What may hinder the persuasive ability of an essay?

Weak emotional appeals can significantly hinder the persuasive ability of an essay because emotions are a critical component of persuasion. Effective persuasive writing often relies on connecting with the audience on an emotional level, prompting them to feel something about the subject matter. When emotional appeals are weak, the writing may fail to engage the audience's feelings, potentially leading to indifference or opposition rather than persuasion. This can cause readers to overlook or dismiss the argument being presented, as they do not feel compelled to care about the topic or the writer's perspective. Therefore, the presence of strong emotional appeals is essential for enhancing an essay's persuasive impact.

In contrast, logical reasoning and evidence, clarity and structure, and active voice usage are foundational elements that strengthen an essay but do not primarily focus on emotional engagement. While these aspects are important for crafting a coherent and compelling argument, they do not address the emotional connection that can make persuasive writing resonate with an audience.