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Year 3 English Writing

Introduction to Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing tries to convince the reader to agree with your point of view, using reasons and evidence.

What You Need to Know

Persuasive writing is writing designed to convince the reader to agree with your opinion or take an action. It has a clear position (your opinion), supported by reasons and evidence. Good persuasive writing uses strong language, examples, and sometimes addresses what people who disagree might think. Common forms include letters, speeches, advertisements and opinion pieces.

Key Concepts

Position

Your clear opinion or view

Reasons

Why you believe your position

Evidence

Facts that support your reasons

Persuasive Language

Strong words to convince reader

Structure of a persuasive text:

Introduction:State your position clearly — what you believe.
Argument 1:First reason + evidence or example.
Argument 2:Second reason + evidence or example.
Argument 3:Third reason + evidence or example.
Conclusion:Restate your position and call the reader to action.

Key Vocabulary

Persuade

To convince someone to believe or do something by giving reasons.

Opinion

A personal view or belief — not necessarily a proven fact. Persuasive writing expresses an opinion.

Argument

A reason plus evidence used to support your position in persuasive writing.

Evidence

Facts, statistics or examples that back up your argument and make it more convincing.

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

The main purpose of persuasive writing is to:

Question 2

Which of these is an opinion (not a fact)?

Question 3

Which of these is an example of persuasive language?

Question 4

In a persuasive text, the introduction should:

Key Concepts Summary