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Writing to Persuade. Icons key:. For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation. Flash activity. These activities are not editable. Teacher’s notes included in the Notes Page. Extension activities. Web addresses. Accompanying worksheet. 1 of 19.
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Writing to Persuade Icons key: For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation Flash activity. These activities are not editable. Teacher’s notes included in the Notes Page Extension activities Web addresses Accompanying worksheet 1 of 19 © Boardworks Ltd 2006
Learning objectives 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 persuasive text 2 of 19 © Boardworks Ltd 2006
Persuasive texts - techniques We are surrounded by persuasive texts all the time. Are you aware of the techniques they use – the tricks of the trade? You can use them in your own persuasive writing and arguments.
Technique 1: personal pronouns Writers 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.
Using personal pronouns Rewrite the following sentences using pronouns to make them more personal. • Every customer is appreciated. • Smoking can be harmful. • The dungeons will be interesting. • Everyone is concerned about the environment.
Technique 2: the rhetorical question Do you know what a rhetorical question is? A rhetorical question is one which doesn’t require an answer. Rhetorical questions are intended to grab the readers’ attention and make them think about something. “Would you be able to survive without clean water? Millions of people around the world are struggling to survive without this basic necessity…”
Technique 3: repetition 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.”
Using emotive language Now create your own emotive sentences. Imagine you have been asked to write a leaflet for a charity supporting the developing world. Write three sentences: • one which makes the reader feel worried • another which makes the reader feel guilty • a final one which makes the reader feel encouraged. EXTENSION: Find other examples of emotive language, perhaps in newspapers or on the Internet. Explain how they are emotive.
Technique 5: commands Command sentences (or imperatives) can be a very powerful tool for persuading readers. Command sentences are those which tell the reader to do something. They begin with the verb. Which of the following sentences use commands? • 1. Give a little of your time to help others. • 2. All schoolchildren should have access to a laptop. • 3. Make 2006 the year you get fit! • Why don’t you try Hydrasyl, the shampoo for healthy hair? • 5. Try Hydrasyl – the shampoo for healthy hair!
Using commands Now change these sentences into commands. 1. You could change your life if you buy a new car. 2. A Medways Holiday will help you relax. 3. If you use Hydrasyl Shampoo, your hair will shine. 4. You can change the world by making a donation. 5. You mustn’t drink and drive. Notice how much more powerful your command sentences are.
Technique 6: persuasive words and phrases Certain words and phrases can be used to make your reader think it would be silly not to agree with you. Obviously Manchester United will win the cup. Without a doubt that was one of the best books I’ve ever read. No one could denythat a tarantula makes the perfect pet. Can you think of any other words and phrases that work like this?
But beware… These persuasive words and phrases can be very useful when you’re arguing a point in an essay. But in some contexts they can also sound smug, sarcastic or overly confrontational – so use with caution! Evidently stripy tights are in this winter… Well, obviouslyyou can’t expect good taste from someone who listens to boy bands!
Technique 7: presentational devices The way you present your writing can be persuasive too. Here are some of the things you may consider, depending on the type of writing, of course. Photos Headings Bold or italic type… • Bullet points • Bullet points • Bullet points • Bullet points • Bullet points • Bullet points Diagrams
Using presentational devices Imagine you have been asked to design a new cover for a book you have recently read. The cover should: • attract readers • give a flavour of the content. Prepare a plan of what should be on the cover. You should think about: • pictures • colours • shapes • fonts • text You should be able to explain and justify your plan.
