If you are asked to write a persuasive brief, what should you emphasize?

• A. A collection of unrelated facts.
• B. The main argument you want the reader to accept.
• C. The opposing viewpoint without support.
• D. A detailed description of methodology.

Answer: (B)

At the heart of a persuasive brief is presenting a single, clear claim that you want the reader to accept, and then building the case around that claim. Everything in the brief should push toward that main argument—your strongest reasons, evidence, and logical reasoning—so the reader is guided step by step to the desired conclusion. You may acknowledge counterarguments to show you’ve considered them, but you address them in a way that reinforces your main point, not by spraying in unrelated material. A collection of unrelated facts would just distract from the thesis, and a detailed description of methodology isn’t what persuades a reader to accept your position. The focus should be on making the central argument compelling and well-supported.