What is the purpose of persuasive writing?

It is writing that attempts to convince a reader to do something or to believe what you believe about a certain topic or issue. It always takes a position FOR or AGAINST something. It may discuss both sides, or include a counterargument, but it DOES NOT give equal weight to both sides.

What is the structure of a persuasive essay?

1. A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement (CLAIM/POSITION STATEMENT) that appears in the introduction paragraph.

First, in the introduction paragraph, student writers should set up the context by reviewing the topic in a general way.
Next, student writers should explain the reason the topic important why readers should care about the topic.
Last, student writers should include a thesis statement that includes a narrow position in this format: Qualification + Stance + Main Reasons.

**This portion of the essay serves as the basis to an effective persuasive essay, so it MUST be mastered FIRST!

2. Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body and conclusion paragraphs.

Transitions are the "mortar" that hold the foundation of the essay together.
Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay's claim, and the structure will "collapse."
Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and then introduce the idea that follows in the next one.

3. Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion on ONE general idea. This allows for clarity, development and gives direction to the reader.

Each body paragraph's topic (sentence) should have some logical connection to the thesis statement.

It is very important to fully explain the HOW and WHY of how the evidence supports the thesis.

However, your essay should also include differing points of view (concession), and depending on the length of the essay, dedicate another paragraph to discuss conflicting opinions/counterarguments and how they are misinformed, out of date, or invalid, but in a respectful/academic way.

4. A conclusion that does not simply repeat the thesis but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided, adding now insight and reflection.

This is usually the point at which students begin to struggle: how do I end, reflect and not repeat?
However, this is where you are leaving the reader, so it's very impressionable. It needs to be highly effective and logical.
Do not introduce new information; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body and consider the topic on a larger scale (societal, universally, unilaterally). DO NOT REPEAT the INTRODUCTION.
An essay is like an hourglass: big idea, specific information/discussion, big idea again but with more reflection/insight (you just wrote an essay so you should have that).