Writing a persuasive piece
Persuasive writing is used to persuade others to accept a particular point of view; adopt a certain behaviour or action; or change attitudes and existing practices in favour of those put forward by the author.
Introduction
This should include your opening statement on the issue or concern that is to be argued (sometimes called the thesis). This can be used to attract the audience’s attention.
Arguments
- This section will form the main body of your piece.
- These are points put forward to support the opinion or proposal of the author.
- Each argument should be supported by evidence or examples that help to elaborate or argue a point of view. The arguments are sequentially ordered from the most persuasive to the least persuasive.
- The number of arguments presented can vary, based on the set task or author.
Conclusion
- This is a concluding statement that sums up the argument and relates to the point of view.
- It should also suggest a solution or possible action.
- You may also include carefully selected facts to support the point of view.
Language Features
- Emotive words and phrases should be used.
- Usually in present tense.
- Use connectives to indicate sequence of points e.g. firstly, secondly, thirdly.
- Conjunctions used to link reasons and actions, opinions or to link cause/action and effect.
- A variety of verbs used e.g. action verbs (run, ruin and drive).
- A variety of mental verbs used e.g. hope, believe.
- Occasional use of passive voice should be used e.g. instead of saying “the people are concerned about the intersection”, the author may restate this as “Concern has been raised about the intersection”.
The persuasive piece on factory farming below is a good example of how you can use these tips effectively.
Introduction
This should include your opening statement on the issue or concern that is to be argued (sometimes called the thesis). This can be used to attract the audience’s attention.
Arguments
- This section will form the main body of your piece.
- These are points put forward to support the opinion or proposal of the author.
- Each argument should be supported by evidence or examples that help to elaborate or argue a point of view. The arguments are sequentially ordered from the most persuasive to the least persuasive.
- The number of arguments presented can vary, based on the set task or author.
Conclusion
- This is a concluding statement that sums up the argument and relates to the point of view.
- It should also suggest a solution or possible action.
- You may also include carefully selected facts to support the point of view.
Language Features
- Emotive words and phrases should be used.
- Usually in present tense.
- Use connectives to indicate sequence of points e.g. firstly, secondly, thirdly.
- Conjunctions used to link reasons and actions, opinions or to link cause/action and effect.
- A variety of verbs used e.g. action verbs (run, ruin and drive).
- A variety of mental verbs used e.g. hope, believe.
- Occasional use of passive voice should be used e.g. instead of saying “the people are concerned about the intersection”, the author may restate this as “Concern has been raised about the intersection”.
The persuasive piece on factory farming below is a good example of how you can use these tips effectively.
To help you structure your thoughts/arguments into a cohesive piece of writing it helps to use a map or template. Below is an example of a template that would have helped in writing the example piece above.
It is recommended that you download and print the blank template document below. As you conduct your research you can fill in the gaps as you go. Once you have have your template more or less completed it is a relatively simple process to then complete your essay.
persuasion_map.pdf | |
File Size: | 91 kb |
File Type: |
When you complete a persuasive piece as a summative task you will most likely be assessed against Criteria D: Reflecting on the impacts of science. You can download an editable/printable version of this below. Be sure to attach this to your finished piece.
criterion_d_year_8_rubric.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
criterion_d_year_10_rubric.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |