Writing Persuasive Texts

About persuasion Persuasive writing is for arguing a case or point of view and is intended for anyone who may be interested in the subject but may hold a different point of view.

Let’s look at the five key areas of persuasive writing Audience Someone you are trying to influence Purpose To promote a particular view in order to influence what people do or think Examples Adverts, fliers, newspaper editorial Typical Structure Often a series of points supporting one viewpoint, logical order Typical language features Emotive language, personal language, weasel language (ambigious) There are two ‘tool kits’ we need to write explanations The ‘Organisation Toolkit’. The ‘Persuasive Writing Language Toolkit’.

Organisation Toolkit Remember to… Write an eye-catching title that says what you are writing about (e.g. Protect the Dolphin before it is too late) Write an introduction that states the point of view to be argued Write your points in paragraphs starting with topic sentences. These signal the argument to be made in that paragraph. Think about what your opponents might argue and include a counter argument; either in each paragraph or at the end Write an ending that re-states your point of view.

Language Toolkit Remember to… Write in the present tense Choose emotive language when stating your point of view (Thousands of dolphins are cruelly trapped each year) Use words that give reasons for your point of view (because, so, this means that) Use dare-to-disagree expressions to get the reader on your side. Try to appear friendly and reasonable (There is no doubt the time has come to INSIST that things change) Use type size and punctuation for effect Use connecting phrases to signal your points (in addition, action needs to be taken) Use alliteration, rhyme and weasel words (probably, perhaps) to help persuade Use rhetorical questions (How long can this go on?)

Let’s look at the persuasive writing skeleton again Emotive language Point that supports your argument Weasel Words Rhetorical questions

Today’s Activity Pairs – 1 Grade 5 and 1 Grade 6

Pairs – Grade 5 and Grade 6 How does the title link to the conclusion? How does the introduction examine both points of view? What does the author do in the introduction to try and engage with the reader? How does the author organise the arguments and supporting evidence for each point of view? It is important to use words that link arguments and reasons in a paragraph and between paragraphs so that texts are cohesive. Find some examples of words that do that in the text. Which arguments in the body of the text are referred to in the conclusion? What do you think is the author’s overall opinion on the text? What makes you think that? Discussions also use emotive words to persuade the reader to agree with their point of view. Some of the emotive words used in this text are: critical issue, others strongly argue, absolutely no control. Can you find more? Look at how the author has structured the sentences within the text. What do you notice about the sentences in each paragraph? Punctuation is very important in any sort of writing. What sorts of punctuation are used in this text? Write down an example of each type. Answer in sentences.

Write a persuasive text. What are we going to write about – let’s decide on 3 options together which relate to IDENTITY.