiting phone use during school hours.”

The writer isn’t just sharing an opinion; they’re showing why their perspective deserves attention.

2. Pathos: Appealing to emotions

Pathos is the emotional side of persuasion. It’s not about making people cry on command; it’s about helping them feel why the issue matters.

Writers use pathos when they:

• Tell a short, vivid story
• Use sensory details (“the silent hospital room,” “the buzzing fluorescent lights”)
• Highlight consequences for real people, not just numbers

Example of pathos in a scholarship essay:

“When my dad lost his job during the pandemic, our kitchen table turned into his job search office and my study desk at the same time. While he filled out applications, I finished homework beside him, both of us chasing a different kind of future. This scholarship would not only help pay for college—it would honor every late night we spent at that table believing things could get better.”

Here, the writer isn’t just saying “I need money.” They’re inviting the reader into a specific moment and feeling.

Another example of persuasive writing technique using pathos in a health context:

“Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack. That statistic has a face: your father, your sister, your best friend. Making small changes—like walking 30 minutes a day—can mean being there for the people who count on you."
(Heart health info: NIH)

The statistic matters more because it’s tied to people readers care about.

3. Logos: Appealing to logic and reason

Logos is the part of persuasive writing that speaks to the brain: facts, data, cause-and-effect, and clear reasoning.

Writers use logos when they:

• Include statistics or research
• Show cause and effect (“If we do X, Y will likely happen”)
• Compare options with pros and cons

Example of logos in a school policy argument:

“Schools that start later than 8:30 a.m. see higher attendance rates and better grades, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In one study, delaying school start times by just 50 minutes reduced teen car crashes by 16%. If our district wants safer roads and stronger academic performance, a later start time is a logical step."
(See related research summaries via AAP)

Here, the writer:

• Uses statistics
• Connects actions (later start times) to outcomes (safety, grades)
• Frames the change as the reasonable choice

Another example of persuasive writing technique using logos in a consumer context:

“Streaming Service A costs \(14.99 per month, or about \)180 per year. Streaming Service B offers the same number of shows for \(8.99 per month—about \)108 per year. By switching, you’d save more than $70 a year without losing access to your favorite content.”

No drama, just math—and it’s surprisingly persuasive.

How to combine techniques: the real magic of persuasive writing

The strongest writers rarely use just one technique. The best examples of persuasive writing techniques blend ethos, pathos, and logos so smoothly you barely notice them.

Let’s look at a blended example of persuasive writing about school lunch quality:

“Right now, nearly 1 in 5 children in the United States is affected by obesity, according to the CDC. Schools can either add to that problem—or help solve it. By offering more fresh fruits and vegetables, cutting back on sugary drinks, and teaching students how to build a balanced plate, we can set them up for healthier lives. As a PE teacher who has watched students struggle with weight-related health issues, I’ve seen how small changes in school meals can make a big difference in their energy, focus, and confidence."
(Childhood obesity data: CDC)

What’s happening here?

• Logos: CDC statistics, specific suggestions (more fruits/vegetables, fewer sugary drinks)
• Pathos: Concern for children’s health, words like “struggle” and “healthier lives”
• Ethos: The writer’s experience as a PE teacher

This is one of the clearest examples of persuasive writing techniques: 3 examples in one paragraph—ethos, pathos, and logos—working together.

Practical ways to use these examples in your own writing

Seeing examples is helpful, but how do you actually use these persuasive writing techniques on your next assignment, speech, or campaign?

Step 1: Start with your goal and audience

Before you write, ask:

• What do I want my reader to do or believe by the end?
• Who is my reader, and what do they already care about?

If you’re writing to parents about school safety, you’ll lean more on pathos (protecting kids) and logos (data about safety measures). If you’re writing to a school board, you may rely more on logos (costs, outcomes) and ethos (expert opinions, research).

Step 2: Plan at least one technique per paragraph

Use the earlier examples of persuasive writing techniques as a checklist. As you draft, ask yourself:

• Where am I showing I’m informed and fair? (ethos)
• Where am I helping readers feel the impact? (pathos)
• Where am I giving clear reasons, proof, or numbers? (logos)

You don’t need all three in every sentence, but most strong paragraphs will include at least one or two.

Step 3: Borrow sentence starters from the examples

Here are some reusable patterns inspired by the real examples of persuasive writing techniques: 3 examples turned into templates you can adapt:

• Ethos starters

  • “As a [role/experience], I have seen…”
  • “Researchers at [reputable institution] have found that…”
  • “According to data from [.gov or .edu source]…”

• Pathos starters

  • “Imagine…”
  • “For many families/students/workers, this means…”
  • “Behind every statistic is someone who…”

• Logos starters

  • “If we continue to [current situation], then…”
  • “By doing X, we can expect Y because…”
  • “The numbers show that…”

Use these as training wheels until the techniques feel natural.

Step 4: Check your balance

After you draft, read your piece and ask:

• Is there at least one fact or statistic? (logos)
• Is there at least one human story or emotional angle? (pathos)
• Is there at least one signal that I’m informed and reasonable? (ethos)

If one area feels thin, go back to the earlier examples of persuasive writing techniques and borrow a strategy. For instance, if you’re missing logos, add a statistic from a reliable site like a .gov or .edu source. If you’re missing pathos, add a short story about how the issue affects a real person.

FAQ: examples of persuasive writing techniques

Q1. What are some common examples of persuasive writing techniques used in school essays?
Common examples include using statistics from reliable sources, quoting experts, telling short personal stories, asking rhetorical questions ("Do we really want…?"), repeating key phrases for emphasis, and ending with a strong call to action. The classic trio—ethos, pathos, and logos—shows up in most high-scoring persuasive essays.

Q2. Can you give an example of a persuasive sentence using all three techniques at once?
Yes: “According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who read for pleasure at least 20 minutes a day score higher on reading tests; as a teacher who has watched struggling readers gain confidence through daily reading, I’m asking parents to set aside just 20 minutes each night to read with their children.” This sentence uses logos (data), ethos (teacher experience), and pathos (children gaining confidence).

Q3. How do I find reliable statistics for my persuasive writing?
Look for data on trusted sites such as .gov, .edu, or major nonprofit .org pages. For example, you might use the CDC for health topics, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for medical research, or major universities like Harvard for education research. These sources make your examples of persuasive writing techniques much stronger.

Q4. Are emotional appeals (pathos) always appropriate in persuasive writing?
Not always. In scientific reports or formal policy documents, too much emotion can feel unprofessional. But even in serious contexts, a small amount of pathos—a real story, a human impact—can help readers care about the data. The key is balance and honesty; don’t exaggerate or manipulate.

Q5. What’s one quick way to improve my next persuasive essay?
Take one paragraph and revise it using the pattern from the best examples of persuasive writing techniques: add one statistic (logos), one short story or image (pathos), and one sign of credibility (ethos, like a source or experience). Then compare the new version to your original. You’ll almost always feel the difference—and so will your reader.