How to see it
Persuasive writing wants the reader to agree. Give a clear point of view. Back it with reasons, each with evidence: a fact, an example, or what would happen. Ask the reader a question. Answer the other side. To someone in charge, write formally, with no slang. Every opinion needs a reason.
A worked example
Dear Mrs Patel. Point of view: our lunch break should be longer. Reason: there is not enough time to eat. Evidence: the queue alone takes twenty minutes. A question: how can we concentrate all afternoon without a proper break? The other side: some people say we would lose lesson time. However, the extra minutes could come from assembly.
The common mistake: repeating an opinion with no reasons
The trap is repeating the opinion. Lunch should be longer. It really should. It is far too short. That is one opinion three times, and not one reason.
Try one
A letter to your head teacher, asking for a vegetable garden. Which sentence persuades best?
- AWe want a vegetable garden because gardens are really cool.
- BI think we should have a vegetable garden, and I really think it would be good.
- CEveryone wants a garden, so you have to say yes.
- DA vegetable garden would let us learn science outdoors, and the food we grow could be used in school lunches.
Show the answerHide the answer
Right: D, A vegetable garden would let us learn science outdoors, and the food we grow could be used in school lunches.
It gives two real reasons, in a polite, formal tone.