English
What is persuasive writing?
Quick answer
Persuasive writing tries to convince the reader to agree with a view or take an action, using clear reasons, evidence and carefully chosen language.
In one sentence
Persuasive writing is writing that sets out to make the reader agree with you or do something.
Explained
Adverts, speeches, campaign leaflets, reviews and letters to a head teacher asking for a longer break all have one goal: to persuade. They state a clear point of view and then give the reader reasons to agree.
A strong persuasive piece usually has:
- A clear opening that says what you want: Our school should plant a vegetable garden.
- Reasons, each in its own paragraph, backed with evidence or examples. See paragraphs.
- A counter-argument, where you mention what the other side might say and answer it: Some people say it would cost too much. However, parents have offered to donate seeds and tools.
- A strong ending that sums up and calls the reader to act: Let's start digging this spring.
Writers also use persuasive techniques:
- direct address: speaking to the reader as you
- rhetorical questions: Who wouldn't want fresh tomatoes for lunch?
- emotive language: words that stir feelings, like heartbreaking or thrilling
- the rule of three: healthy, cheap and fun
- facts and expert views to support opinions
- sound effects such as alliteration: Grow, green and gorgeous!
- linking words for building an argument: firstly, furthermore, however, therefore
Good persuaders are also honest ones. Use real evidence, never invented numbers, and make it clear which statements are facts and which are opinions. Readers trust arguments that treat them fairly.
notebook
pencil
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Examples
- Imagine a playground where every child has something to do at break time. (opening)
- Firstly, a garden would teach us where food comes from. (reason)
- Isn't it time our school went green? (rhetorical question)
- It is simple, sensible and good for the planet. (rule of three)
- Please sign our petition today. (call to action)
Common mistakes
- No clear opinion. Say what you want in the first paragraph.
- Reasons with no support. Add an example or a piece of evidence to each.
- Ignoring the other side. A short counter-argument makes your case more convincing.
- Overdoing it. Ten exclamation marks and the best thing EVER sound desperate, not persuasive.
Quick quiz
Persuasive writing
Check what you know with 4 quick questions.
Question 1 of 4
What is the main purpose of persuasive writing?
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For grown-ups
Related topics
Fact and opinion
A fact is something that can be checked and proved true or false. An opinion is what someone thinks or feels, and other people may disagree.
Paragraphs
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. Start a new paragraph when the time, place, topic or speaker changes.
Conjunctions
A conjunction is a joining word that links words, phrases or clauses, such as and, but, or, so, because, when, if and although.
Alliteration
Alliteration is when several words close together start with the same sound, like six silly snakes or big brown bear. It makes writing catchy and memorable.
Adjectives
An adjective is a word that describes a noun, telling you what kind, which one or how many, like a huge elephant, a sour lemon or three red balloons.
Adverbs
An adverb gives more information about a verb, adjective or another adverb, telling how, when, where or how often, like slowly, tomorrow, outside or always.