Structuring a Persuasive Article

Introduction: what should it include? Information – what are you talking about? Make your purpose very clear – state your argument in a concise and obvious way. Make your audience very clear. Maybe use a short piece of evidence (statistic, fact, etc.) that summarises your overall perspective. A hook – something to capture the readers attention. Make it personal – make the reader feel like it directly affects them or their child. Make it accusatory – make the reader feel like they should be doing something that they aren’t. (Rhetorical questions, hyperbole)

At your tables: Look at the evidence and the points that you have gathered. Can you fit them into four or five subheadings? (e.g. social impact, educational impact, etc.) Write these subheadings down in your books.

Under your subheadings: paragraphs. Try to open with a clear and to the point topic sentence. For each point or subheading – write a single sentence that sums up the thrust of your argument. How will your paragraphs be structured? Think of at least two ways to structure a paragraph. What will it include? (points, evidence, rhetorical devices, statistics, anecdotes, etc.) Make a plan for each paragraph.

Under your subheadings: 2 paths Open with a counter argument (some people argue that…) Disprove it with evidence. Make your point clear. Make your point clear – the reader should know what you are talking about before you start trying to convince them of it. Back it up with evidence. Personalise it / suggest what your reader could do. Make sure you have an overall perspective that runs through your piece and that all your points are working towards proving this!

Conclusion Reiterate your main argument. Summarise your main points briefly. Personalise it – make the reader feel like the article is addressed to them personally. (direct address) Call to action – Use imperatives.