1. Persuasive argument writing
This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals
EAL Nexus resource
Persuasive argument writing
Key words, definitions and examples
Subject:
English
Age groups:
8 – 11, 12 – 14, 15 – 16,
Topic:
Non-fiction writing
Licence information | This resource is free to use for educational purposes ©British Council 2014
Source | This resource was originally developed by Charlotte Hurley and has been adapted by EAL Nexus.

2. Key term
Paragraph
Definition
A part of a piece of writing that usually deals with one subject, that begins on a new line, and that is made up of one or more sentences.
Example

3. Key term
Modal verbs
Definition
A type of verb that is mainly used to show how sure we are that something has happened, is happening or will happen.
Examples
can, could, may, might, must, ought, shall, should, will, would
Could you imagine a world without tigers?

4. Point of view/ viewpoint
Key term
Point of view/ viewpoint
Definition
An opinion on or attitude towards a particular matter
Examples
They argue that it is cruel
Many believe that it is educational
Others say that it is dangerous

5. Key term
Formal language
Definition
Language used when conversational language (such as slang) isn’t suitable. Correct grammar, punctuation and Standard English is used.
Examples
‘is placed’ rather than put
‘elevate’ rather than lift
‘manufacture’ rather than make

6. Phrases used to show when one action causes something else to happen
Key term
Cause and effect
Definition
Phrases used to show when one action causes something else to happen
Examples
This would result in
This causes
If…then

7. Key term
Conclusion
Definition
The final part of the persuasive argument which sums up the writer’s final opinion on the subject .
Examples
In conclusion…
Finally…
…considering all the arguments…

8. A verb tense used to show an action that is happening now
Key term
Present tense
Definition
A verb tense used to show an action that is happening now
Examples
Modern zoos are well-designed.
Children watch TV whenever they want.
People believe that…

9. A judgement or viewpoint on a particular matter
Key term
Opinion
Definition
A judgement or viewpoint on a particular matter
Examples
They argue that it is cruel…
Many believe that it is educational…
Some say that it is dangerous…

10. Something known to be true, that can be proved
Key term
Fact
Definition
Something known to be true, that can be proved
Examples
People are suffering because of this
The war ended in 1945

11. A fact or piece of data obtained from a large study
Key term
Statistics
Definition
A fact or piece of data obtained from a large study
Examples
98% of cats prefer this
When surveyed, most children in primary schools said they did not like green vegetables…

12. To urge someone to do something by giving them a good reason to do so
Key term
Persuade
Definition
To urge someone to do something by giving them a good reason to do so
Example
Make school holidays longer so we can spend more time having fun.

13. Language used to cause a particular emotion in the reader
Key term
Emotive language
Definition
Language used to cause a particular emotion in the reader
Example
Don’t make them suffer!
This could ruin lives!

14. Key term
Exaggeration
Definition
To make something sound ‘more’ than it is e.g. bigger, better, quicker…
Example
This is the worst case ever seen
They used the fastest train in the world…

15. A question which doesn’t require an answer, used to hook the reader.
Key term
Rhetorical question
Definition
A question which doesn’t require an answer, used to hook the reader.
Example
Could this be any more dangerous?
Do you dare to let them miss this opportunity?

16. Factual information which supports an argument
Key term
Evidence
Definition
Factual information which supports an argument
Example
They should wear school uniform because it has been shown that it can prevent bullying.

17. A word which modifies and gives more information about a noun
Key term
Adjective
Definition
A word which modifies and gives more information about a noun
Example
enjoyable lessons
spacious cages
ridiculous rules

18. Words and phrases used when we are not sure if something is true
Key term
Conditional language
Definition
Words and phrases used when we are not sure if something is true
Example
This might be…
It could be…
This is possibly…
It will probably…

19. A verb that gives a command or instruction
Key term
Imperative verb
Definition
A verb that gives a command or instruction
Example
do something about it…
act now
save their playground