Persuasive texts can be written, oral or written to be spoken, e.g. a script for a television advert or presentation. The persuasive intention may be covert and not necessarily recognised by the reader or listener. Texts vary considerably according to context and audience so that persuasion is not always a distinct text-type that stands alone. Elements of persuasive writing are found in many different texts including moving image texts and digital multimedia texts. Some examples may include evidence of bias and opinion being subtly presented as facts.
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Purpose:
To argue a case from a particular point of view and to encourage the reader/listener towards the same way of seeing things.
Link to:
Year 1 Non-fiction - Unit 2 - Instructions (persuasion)
Year 3 Non-fiction - Unit 3 - Information texts
Year 4 Non-fiction - Unit 4 - Persuasive texts
Year 5 Non-fiction - Unit 3 - Persuasive writing
Year 6 transition - Unit - Persuasion
Year 6 Non-fiction - Unit 3 - Argument
Year 6 revision - Unit 2
Progression paper on persuasion text
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| Generic structure | Language features | Knowledge for the writer |
- An opening statement (thesis) that sums up the viewpoint being presented. (Greentrees Hotel is the best in the world. School uniform is a good idea.)
- Strategically organised information presents and then elaborates on the desired viewpoint. (Vote for me because I am very experienced. I have been a school councillor three times and I have ...)
- A closing statement repeats and reinforces the original thesis. (All the evidence shows that ... It’s quite clear that ... Having seen all that we offer you, there can be no doubt that we are the best.)
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- Written in simple present tense.
- Often refers to generic rather than specific participants. (Vegetables are good for you. They ...)
- Uses logical rather than temporal connectives. (This proves that ... So it’s clear ... Therefore ...)
- Tends to move from general to specific when key points are being presented. (The hotel is comfortable. The beds are soft, the chairs are specially made to support your back and all rooms have thick carpet.)
- Use of rhetorical questions. (Do you want to get left behind in the race to be fashionable? Want to be the most relaxed person in town? So what do you have to do?)
- Text is often combined with other media to emotively enhance an aspect of the argument, e.g. a photo of a sunny, secluded beach, the sound of birds in a forest glade or a picture of a cute puppy.
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- Decide on the viewpoint you want to present and carefully select the information that supports it.
- Organise the main points to be made in the best order and decide which persuasive information you will add to support each.
- Plan some elaboration/explanation, evidence and example(s) for each key point but avoid ending up with text that sounds like a list.
- Think about counter arguments your reader might come up with and include evidence to make them seem incorrect or irrelevant.
- Try to appear reasonable and use facts rather than emotive comments.
- Choose strong, positive words and phrases and avoid sounding negative.
- Use short sentences for emphasis.
- Use techniques to get the reader on your side:
- address them directly (This is just what you’ve been waiting for.);
- adopt a friendly and informal tone;
- use memorable or alliterative slogans (Happy Holidays at Hazel House);
- use simple psychology to appeal to the reader’s judgement. (Everyone knows that ... Nine out of ten people agree that ... Choosing this will make you happy and contented. You’d be foolish not to sign up.)
- Re-read the text as if you have no opinion and decide if you would be persuaded.
- Remember that you can use persuasive writing within other text types.
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