Purpose

To support ideas presented in sequence to justify a particular stand or viewpoint that a writer is
taking.

The writer's purpose is to take a position on some issue and justify it. Persuasive writing is intended
to present a point of view on an issue being debated, or to market a particular product, process or line
of thought. The author sets out to state their view in a way that will influence others. 

Knowing the intended audience is important in selecting both the language and the ideas that will
sway the reader.  For example, if seeking to persuade a local government member the language
would be quite formal, but if hoping to sell cakes at a school gala, the language needs to be much
more emotive and invitational.  In teaching persuasive writing it is important to include this defining of
the audience and appropriate choice of language.

Features
An argument usually consists of the following:

 a statement of position at the beginning

 a logical sequence

 the argument is put forward in a series of points with back up evidence

 a good argument shows cause and effect. This is the connection between an action and what leads to it, eg. The fish
died as a result of pollution in the water: Violence in movies contributes to violence in society

 a summing up or restating of position at the end

In addition to the writing, consideration should also be given to the inclusion of graphics and data that
will support the idea or product to be promoted. Sound and video can also be added to support the
written proposal, advertisement or argument.  In meeting the needs of the today's learners, it is
important to factor this into the persuasive writing process, so that student are aware of
the impact that adding these forms of media will have on selling their product or point of view.  

Debates
Debates, which are conducted orally, are a form of argument in which two opposing points of view are
stated and both sides are argued. Supporting evidence for each side is put forward and finally an
opinion is stated based on the two arguments.

Types of arguments

 To plead a case - letters to the school principal / local council with regard to current issues.

 To promote/sell goods and services - advertisement writing to promote the school concert/sports.

 To put forward an argument - School uniforms should not be compulsory.

Language Features
 The argument is written in the timeless present tense. This might change to the past if historical background to the issue
was being given. If predictions are being made the tense might change to the future.

 The writer uses repetition of words, phrases and concepts deliberately, for effect.
 Verbs are used when expressing opinions, eg. I think ___ are the best! We believe students should not be stopped from
eating junk food.

 Strong effective adjectives are used.

 Thought provoking questions are used. These may be asked as rhetorical questions. (Rhetorical questions: a question
asked only for effect, not for information, eg. Would you give your pre-schooler matches to play with?)

 Use of passive verbs to help structure the text.

 Written in the timeless present tense.

 Use of pronouns (I, we, us) is used to manipulate the reader to agree with the position argued. eg. We all know that
smoking causes cancer so we do not smoke.

 Use of emotive language ie. words that will appeal to the reader's feelings, eg. concern, unreasonable, should.

 Use of passive voice ie verbs in which the subject is acted upon and not doing the action. This helps structure the text,
eg. We would like to suggest that an enquiry be held into the running of the steel mills. Water is being polluted.

 Conjunctions that can exemplify and show results - they are usually used in concluding statements to finalise
arguments

Planning Guide

What is a persuasive text?

A persuasive text is any text where the main purpose is to present a point of view and seeks to persuade a reader. A
persuasive text can be an argument, exposition, discussion, review or even an advertisement.

How is a persuasive text structured?

A persuasive text is organised to include a ‘statement of position’, ‘arguments’ and a ‘reinforcement of position
statement’

The statement of position gives an overview of the argument and reveals the position to be argued.

Next is the arguments section which is a series of points with supporting evidence. Here is where you try to
convince the reader into believing your point of view on a particular issue. As a basis, you should have at least three
main argument points and can include more if necessary.

After you have put forth your arguments you then need to sum up. In this section you will strongly repeat what you
believe in with a summary of your argument points.
Grammar and language conventions used

 Words with high modality, that is, words that show a high degree of certainty. For example – must, ought
to, shall, has to. In comparison to words such as may, might, could and would that have low modality and
show less certainty.
 Emotive, descriptive words that appeal to the emotions. For example – wonderful, horrible, cruel, amazing,
frightening, perfect.
 A formal voice that is more authoritative and has more power of persuasion.
 Repetition of words or phrases and concepts to push your point of view.
 Connectives that help sequence your argument. For example – Firstly, Secondly..
 Present tense