Persuasive Writing
Section: Writing | Syllabus: Cambridge Primary English First Language (0058)
Persuasive Techniques and Purpose-Appropriate Language
- Persuasive writing tries to convince the reader to agree with a point of view - its language and features should suit that purpose
- Persuasive techniques:
- Rhetorical questions - questions that make the reader think, without expecting an answer
- Emotive language - words that appeal to feelings
- Statistics and facts - evidence to support your argument
- Expert opinions - quotes from people with relevant knowledge
- Rule of three - listing three points together for rhythm and impact
- Structure: a strong opening statement, arguments backed with evidence, addressing counter-arguments (and explaining why they're wrong), then a powerful conclusion
Choose persuasive techniques deliberately to suit your purpose, rather than using only one
Worked Example: Applying Persuasive TechniquesPlain version: "We should build more parks."
Question: Rewrite this using a rhetorical question, emotive language, and the rule of three.
Rhetorical question: "Don't our children deserve somewhere safe, green and free to play?" Emotive language: replace neutral words with ones that appeal to feeling, e.g. "desperately need" instead of "should have". Rule of three: list three benefits together, e.g. "cleaner air, healthier children, and a stronger community". Answer"Don't our children deserve somewhere safe, green and free to play? Our town desperately needs more parks - for cleaner air, healthier children, and a stronger community."
Writing a Balanced Argument
- A balanced argument presents both sides of an issue fairly, developing each point logically and convincingly, before reaching a reasoned conclusion
- Structure:
- Present the case FOR, with a clear reason or evidence for each point
- Use a connective such as however or on the other hand to move to the case AGAINST, again with reasons or evidence
- End with a conclusion that weighs both sides, rather than simply repeating one
- Unlike one-sided persuasive writing, a balanced argument does not try to hide or dismiss the opposing view - it treats it fairly
Question: Write a short balanced argument on: "Should mobile phones be allowed in primary school?"
Case FOR, with reason: "Some parents argue that phones allow children to contact home in an emergency, giving families peace of mind." Connective + case AGAINST, with reason: "However, teachers point out that phones can be a distraction in lessons and may lead to unkind messages between pupils." Reasoned conclusion: weigh both points rather than simply picking one, e.g. suggesting a compromise. Answer"Some parents argue that phones allow children to contact home in an emergency, giving families peace of mind. However, teachers point out that phones can be a distraction in lessons and may lead to unkind messages between pupils. On balance, allowing phones to be kept switched off in bags, only for use before and after school, may address both concerns."
Common Mistakes
MistakeWriting a one-sided argument when asked for a balanced one
Fixa balanced argument must present both sides fairly, with real reasons for each - not one side plus a token dismissive sentence
MistakeAsserting a point with no evidence or reasoning, e.g. "this is clearly true"
Fixalways back up a point with a reason, fact or example, whether writing persuasively or a balanced argument
Interactive revision notes, videos and practice questions load below.