Writing to Argue and Persuade

In this unit you will learn how to express your opinions in writing. You will learn…

To recognize different types of persuasive texts

Which techniques to use to argue your point and persuade your readers that you are right

How to structure a written argument

How not to present your argument

Learning objectives

We are surrounded by persuasive texts all the time. Persuasive texts - techniques

Are you aware of the techniques they use – the tricks of the trade?

You can use them in your own persuasive writing and arguments.

Personal PronounsWriters often use personal pronouns such as ‘we’ and ‘you’ in the text.

“Do you really want to be in the kitchen all evening? Well now you don’t have to. With new Quick Meals you can have home-cooked food on the table in minutes.”

“Violence is an issue that affects all of us. We want to feel safe on our streets at night, secure in our own homes…”

Why do you think writers do this? To build a relationship with the reader. To make the reader feel important or included. To make it harder for the reader to ignore the text.

Repeating the same idea, and even words and phrases, can be an effective technique when you are trying to persuade your reader. It helps to reinforce your point.

“Millions of people around the world struggle to survive without fresh water. Millions of people struggle to survive without basic healthcare. Millions of people struggle to survive without enough to eat. Millions of people around the world die from starvation and disease every year.”

Repetition

Using repetition

Certain words and phrases can be used to make your reader think it would be silly not to agree with you.

Persuasive Words and Phrases

Obviously Manchester United

will win the cup.

Without a doubt that was one of the best

books I’ve ever read.

Can you think of any other words and phrases that work like this?

No one could deny that a tarantula makes

the perfect pet.

Using persuasive words and phrases

First of all, though, you will need to gather and organize your information and points.

You will also need to decide what side of the argument you are on. A firm decision is needed. If you can’t make up your mind, your essay will be rather ‘wishy-washy’ and unconvincing.

When writing out an argument, you can use many of the persuasive techniques we’ve examined so far. After all, you want to persuade your reader that your point of view is right.

In order to convince your reader, you will need to show that you are aware of both sides of the argument. The easiest method to deal with this at the planning stage is to fill in two columns: for and against.

Writing an argument

For and against