a persuasive article starting with an event like "On October 18, 1990, a young man waked into St. Paul's Cathedral in London England....." Is this an effective method to interest the reader.

Also, is starting a persuasive article or essay with a historical event or a current event good at all and does it make people interested?

Possibly, but there's no way to really tell until you have written all the rest of your paper except for the conclusion.

Use these sites for help with all parts of persuasive and other types of essays:

http://www.powa.org/

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
... especially in the Essay & Research Paper level

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
Use the list at the left as the table of contents.

Starting a persuasive article or essay with an event, whether it is a historical event or a current event, can be an effective method to interest the reader. By using an event as a hook, you can immediately capture the reader's attention and create a sense of intrigue or curiosity.

In the example you provided, starting the article with "On October 18, 1990, a young man walked into St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England..." sets the stage for the persuasive argument that will follow. This introduction creates a sense of drama, making the reader want to know what happened next and why it is relevant to the topic or argument being presented.

Using historical or current events also adds credibility to your persuasive article. Referencing real-life events makes your argument more tangible and relatable to readers. It demonstrates that you have done your research and can provide relevant evidence to support your claims.

Additionally, starting with an event allows you to establish context and set the tone for your persuasive piece. By anchoring the reader in a particular time and place, you can create a stronger emotional connection and make them more invested in the topic or issue you are addressing.

However, it's important to remember that using an event as a starting point is just one technique among many. While it can be effective, it's also crucial to follow up with a strong thesis statement, compelling supporting arguments, and persuasive rhetoric throughout the rest of your article to maintain the reader's interest.