Persuasive writing

Persuasive writing tries to make the reader agree with the writer or do something: adverts, letters, leaflets, speeches and reviews. It has a clear viewpoint, strong reasons and powerful language.

Key facts

  • Structure: an opening that says what you want; paragraphs with one reason each, backed by evidence; a counter-argument with its answer; a conclusion with a call to action.
  • Use powerful, positive or emotive words: ⟦delicious⟧, ⟦amazing⟧, ⟦precious⟧, ⟦shocking⟧ (not ⟦nice⟧ or ⟦okay⟧).
  • Speak to the reader: ⟦you⟧, ⟦your⟧ and commands (⟦Join us today!⟧), and ask questions that make them think (⟦Who wants a dirty town?⟧).
  • Back up your reasons with facts, numbers or expert opinion: ⟦Eight out of ten pupils walk to school.⟧
  • Link your ideas: ⟦Firstly⟧, ⟦Furthermore⟧, ⟦In addition⟧, ⟦However⟧, ⟦For all these reasons⟧. A letter to someone you don't know stays polite and formal.

Worked examples

Example 1

Which is more persuasive? ⟦We sell pizzas.⟧ or ⟦Our delicious, freshly baked pizzas are the best in town!⟧

  1. ⟦delicious⟧, ⟦freshly baked⟧ and ⟦the best⟧ make the pizzas sound wonderful.
  2. The first sentence only states a fact.

Answer: ⟦Our delicious, freshly baked pizzas are the best in town!⟧

Example 2

Which part of the letter is it? ⟦Some people say a skate park would be noisy; however, it could be built away from houses.⟧

  1. ⟦Some people say⟧ gives the other point of view.
  2. ⟦however⟧ answers it: this is the counter-argument.

Answer: the counter-argument

Example 3

Write a call to action for a letter asking for more bins.

  1. A call to action uses a command.
  2. ⟦Please act now and put more bins outside our school.⟧

Answer: ⟦Please act now and put more bins outside our school.⟧