A persuasive essay is a type of writing that aims to convince the reader to agree with the writer's perspective or take a particular action. In order to effectively persuade the reader, the writer must use logical arguments and evidence to support their claims. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a citation style commonly used in the liberal arts and humanities, and it provides guidelines for formatting papers and citing sources.
Here is an example of a persuasive essay written in MLA format:
Title: The Benefits of Plant-Based Diets for Personal Health and the Environment
Introduction:
As the world becomes more aware of the negative impacts of industrial animal agriculture on the environment and animal welfare, more people are turning to plant-based diets as a solution. In this essay, I will argue that plant-based diets are not only beneficial for personal health, but they are also a crucial step in reducing the negative impacts of human activity on the environment.
Body Paragraph 1: Personal Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diets
There is a growing body of research that suggests that plant-based diets are associated with a number of health benefits. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who followed a plant-based diet had lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer compared to those who followed a diet that included animal products (Tuso et al. 5). Plant-based diets are also typically high in fiber, which has been shown to help prevent constipation and other digestive issues (Smith 8). In addition, plant-based diets are often lower in saturated fat, which can contribute to weight loss and improved overall health (Dwyer et al. 12).
Body Paragraph 2: Environmental Benefits of Plant-Based Diets
In addition to the personal health benefits of plant-based diets, they also have significant environmental benefits. The production of animal products is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution (Weeks et al. 45). On the other hand, plant-based diets require fewer natural resources to produce, making them a more sustainable choice for the environment (Sparks et al. 67). For example, a study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that plant-based diets had a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to diets that included animal products (Goodland and Anhang 37).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, plant-based diets are a win-win for both personal health and the environment. While there is still much research to be done in this area, the available evidence suggests that plant-based diets are associated with a number of health benefits and have a smaller environmental impact compared to diets that include animal products. Therefore, it is worth considering making the switch to a plant-based diet for the benefit of both personal health and the planet.
Works Cited:
Dwyer, Johanna T., et al. "Health Aspects of Vegetarian Diets." Nutrition in Clinical Practice, vol. 25, no. 6, 2010, pp. 625-632.
Goodland, Robert, and Jeff Anhang. "Livestock and Climate Change: What If the Key Actors in Climate Change Were Pigs, Chickens, and Cows?" Worldwatch Institute, 2009, worldwatch.org/node/6294.
Smith, Andrew F. "The Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet." The Vegetarian Resource Group, 2009, www.vrg.org/nutrition/benefits.php.
Sparks, Peter, et al. "Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options." Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2006
